BMW M3: Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox automobile
| name = BMW M3
| image = 2021 BMW M3 Competition (G80)Automatic IMG3.0 4041Front.jpg
| caption = 2021 BMW M3 Competition (G80)
| manufacturer = [[BMW M]]
| production = {{unbulleted list
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[[File:BMW M3 Sport Evolution (4897569189) (cropped).jpg|thumb|M3 Sport Evolution]]
 
In 1987 an "Evolution" model (also called "EVO1") was released. Although not designated by BMW as an Evolution model, these had a revised cylinder head (designated by an "E" stamp) to improve performance. Power was unchanged from the standard M3. Visually, these were unchanged from the standard E30 M3. In total, 505 were built between March and May 1987. To celebrate the M3’s victory at the 1987 Tour de Corse (round five of that year’syear's World Rally Championship), BMW France commissioned a batch of 50 Evolution 1 special editions.
 
==== Evolution 2 ====
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=== M3 Pickup prototype ===
In 1986, BMW produced an "M3 Pickup" prototype [[pickup truck]], based on the convertible model. The M3 Pickup used the narrower body of regular E30 models and was originally powered by the 2.0-litre version of the S14 engine from the Italian-specification M3. It was used by BMW M as a transporter for roughly 26 years before it was officially retired in 2012.<ref name="press.bmwgroup.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/usa/article/detail/T0264196EN_US/30-years-of-the-bmw-m3-%E2%80%93-the-story-behind-the-legend|title=30 years of the BMW M3 – the story behind the legend.|website=www.press.bmwgroup.com|access-date=25 June 2017}}</ref><ref name="autoblog.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.autoblog.com/2016/09/27/bmw-m3-prototypes-pickups/|title=BMW actually built two M3-based pickup trucks|first=Joel|last=Patel|website=Autoblog|date=27 September 2016 |access-date=25 June 2017}}</ref>
 
=== Production volumes ===
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Following the introduction of the E36 M3, racing teams in the United States began pressuring BMW for a homologation version in order to compete in sports-car racing.<ref>{{cite web|title=The E36 M3 LTW CSL: A Rare M3, Just For The US|url=http://www.speedhunters.com/2019/03/the-e36-m3-ltw-csl-a-rare-m3-just-for-the-us/|website=www.speedhunters.com|access-date=26 April 2019|date=13 March 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=For Sale: 1995 BMW E36 M3 Lightweight|url=https://www.bmwblog.com/2016/08/07/sale-1995-bmw-m3-lightweight/|website=www.bmwblog.com|access-date=26 April 2019|language=en|date=8 August 2016}}</ref> As a result, the 'M3 Lightweight' was introduced in 1995. The cars came without a radio (although the speakers were installed and the car pre-wired for the radio), air conditioning, leather seats, tool kit or a [[sunroof]]. The doors have aluminium skins. There is no under bonnet insulation blanket, and the boot only has carpet on the floor. The under body insulation is thinner and there is special carpeting to lower weight. Overall the changes resulted in a weight {{convert|200|lb|kg|0|abbr=on|order=flip}} less than a regular M3. The wheels are 17 inches in diameter, with a width of 7.5 inches at the front and 8.5 inches at the rear. The tyres fitted were 235/40ZR17.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bmw-m.net/techdata/95m3ltw.htm|title=1995 M3 Lightweight Service Bulletin|publisher=BMW North America|access-date=12 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090606150845/http://www.bmw-m.net/techdata/95m3ltw.htm|archive-date=6 June 2009|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bmwoemwheels.com/en/rim-model/bmw/bmw-wheel-style-24|title=BMW M3 Style 24 wheels|access-date=25 June 2019}}</ref>
 
Powertrain changes included the removal of the top speed limiter and a shorter differential ratio (3.23 compared to 3.15). Suspension upgrades consisted of shorter springs from the European-specification M3. Before being sold, the M3 Lightweights were sent to Prototype Technology Group Racing in Virginia for final preparation, which included the front and rear Motorsport flag decals, and "trunk kit".<ref>{{cite web|title=1995 BMW M3 Lightweight|url=https://www.sportscarmarket.com/profile/1995-bmw-m3-lightweight|website=www.sportscarmarket.com|date=24 April 2017 |access-date=26 April 2019}}</ref> In the boot there was a dual-pickup oil pump (from the European-specification M3), front strut bar, lower cross-brace, spacer blocks to raise the rear wing, and an adjustable front splitter.<ref name="forums.bimmerforums.com"/> Each owner was given a 1-page legal document to sign acknowledging that any installation of boot items voided the new car warranty.{{citation needed|date=June 2020}}
 
All M3 Lightweight cars were produced in the "Alpine White" exterior colour, with the Motorsports flag decals on the left front and right rear corners of the car. There is a fixed wing on the bootlid, some [[Carbon fiber reinforced polymer|carbon fibre]] interior trim, and the badges on the side moulding and dash read "BMW Motorsport International".
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==== Canadian Edition ====
Prior to the release of the North American specification M3, BMW Canada sold 45 of the European specification M3s. At the time, BMW North America was opposed to importing the E36 M3 (due to its high price and the poor sales of the previous M3). The Canadian Edition M3 was imported using a loophole that allows low volumes of Norwegian-certified cars to be sold in Canada.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Canadian M3|url=https://www.hagerty.com/articles-videos/articles/2017/10/17/canadian-m3|website=www.hagerty.com|date=17 October 2017|access-date=26 April 2019}}</ref> Despite a high price of nearly $60,000 CAD,<ref>{{cite web|title=How Canada Got the Euro-Spec E36 M3 America Didn't|url=https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/a13050927/canadian-spec-bmw-e36-m3-1994/|website=Road & Track|access-date=26 April 2019|date=19 October 2017}}</ref> all 45 cars were sold in 3 days. 42 of the M3s arrived in Canada via boat in January 1994, with the final 3 cars shipping sometime in the following few months. As with other European specification M3s, these 45 cars had the {{convert|213|kW|hp|0|abbr=on}} version of the S50 engine, oil temperature gauge and glass headlights, as well as Canadian-required equipment such as a third brake light and daytime running lights. Each of the Canadian Edition cars has an individually-numbered plaque on the inside of the glovebox which reads "S50 B30 Limited Production Canadian Edition" <ref>{{cite web|title=1 of 45: 1994 BMW M3 Canadian Edition|url=https://germancarsforsaleblog.com/1-of-45-1994-bmw-m3-canadian-edition/|website=www.germancarsforsaleblog.com|access-date=26 April 2019|date=18 August 2016}}</ref> as well as a special owners manual pouch with a similar plaque. The cars were numbered at random, with no correlation to VIN numbers, options or production date.
 
When the North American specification M3 was released in 1995, it was initially not available in Canada. Sales of the North American M3 in Canada began in 1997.
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=== Production ===
Production of the E36 M3 began in September 1992<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/september-1991/42/road-test-bmw-325-i|title = Road Test – BMW 325i| date=7 July 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=14|title=BMW M Registry – FAQ E36 M3 3.0}}</ref> and was discontinued in August 1999.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=15|title = BMW M Registry – FAQ E36 M3 3.2}}</ref>
 
The majority of cars were produced at the BMW [[Regensburg]] factory in Germany; however, a small number of low compression right-hand drive cars were assembled at BMW's plant in [[Rosslyn, Gauteng|Rosslyn]], [[South Africa]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=15#2|title=FAQ E36 M3 3.2|publisher=BMW M Registry|access-date=12 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090616151345/http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=15|archive-date=16 June 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> In total, 46,525 coupés, 12,114 convertibles and 12,603 saloon were produced.<ref name=regE36>{{cite web|url=http://www.bmwblog.com/2015/10/16/the-history-of-bmw-m3/|title=The History Of BMW M3|date=16 October 2015|access-date=4 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227205202/http://www.bmwblog.com/2015/10/16/the-history-of-bmw-m3/|archive-date=27 December 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The saloon ceased production in December 1997, the coupé in late 1998, and the convertible in December 1999.<ref name="Kittler 2001 130"/>
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The boot floor cover was made of lightweight [[Fiberboard|fibre-board]] (not cardboard as infamously described on the [[Top Gear (2002 TV series)|Top Gear]] television show). The CSL discarded a large proportion of the M3's sound insulation, electric seats, navigation system, air conditioning, and stereo (the latter two were able to be re-added as no-cost options).<ref name="diseno" /><ref name="CSLperformance" /> The interior includes [[Fiberglass|fibreglass]] front racing [[bucket seat]]s,<ref name="cartorque" /> a fibreglass backing for the rear seats,<ref name="cartorque" /> and carbon fibre for the centre console, door panels, door trim, and head-liner.<ref name="usautoparts" /><ref name="cartorque" /> The steering wheel has just a single button which activates the M track mode, instead of the buttons for cruise control, stereo, and phone controls on the regular M3.<ref name="usautoparts" /> The CSL retained the 50:50 weight distribution of the regular M3.<ref name="cartorque" />
 
The wheels were increased in size to 19 inches. BMW took the unusual approach of supplying the CSL with [[Racing slick|semi-slick tyres]] (Michelin Pilot Sport Cup).<ref name="usautoparts" /><ref name="tirecite">{{cite web|url=http://www.caranddriver.com/buying_guide/bmw/m3/bmw_m3_csl_auto_shows__1+type-news_by_make+mode-collection+id-259.html|title=BMW M3 CSL – Auto Shows|date=March 2003|publisher=Car and Driver|access-date=10 July 2009}}</ref> These tyres provided high grip levels once warmed up on a racetrack, but poor performance on wet roads and when below their operating temperature.<ref>{{cite web|title=The BMW M3 CSL Is Still a Dream Machine|url=https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/a27310847/bmw-e46-m3-csl-review/|website=Road & Track|access-date=5 May 2019|date=29 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=BMW E46 M3 CSL Review|url=https://www.tradeuniquecars.com.au/feature-cars/1608/bmw-e46-m3-cls-review|website=www.tradeuniquecars.com.au|date=29 August 2016 |access-date=5 May 2019}}</ref> A warning label was included in the CSL to inform drivers about driving in cold or wet conditions. The brakes were upgraded with larger floating discs at the front and larger pistons at the rear.
 
The suspension system was revised with stiffer springs, upgraded shock absorbers and a quicker ratio for the steering rack (14.5:1 vs 15.4:1 on the regular M3).<ref name="cartorque"/><ref name="carpages">{{citation|title=The New M3 CSL|work=Car pages}}</ref> The [[electronic stability control]] was retuned and an "M track mode" was added, allowing higher thresholds before the system intervened.
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The engine, gearbox, and other drivetrain components are the same as the standard M3.
 
==== GTR StrassenversionStraßenversion (RoadStreet CarVersion) ====
{{anchor|GTR Road Car|GTR StrassenversionStreet Version|GTR Straßenversion}}
{{multiple image
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| image2 = 2002 BMW M3 GTR Straßenversion Retro Classics 2024 IMG 9112.jpg
| footer = M3 GTR StrassenversionStraßenversion
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In order to homologate the M3 GTR for racing, a road version was developed during calendar year 2001 and shown for the first time at the season ending ALMS Petit Le Mans race. BMW produced 10 development units of which 3 were production ready display cars. For homologation purposes, the M3 GTR needed to be offered for sale to the general public and by Petit Le Mans 2001, the car was ready. The M3 GTR was to be priced at {{currency|250,000|euro}},<ref>{{cite web|title=The BMW M3 GTR Bent the Rules to Beat Everyone|url=https://www.roadandtrack.com/motorsports/a22767418/2001-bmw-m3-gtr-test/|website=Road & Track|access-date=7 May 2019|date=16 October 2018}}</ref> When ALMS changed the homologation rules at the end of the 2001 season, the road version project was stopped. All 7 development prototypes were recycled but the three production ready display cars exist to this day and all still owned by BMW AG. One of the Road M3 GTRs was displayed by BMW of North America LLC at ''Legends of the Autobahn'' in 2015 along with the newly restored ALMS race version of the car.<ref name="M3 GTR Legends of the Autobahn2" /> The road cars were built alongside bodies-in-white of the GTR race cars in the special vehicles department of BMW's Regensburg Plant.
 
In order to homologate the M3 GTR for racing, a road version was developed during calendar year 2001 and shown for the first time at the season ending ALMS Petit Le Mans race. BMW produced 10 development units of which 3 were production ready display cars. For homologation purposes, the M3 GTR needed to be offered for sale to the general public and by Petit Le Mans 2001, the car was ready. The M3 GTR was to be priced at {{currency|250,000|euro}},<ref>{{cite web|title=The BMW M3 GTR Bent the Rules to Beat Everyone|url=https://www.roadandtrack.com/motorsports/a22767418/2001-bmw-m3-gtr-test/|website=Road & Track|access-date=7 May 2019|date=16 October 2018}}</ref> When ALMS changed the homologation rules at the end of the 2001 season, the road version project was stopped. All 7 development prototypes were recycled but the three production ready display cars exist to this day and all still owned by BMW AG. One of the Road M3 GTRs was displayed by BMW of North America LLC at Legends of the Autobahn in 2015 along with the newly restored ALMS race version of the car.<ref name="M3 GTR Legends of the Autobahn2" /> The road cars were built alongside bodies-in-white of the GTR race cars in the special vehicles department of BMW's Regensburg Plant.
 
As with the race car, the GTR road car was powered by the 4.0-litre [[BMW P60B40|P60 V8 engine]]. The engine retained the race cars' [[dry sump]] oil system and was slightly detuned from {{convert|331|to|285|kW|hp|0|abbr=on}} at 7,000&nbsp;rpm.<ref name="M3 GTR Brochure">{{cite book|title=BMW M3 GTR|date=November 2001|publisher=BMW AG|page=5|url=https://bmw-grouparchiv.de/research/detail/index.xhtml?id=3144996|access-date=25 August 2017}}</ref> Top speed was {{convert|295|km/h|mi/h|abbr=on}}. The transmission was a six-speed manual and the differential was the same variable locking unit as used in the race car.
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The M3 GTR gained a cult following in the [[Video game culture|gaming]] community after it appeared in the 2005 video game ''[[Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2005 video game)|Need for Speed: Most Wanted]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.speedhunters.com/2018/11/someone-sema-need-speed/|title=Someone At SEMA Has A Need For Speed|date=1 November 2018|author=Trevor Yale Ryan|publisher=SpeedHunters|access-date=6 June 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=This Video Shows What Need For Speed: Most Wanted Would Look Like in Real Life |url=https://www.thedrive.com/news/32798/this-video-shows-what-need-for-speed-most-wanted-would-look-like-in-real-life |website=www.thedrive.com |date=April 2020 |access-date=11 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Need for Speed Most Wanted |url=https://www.covercentury.com/index.php?p=gamecube&l=n&f=gc_needforspeedmostwanted.jpg |website=www.covercentury.com |access-date=11 July 2020 |language=en}}</ref> ''[[Road & Track]]'', who collaborated on [[The Need for Speed|the first ''Need for Speed'' video game]], described the game's custom M3 GTR as being "so iconic that fans still recreate the livery in real life." Once searched about the M3 GTR, nearly 85% of the results will relate the car to ''Need for Speed: Most Wanted''.<ref name="R&T NFS">{{cite web|last=Hogan|first=Mack|title=How 'Need For Speed' Became the World's Biggest Racing Game|url=https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/a34554081/history-of-need-for-speed/|website=[[Road & Track]]|access-date=2020-12-05|date=2020-11-03|df=dmy-all}}</ref> It also makes an appearance in ''[[Real Racing 3]]'', with a special livery of the Need for Speed games and its own exclusive series as well.
 
In November 2024, BMW repainted the 2001 ALMS GT-winning #42 M3 GTR driven by Jörg Müller with the livery from ''[[Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2005 video game)|Need for Speed: Most Wanted]]'' as a museum piece, and it will be available for show in the BMW Welt Show at Munich from December 2024-January 2025.<ref>https://www.bmwblog.com/2024/11/26/bmw-recreates-m3-gtr-most-wanted/</ref><ref>https://www.speedhunters.com/2024/11/30-years-nfs-the-wanted-m3-gtr-now-real-life-bmw-race-car/</ref>
 
=== North American models ===
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==== CRT ====
[[File:BMW M3 CRT E90 (15491649860).jpg|thumb|right|M3 CRT]]
The M3 CRT (Carbon Racing Technology) was a special edition of the M3 saloon that was produced in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.caranddriver.com/news/car/11q2/2012_bmw_m3_crt_lightweight_sedan-official_photos_and_info|title=2012 BMW M3 CRT Lightweight Sedan – Official Photos and Info|website=Car and Driver|date=23 June 2011}}</ref> The CRT was powered by the same 4.4 litre version of the S65 engine as the GTS, however it retained a higher level of luxury features compared to the track-focussedfocused GTS. The CRT used a carbon fibre bonnet and front seats to reduce weight, resulting in a kerb weight approximately {{convert|150|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} lower than an equivalently specified version of the regular M3 saloon.
 
Production was limited to 67 cars, all numbered with a plaque on the dashboard. The official {{convert|0|-|100|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} acceleration time was 4.4 seconds.<ref>{{cite web|title=BMW M3 CRT saloon review and pictures|url=http://www.evo.co.uk/bmw/3-series/7197/bmw-m3-crt-saloon-review-and-pictures|website=EVO|access-date=19 November 2016}}</ref>
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=== Discontinuation ===
Production ceased in October 2018, due to the extensive changes required to meet the [[Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure|WLTP emissions regulations]].<ref>
{{cite web|url=https://www.bmw-m.com/en/topics/magazine-article-pool/bmw-m3-individual-the-last-of-its-kind.html|title=BMW M3 by Björn Schmidt|author=<!--Not stated-->|date=2018-10-30|website=bmw-m.com|publisher=M GmbH|access-date=2019-08-10|quote=production of the current generation BMW M3 (F80) will be coming to an end. Someone else who finds it just as difficult to say goodbye is self-confessed BMW M enthusiast Björn Schmidt. But he’she's found a way to deal with it: as a birthday treat, the businessman has secured himself the last model in Europe.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Production Data Shows Only 15% of BMW F80 M3 Models Were Manual|url=https://www.bmwblog.com/2019/01/14/production-data-shows-only-15-of-bmw-f80-m3-models-were-manual/|website=BMW BLOG|access-date=29 April 2019|language=en|date=14 January 2019}}</ref> However, the M4 model remained in production.
 
== G80/G81 generation (2020–present) {{anchor|G80|G81}} ==
{{Infobox automobile
| name = G80 M3
| image = 20212023 BMW M3 Competition AutomaticxDrive 3.0Auto Front2.jpg
| production = 2020–present<ref>{{cite web |title=Production start for iconic sports car at BMW Group's Munich plant |url=https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0319930EN/production-start-for-iconic-sports-car-at-bmw-group%E2%80%99s-munich-plant |website=www.press.bmwgroup.com |access-date=9 March 2021 |language=en}}</ref>
| body_style = 4-door [[sedan (car)|saloon]] (G80)<br /> 5-door [[Station wagon|estate]] (G81)
| related = [[BMW M4#G82 generation (2019-)|BMW M4 (G82/G83)]]
| engine = 3.0&nbsp;L ''[[BMW B58#S58|S58B30T0]]'' twin-turbo [[straight-six engine|I6]]
| transmission = {{unbulleted list |6-speed [[ZF S6-53 transmission|ZF GS6-53BZ]] [[Manual transmission|manual]] (RWDexcept xDrive models) |8-speed ''[[ZF 8HP]]'' [[Automatic transmission|automatic]] (RWD) (AWD)}}
| wheelbase = {{convert|2857|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| length = {{convert|4794|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
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| weight = {{convert|3789|lb|kg|abbr=on|order=flip}}<ref name="CD_G80_review">{{cite magazine |title=2022 BMW M3 Long-Term Conclusion: The Sweet Spot |url=https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a38904698/2022-bmw-m3-reliability-maintenance/ |last=Lago |first=Carlos |date=May 2023 |magazine=[[Car and Driver]]}}</ref>
}}
[[File:20212023 BMW M3 Competition AutomaticxDrive 3.0Auto Rear1.jpg|left|thumb|G80 Rear]]
[[File:2022 BMW M3 Touring.jpg|left|thumb|G81 Front (Touring)]]
The full [[BMW M|M]] version of the [[BMW 3 Series (G20)|G20 3 Series]], powered by the [[BMW B58#S58 engine|BMW S58]] turbocharged straight-six engine that debuted in the [[BMW X3#Third generation (G01; 2017)|G01 X3 M]].<ref>{{cite web|title=2021 BMW M3 and M4: Everything We Know|url=https://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/future-cars/a29465143/2021-bmw-m3-m4-g80-details-rumors-photos/|website=Road & Track|access-date=31 October 2019|date=28 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=New BMW M3 not until 2021|url=https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/new-bmw-m3-not-until-2021-121300/|website=www.carsales.com.au|access-date=31 October 2019}}</ref> All-wheel drive ([[BMW xDrive|xDrive]]) has been announced as being optional on the new M3,<ref>{{cite web|title=Upcoming BMW G80 M3 will come with an imposing kidney grille|url=https://www.bmwblog.com/2019/08/07/upcoming-bmw-g80-m3-will-come-with-an-imposing-kidney-grille/|website=www.bmwblog.com|access-date=23 September 2019|language=en|date=7 August 2019}}</ref> which would represent the first time that an M3 has used a drivetrain layout other than rear-wheel drive.<ref>{{cite web|title=New 2020 BMW M3: choice of 480 or 510bhp, 2wd or 4wd confirmed|url=https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/spy-shots/bmw/new-2020-bmw-m3-codenamed-g80-revealed/|website=www.carmagazine.co.uk|access-date=18 September 2019|language=en}}</ref> A manual gearbox will be available only with rear wheel drive, and is the only transmission available on the standard M3 model.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Perkins|first1=Chris|title=BMW M Boss Confirms Rear-Drive Manual Version of Next M3 and M4|url=https://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/future-cars/a29878797/bmw-m3-m4-g80-manual-rwd-confirmed/|website=Road & Track|access-date=3 January 2020|date=22 November 2019}}</ref>
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[[Category:2020s cars]]
[[Category:Coupés]]
[[Category:Saloons]]
[[Category:Convertibles]]
[[Category:Station wagons]]