“One general concern with the M3 being rear wheel drive is it will not be so hot in snow conditions. Not my experience with good snow tires - just make sure to kill the DTC if going up a difficult hill.”
BMW M3: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The BMW M3 is a compact luxury performance car best known as a four-door sedan that pairs sports-car responses with everyday seating and trunk space. Earlier generations also wore coupe and convertible body styles.
Across generations, the M3 has combined track-ready engine, brake, and suspension hardware with genuine everyday usefulness. Earlier cars expanded the badge across sedan, coupe, and convertible bodies, including a high-revving V8 era. Since 2015, the M3 name has centered on a turbocharged six-cylinder sedan, while the related coupe and convertible became the M4.
Strengths
- Its engine, brakes, and suspension are built for serious performance driving rather than merely giving the car a sporty appearance.
- The current sedan keeps real daily-use value with four doors, five seats, and a useful trunk.
- The current generation spans distinct driving styles, from a rear-wheel-drive manual to a quicker all-wheel-drive Competition model.
- Turbocharged six-cylinder power gives the modern M3 strong performance across the regular lineup.
- Limited CS editions add lighter parts and more track-focused tuning for drivers who want a more specialized M3.
Who it's for
The M3 best fits drivers who want serious performance for enthusiastic road or track use but still need a compact luxury sedan for passengers and everyday errands. It works as a do-it-all performance car rather than a dedicated weekend toy.
BMW M3 lineup
In the current G80 generation, pick the base M3 for the traditional combination of a manual transmission and rear-wheel drive. Step up to the M3 Competition when you prefer more power and an automatic while keeping rear-wheel drive. The Competition xDrive adds all-wheel drive and quicker acceleration for drivers who prioritize extra traction and speed over manual involvement. Recurring CS specials lean further toward track driving with reduced weight and sharper chassis tuning, and some years add more power.
BMW M3 generations
From 2009 to 2027, the M3 spans three generations. The current 6th Generation — G80 arrived for 2021, following the 5th Generation — F80 (2015–2018).
6th Generation — G80 (2021–2027)
The G80 M3 introduced a twin-turbo six-cylinder engine, bold new styling, and a more digital cabin. It remained a sedan, with manual, automatic, rear-wheel-drive, and all-wheel-drive versions across the generation.
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2027
The limited-production M3 CS Handschalter joins with a 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive, and reduced weight. Regular M3 models carry over.
2026
The refreshed M3 lineup carries over without significant equipment changes.
2025Mid-cycle update
Updated headlights, a revised steering wheel and cabin trim, and newer curved-display software arrive. Competition xDrive output rises to 523 horsepower.
2024Trim changes
The limited-production M3 CS joins with 543 horsepower, all-wheel drive, less weight, and sharper track-focused tuning.
2023
A curved digital gauge display and touchscreen become standard across the lineup. The limited Edition 50 Jahre BMW M also joins for North America.
2022Trim changes
Competition xDrive joins, bringing all-wheel drive to the M3 for the first time.
2021New generation
The all-new G80 launches with a twin-turbo six-cylinder engine, a 6-speed manual base model, a more powerful Competition model, and a more digital cabin.
5th Generation — F80 (2015–2018)
The F80 changed the M3 from a V8-powered family of body styles into a sedan with a twin-turbo six-cylinder engine. The coupe and convertible moved to the separate M4 name.
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2018Trim changes
The limited-run M3 CS joins with more power, less weight, and sharper track-focused tuning. Regular models gain LED headlights and a newer touchscreen interface.
2017
Adaptive suspension becomes standard, and the navigation system gets a newer interface.
2016
A light update adds LED taillights, small cabin revisions, faster navigation hardware, standard keyless entry, and standard Harman Kardon audio.
2015New generation
The all-new F80 sedan launches with a 425-horsepower twin-turbo six-cylinder engine and greater use of lightweight materials. The coupe becomes the M4.
4th Generation — E90/E92/E93 (2008–2013)
This generation used a high-revving V8 and covered sedan, coupe, and retractable-hardtop convertible body styles. The sedan ended after 2011, while the coupe and convertible continued through 2013.
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2013Trim changes
The Lime Rock Park Edition and Frozen Limited Edition coupes join while the regular V8 models carry over.
2012
Bluetooth calling, USB/iPod audio connectivity, and an anti-theft alarm become standard.
2011
The lineup carries over without a significant redesign or broad equipment update. This is the sedan's final model year.
2010
HD radio is the main standard-equipment addition; the V8-powered lineup otherwise carries over.
2009
The sedan gets revised rear styling, and the optional navigation and control system is updated. The core lineup is unchanged.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the BMW M3.
Frequently asked questions
Is the BMW M3 a sedan, coupe, or convertible?
It depends on the generation. The 2009–2011 range included sedan, coupe, and convertible versions, while coupe and convertible models continued through 2013. Since the 2015 redesign, the M3 has been a four-door sedan and BMW has used the M4 name for the two-door models.
Is the BMW M3 a hybrid?
No. The M3s covered here are gasoline-powered performance cars. Older fourth-generation models use a 4.0-liter V8, while the 2015-and-newer generations use a twin-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine.
Is the BMW M3 practical enough to use every day?
Yes, if you are comfortable with its performance-focused character. Newer M3 sedans have four doors, five seats, and 16.9 cubic feet of trunk space, so they retain useful passenger and cargo room despite their track-capable brakes, suspension, and engine.
What is the BMW M3 known for?
The M3 is known for combining sports-car responses with the usefulness of a compact luxury sedan. Its stronger engine, brakes, suspension, and rear differential are built for serious driving, but the car still provides everyday seating and trunk space.
Does the BMW M3 come with a manual transmission?
Yes. Manual transmissions appear across several M3 generations, and the standard 2021-and-newer G80 M3 pairs a six-speed manual with rear-wheel drive. The regular G80 Competition models use an eight-speed automatic instead.
Does the BMW M3 have all-wheel drive?
Yes, on newer Competition xDrive models. All-wheel drive first joined the M3 range for 2022 and is tuned to favor the rear wheels. Earlier M3s in the years covered here are rear-wheel drive.
How do the main BMW M3 generations differ?
The 2009–2013 fourth generation offered a high-revving V8 and multiple body styles. The 2015–2018 F80 became a sedan with a twin-turbo six-cylinder engine. The 2021-and-newer G80 added more power, a more digital cabin, and a wider split among manual, automatic, rear-drive, and all-wheel-drive versions.
BMW M3 Reviews
What owners are saying about the BMW M3.
4.6
BMW M3
(978 reviews)
“The F80 M3 is a great fun vehicle to drive the family with and isn't thirsty at the gas station.”
“Sports sedan with stick shift, if that's what you want there's only one! Fun enough for the weekend cruise and practical enough for small family transportation.”
“if you are looking for an aggressive vehicle, that looks great with the best craftsmanship and, support after the purchase... this is it!”
“This is one of the most balanced vehicles I have ever driven when it comes to performance, handling, safety, power and reliability. You can't go wrong and you will smile every time you step on the gas.”
“It's a great vehicle. The styling is great and the features are worth every penny.”