The BMW M3 is one of the most iconic sports coupés in history, dating back to the 80s, this road going track car provides incredible performance all whilst coming in an unassuming an easy to drive package. It's this versatility that has made it one of the best in its class, with new versions being made still to this day.
One of the best versions of the M3 came in the mid 2000s with the E92. This was a change from the M3's of the past with a softer look and technical improvements, but it still has the same heart as the cars that came before. Here are some of our favorite features of the BMW M3 E92.
10 Updated Look
Fans of the older BMW M3 cars will know that the M3's from the 80s all the way up to the mid 2000s were incredibly boxy and had much sharper edges than today's BMW's.
The E92 M3 was one of the first M3 cars to come with the new shape and look that we associate with even the most current BMW's. It was much more rounded with smoother, sleeker edges compared to the past cars and made it look much more modern overall. This softer appearance even stretched to the taillights and front grille.
9 Coupe Or Sedan
A great feature of a variety of BMW cars, especially the M3, is the ability to get it in a number of different configurations and shapes to suit the needs of almost any driver. This versatility was present on the E92 M3 in particular.
It's a little know fact that there was in fact a sedan version of the M3, although very rare, it gave those who wanted some sports performance and reliability from the famous German manufacturer, but also wanted the practicality and space that comes with owning a well-made sedan. As an added note, there was even a convertible version of the E92 for even more choice for potential customers.
8 Well Priced
Despite the E92's impressive versatility in the form of its high quality, well-made interior, incredible performance, great looks and practicality, the car wasn't actually all that expensive when it was released, and better yet, the value of the car has dropped significantly in recent years, meaning that anyone interested in an E92 on the used car market should be pleased to know it shouldn't cost all that much.
At release, the E92 M3 cost roughly $70,000, which isn't a small amount of money, but at the time, this car was referred to as the best all round car in the world. So, perhaps in hindsight, it was a worthwhile purchase? Now, the price of the E92 is just below $17,000 on the used car market, which is an absolute steal for a modern classic.
7 F1 Inspired Engine
BMW's motorsports division is one of the greatest in the world, with ties to GT racing and even Formula One. This transcends even to its road cars, as evident with the M3's engine.
For the E92, BMW took some genuine inspiration from the BMW Sauber Formula 1 car's eight-cylinder engine. Its low weight of 445 lbs was evidence enough of this. The E92's V8 produced 420 hp, which even by today's standards is huge for an often daily driven sedan or coupé.
6 The Transmission
At the time, the M3's transmission was nothing short innovative as the M dual-clutch transmission with Drivelogic, which was launched in 2008, provided a perfect combination of contemporary software and mechanic.
This new M DKG transmission had seven gears with eleven electronically controlled drive programs. Of these, six of were intended for manual mode, accessed by the shift paddles. For driving purists, a more traditional manual six-speed transmission was still available.
5 M Drive
The M Drive system incorporated by BMW was again a technological innovation at the time. The car provided a number of advanced features and systems to help make it perform like no other coupé or sedan when on track.
The E92 featured an intelligent energy management system with brake energy regeneration. BMW's M Drive system also allowed for a number of driving dynamic parameters to be configured in accordance with the driver's personal preferences almost instantly via use of the M Drive button. The M3’s adaptive chassis and its three different characteristics could also be adjusted here.
4 Special Edition Models
Since the BMW M3 E92 was produced between the years 2007 and 2013, there was call for improved versions of the car. This also meant BMW saw fit to produce some special edition versions of the M3 for true BMW enthusiasts who preferred some improved track performance.
The M3 GTS is one such version, as shown here in a striking orange color. It was announced in 2009 with production commencing in 2010, it was, for all intents and purposes, a race spec, road legal version of the E92 coupé. It featured an upgraded engine, upgraded brakes, improved suspension, reduced weight, and even adjustable aerodynamics.
3 Well Designed Interior
Despite the E92's reputation as a performance vehicle, it didn't mean BMW neglected the interior, as the inside was what you would expect from some of BMW's more driver friendly vehicles.
In true BMW fashion, there was plenty of tech included on the E92, as well as high quality materials such as leather throughout the cabin, providing a really nice place to be with very little to suggest that the car is capable of providing some incredible performance.
2 Comfort And Practicality
There was a good level of comfort and practicality provided on this vehicle too, with plenty of space in the rear for even tall passengers and comfortable seating for passenger and driver in the front.
Not only this, the M3 E92 came with plenty of rear trunk space, given the nature of the vehicle, meaning it was just as capable of some blistering track times as it was doing the weekly grocery run, this further adds to the reputation of the M3 as a great all-rounder.
1 Handling And Competition Pack
The handling of the M3 is something that is held in incredibly high regard even today, M3's are capable of some great track driving as well as drifting. For those intending to use the car for either of these reason, the competition pack is essential.
This pack provides the M3 with a lower ride, better wheels, improved ESC settings and most importantly, some improved damper settings when in Sports mode. Still now, the E92 is one of the sharpest handling coupes or sedans you can buy.