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The range-topping BMW M3 has become the crowning jewel in the 3 Series model line-up, a hard-charging, flexible vehicle that proves that motoring perfection does exist. Focused and yet superbly refined, the M3 has evolved into a hero car, the vehicle that adorns posters and fills the aspirational dreams of just about any automotive fan.
The BMW M3 is the apex predator of the mid-sized performance car market, a vehicle that has often been challenged for its throne by the likes of both the Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG and Audi RS4, but never gives up any ground as it's the perfect all-round tool and a sublime four-wheeled weapon.
Standing out from its generational brethren for reasons we will soon get into and flexing a unique and well-defined set of muscles, here are 10 things we love about the E92 BMW M3.
10 It's The Only V8 M3
The first M3 was a homologation special, a four-cylinder dream machine that has now passed into legendary status, hailed as the original and sometimes best. Yet, where the subsequent cars that took up the M3 moniker relied on straight-six power, the E92 took a different path.
For the first and only time in the history of the badge, the M3 has a lusty naturally aspirated V8 shoehorned beneath the hood. A brawny and aural delight, the M3 transformed itself into a true muscle car overnight.
9 It Has Awesome Performance
Powered by a 4.0-liter V8 that generates 414 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque in stock form, the E92 M3 gained circa 80 horsepower and 25 lb-ft of torque over the model it replaced whilst the redline was stretched from an impressive 8000 rpm to an incredible 8400 rpm.
With 104 hp per liter, the V8 in the M3 would rocket the car from standstill to 60 mph in a breathtaking 4.6 seconds. It covered the quarter-mile in 13 seconds flat, and then happily run on to a top speed of 186 mph if not for the 155 mph limiter.
8 Aggressive But Subtle
Despite its swollen wheel arches, a proud bonnet hump, and four shiny exhaust tips protruding from a deep rear valance, the E92 M3 doesn't shout about its performance potential. The car is able to keep a low profile whenever that's required.
Beautifully shaped, the E90 carries a big stick but doesn't feel the need to shout about it. Parked up next to lesser models in the same 3 series range the differences are noticeable but subtle, it's a sophisticated design that still stands up today.
7 It's Reliable And Modifiable
The E92 M3 V8 was based on the design of the rather bonkers 5.0-liter V10 unit used to power the E60 M5, but despite that engine having potentially financially ruinous issues, the V8 remains a reliable and robust lump.
The E92 M3 also proved to be an excellent base vehicle for the creative, with those seeking to enhance the vehicle being spoiled for choice. Anything from a simple exhaust swap, to a full body kit, or even a supercharger kit is available for those who want to make their M3 stand out from the crowd.
6 Huge Value For Money
Originally seeing no change from $50,000, the E92 M3 has depreciated to a far more affordable level, with clean base models with average mileage now exchanging hands for prices in the high twenties or low thirties.
Offering an enormous amount of bang for the buck, an E92 M3 comes packed to its side gills with a plush leather-clad interior, integrated i-Drive infotainment suite, and a choice of slick-shifting gearboxes.
5 Many Cars In One
Offered for the first time, the E92 M3 could be optioned with a hard-top folding roof, allowing for a morning at the racetrack and then, with the press of a switch, an open-top sedate cruise home beneath sunny skies.
Announced as an April Fools' Day joke, the one-off pick-up was created by the BMW M division workshop to replace the equally unique long-serving E30 M3 pick-up, which had notched up 26 years of solid and reliable service. Still, it looks cool, and it's certainly unique.
4 It's A True M Car
BMW is renowned for always pushing the envelope when it comes to its cars and over the years the base models have become faster, more economical, and finer handling cars thanks to the developments made within its M series machines.
The E92 M3 coupe made use of all-carbon-fiber roofs to not only reduce the curb weight of the vehicle but also drastically lower the car's center of gravity. The result was scalpel-sharp handling and an awesome talking point among BMW enthusiasts.
3 There Are Limited Edition Models
As with any good M3 release, BMW set about releasing several very special limited editions into the wild. The GTS had a larger 4.4-liter engine, 7-speed automatic transmission, a beefier 444 hp and would crack 60 mph in 4.4 seconds.
With only 40 US and 100 European cars, the M3 Frozen Silver Edition came with specialized paint, whilst the US-only Lime Rock Park Edition came in only bright orange, had an M Sport titanium exhaust and was restricted to just 200 vehicles.
2 Destined To Be A Future Classic
Not only was it the first-ever M3 to be fitted with a V8 engine, but it was also the last M3 to feature a naturally aspirated engine. That's two points that are sure to elevate the E92 to superstar status in years to come by both collectors and fans.
With the world turning towards hybrid and electrically powered drive trains, it is very unlikely that the BMW M3 will ever be outfitted with an engine as unique and exciting as the 4.0-liter S65 V8 that saw service in the enigmatic E92.
1 It'll Go From Supermarket To Racetrack With Ease
Often referred to as a wolf in sheep's clothing, the sedan version of the E92 M3 is more than capable of ferrying the family around in the morning, setting the track alight at lunchtime, then run to the store for the weekly shopping before dinner.
All versions, however, whether it be a coupe, convertible, sedan, or track-focused special edition, are finely honed drivers' cars, in which an immense amount of fun can be had without having to sacrifice everyday practicality or reliability.