Engine:	inline-6
Position:	Front
Aspiration:	Natural
Displacement:	3246 cc
Bore/Stroke (Ratio):	87 mm / 91 mm (1.046)

Weight:	3781 lbs
Length:	176.9 inches
Width:	70.1 inches
Height:	53.9 inches
Transmission:	6 Speed Manual
Drive Wheels:	RWD

Horsepower:	333 hp @ 7900 rpm
Torque:	262 ft/lbs @ 4900 rpm
HP per liter:	102.59 hp/L
Power/weight:	11.35 lbs/hp
Redline:	8000 rpm
0-60 mph:	5.4 seconds
Top Speed:	155 mph

For enthusiasts of ultimate automotive performance, it’s a magic name: BMW M3. Combining the all-around excellence of the BMW 3 Series with the spectacular performance and handling prowess of BMW M, the two M3 models are formidable BMW sports cars that have won – again and again – the accolades and comparison-test victories of the world’s motoring critics while providing their buyers with real performance and equally real practicality. M S54 6-cylinder engine In its broad concept, the M3 engine, designated the S54, shares its format with other BMW inline 6-cylinder engines. Virtually all of its engineering details, however, are unique and oriented to the very highest level of performance. Given that other current BMW “sixes” have an aluminum block with cast-iron cylinder liners, it may be surprising that the S54 M3 engine has a cast-iron block. Why? Compactness is the primary reason. An inline six is longer than a V-6, and BMW nurtures the inline layout because of its superior smoothness and sound. An aluminum block’s cylinder liners take up space; with liners it would not have been possible to achieve the engine’s 3.2-liter displacement without lengthening the block. The second reason is strength. Given that this engine develops a fully 333 hp from 3.2 liters – significantly over 100 hp per liter – its internal stresses are immense. Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) Given the M3’s performance nature, it does not seem logical to offer an automatic transmission as such; no matter how good – and BMW’s 5- and 6-speed automatics are among the best – an automatic transmission incurs some performance loss relative to a well handled manual gearbox. On the other hand, given today’s capabilities in electronics and hydraulics, it does make great sense to improve on the M3’s 6-speed manual transmission and give it some automated operation. For some years now, racing drivers, in particular those in the world’s premier class, Formula 1, have availed themselves of “power shifting” of manual transmissions via an electrohydraulic system. BMW M pioneered in applying this concept to road cars, introducing its first Sequential Manual Gearbox in M3s for the European market in 1996. BMW M decided to develop the SMG concept to a 2nd generation before offering it in the U.S. Thus the SMG now offered in M3s is in reality SMG II, evolved to a significantly higher state of perfection than the original system; in the U.S. it will be referred to simply as SMG. Interior design and equipment In a high-performance sports car, instruments are of paramount importance; the M3’s do not disappoint. Its instrument cluster resembles that of the M5 with bright rings around each of the four dials, M logo in the speedometer, and red pointers throughout. The tachometer is of great interest. As first seen in the M5, the variable warning segment from 4000 to 8000 rpm reminds the driver to not approach maximum performance until the engine is warm. Based on the increase of oil temperature as the car continues to warm up, the LED display illuminates amber at 4000 rpm and shuts off in increments of 500 rpm. As the engine warms up, the segment shortens and reaches its normal 7500-8000 rpm red range, which always remains illuminated. The tachometer’s advanced servo-motor operation is revised to keep pace with the M3 engine’s rapid rate of acceleration. In M3s equipped with the Sequential Manual Gearbox II, once the engine is warm, these LEDs illuminate progressively as engine revs climb, helping the driver shift right at the redline. Also in the tachometer face is an analog oil-temperature gauge. Another prominent facet of the driver’s command center is the special M sport steering wheel.
RSportscars.com

This section will feature my personal take on this car.