Euro · 6 models
The M division built the modern sport sedan template. The E30 M3, E46 M3, and E92 M3 are still the benchmark for half the cars sold today.
EuroBMW is the Bavarian engineering firm that taught the rest of the industry how to build a sport sedan. The 2002 of the 1960s started the formula. The E30 of the 1980s perfected it. The E36, E46, E90, and F30 generations of 3-Series each iterated on the same idea: small, balanced, rear-drive sedan with an inline six and a manual gearbox, fast enough to be exciting and refined enough to live with daily. The M division is the soul of the brand. The E30 M3 (1986-1991) is one of the most successful touring car race cars ever built and is now worth more than most modern supercars. The E46 M3 (2000-2006) with its naturally aspirated S54 inline six revving to 8,000 rpm is widely considered the perfect M3. The E92 M3 (2007-2013) used a 4.0 liter S65 V8 and is the only V8 M3 ever produced. The current M3 and M4 use the S58 twin-turbo inline six and continue the lineage with more weight and more power than ever. Outside the M3 line, the M5 has gone through six generations across more than three decades of supercar-fast luxury sedans. The M2 is the modern enthusiast pick, a smaller, more focused car that recovers some of the analog character lost in the larger M cars. The Z3 M Coupe and Z4 M Coupe (the "clown shoe" body style) are cult favorites. The 1 Series M Coupe of 2011 is one of the rarest and most loved modern M cars. On WhipJury, BMW submissions span every M generation, plus E30 325is and 318is, E36 and E46 328i and 330i builds, E60 5-Series tuning projects, and modern M2/M3/M4 examples. The community here knows the chassis codes deeply.
E30 (1986-1991). Boxed fenders, S14 four-cylinder, homologation special for Group A touring car racing. Won more touring car races than any other car of its era.
E36 (1992-1999). Larger, heavier, six-cylinder S50 or S52 in North America, S50B30 or S50B32 in Europe. North American versions detuned but still highly regarded.
E46 (2000-2006). S54 3.2 liter naturally aspirated inline six, 8,000 rpm redline, 333 horsepower. Six-speed manual or SMG. The connoisseur pick of M3 generations.
E92 (2007-2013). S65 4.0 liter V8, 414 horsepower, 8,400 rpm. Only V8 M3 ever made. Heavier than the E46 but a better all-around car.
F80/F82 (2014-2018). S55 twin-turbo inline six. First turbocharged M3. Faster but lost some of the linear naturally aspirated character.
G80/G82 (2021-present). S58 twin-turbo inline six, 473 to 543 horsepower depending on trim. AWD now optional in M xDrive Competition. Polarizing front grille, technically capable.
BMW is one of the most active makes on the platform. E30 and E36 builds with engine swaps (S52, S54, M50, even LS swaps) are common. E46 M3 submissions tend to score well. Modern M2 and M3 builds have a strong presence. The community here treats chassis codes seriously, so accurate descriptions matter.
