Sedan car

A sedan /sɨˈdæn/ (American, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand

English) or saloon (British and Irish English) is a passenger car in a three-
box configuration with A, B & C-pillars and principal volumes articulated in
separate compartments for engine, passenger and cargo.[1] The
passenger compartment features two rows of seats and adequate
passenger space in the rear compartment for adult passengers. The cargo
compartment is typically in the rear, with the exception of some rear-
engined models, such as the Renault Dauphine, Tatra T613, Volkswagen
Type 3 and Chevrolet Corvair. It is one of the most common car body
styles.

Types of sedans
Several versions of the body style exist, including four-door, two-door and
fastback variants of both.
A sedan seats four or more people and has a fixed roof that is full-height
up to the rear window. The roof structure will typically have a fixed B-pillar
on sedan models. Most commonly it is a four-door; two-door models are
rare, but they do occur (more so historically). In the U.S., the term sedan
has been used to denote a car with fixed window frames, as opposed to
the hardtop style without a "B" pillar and where the sash, if any, winds
down with the glass. However, true hardtops have become increasingly
rare.
Four-door sedans can have either two or three side windows: One in each
door (vent windows not counted), and the possible third integrated in the
"C"-pillar.
Notchback sedans

1962 Chevrolet Impala, a typical notchback sedan

A notchback sedan is a three-box sedan, where the passenger volume is
clearly distinct from the trunk volume of the vehicle (when seen from the
side). The roof is on one plane, generally parallel to the ground, the rear
window at a sharp angle to the roof, and the trunk lid is also parallel to the
ground.
Fastback sedans

1941 Plymouth fastback sedan

A fastback sedan is a two-box sedan, with continuous slope from the roof
to the base of the decklid, but excludes the hatchback feature. Marketing
terminology is often misleading in this area - for example, Daimler AG calls
the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class sedan a four-door coupé because its semi-
fastback design tries to give the impression of a coupé.[citation needed]
Certain sedans are edging close[weasel words] to being one-box vehicles,
where the windshield is steeply raked from the hood/bonnet and the rear
window slopes toward almost the end of the car, leaving just a short rear
deck that is part of the trunk lid — the 2006 4-door JDM Honda Civic is an
example of this.[citation needed] They are not fastbacks because their
bodyline changes from the roof to the rear deck. Their steeply raked rear
windows end with a decklid that does not continue down to the bumper.
Instead, their rear ends are tall — sometimes in a Kammback style — to
increase trunk space.
Typically this design is chosen for its aerodynamic advantages.
Automakers can no longer afford the penalty in fuel consumption produced
by the traditional notchback three box form.[citation needed]
Hardtop sedan

1958 AMC Ambassador hardtop sedan

In historic terminology, a sedan will have a frame around the door
windows, while the hardtop has frameless door glass. A true hardtop
sedan design also has no center or "B" pillar for roof support behind the
front doors).[2] This pillarless body style offers greater visibility.[3] However,
it requires extra underbody strengthening for structural rigidity. The hardtop
design can be considered separately (i.e., a vehicle can be simply called a
four-door hardtop), or it can be called a hardtop sedan. During the 1960s
and 1970s, hardtop sedans were often sold as sport sedans by several
American manufacturers and they were among the top selling body styles.
During the 1980s, automakers in the U.S. focused on removing weight and
increasing strength, and their new four-door sedans with B-pillars were
called pillared hardtops or pillared sedans. The sport sedan term has since
been appropriated for other uses. In Japan the hardtop design was used
for several luxury-type sedans during the 1990s.
Hatchback sedans

Chevy Malibu Maxx hatchback sedan

Hatchback (a.k.a. liftback) sedans typically have the fastback profile, but
instead of a trunk lid, the entire back of the vehicle lifts up (using a liftgate
or hatch). A vehicle with four passenger doors and a liftgate at the rear can
be called a four-door hatchback, four-door hatchback sedan, or five-door
sedan. An example of such is the Chevrolet Malibu Maxx and Audi A5
Sportback. There can also be two-door hatchback sedans (three-door
sedans), by the same technical explanation for two-door sedans.
Examples of this design are the Volkswagen Golf, and Chevrolet Chevette.
Chauffeured sedans

The Lincoln Town Car is often used as a chauffeured car in the U.S.
Strictly speaking limousine sedans have a separate compartment for the
driver and the passenger compartment is long enough to contain at least
two comfortable, forward-facing bench seats. Vehicles used for these
means are usually Lincoln Town Car, Cadillac, Mercedes, or Rolls-Royce
or Maybach for the more wealthy. The term limousine can refer to a large
sedan, especially if hired from a service. Chauffeured limousines are
primarily used by individuals for weddings, businesses for meetings, as
well as for airport and sightseeing transportation. Chauffeurs are
professional drivers, usually with experience in the transportation industry
or tourism industry. Chauffeured sedans are owned either by private
owners, livery services, or corporations. Large corporations as well as
governments commonly provide luxury sedans to top executives, as well
as VIP guests. Chauffeured sedans, such as the Lincoln Town Car, may
also be stretched into limousines that are capable of seating up to twenty
people.
Terminology

Sedan chair carried by two people

Origin
Main article: Litter (vehicle)
The word sedan is possibly derived from a southern Italian dialect
derivative of Italian sedia "chair" (the first sedan was said to have been
introduced from Naples). However, Portuguese and Spanish navigators
and colonists encountered litters of various sorts in India, Japan, Mexico,
and Peru. They were imported into Spain in the late sixteenth century.
Soon the fashion spread into France and then England. All the names for
these derived from the root "sed-" from the Latin "sella" - the traditional
name for a carried chair.[4]
The first automobile to use the configuration was the 1899 Renault
Voiturette Type B. The first closed car, for at least 4 persons, which used
the word sedan was the 1911 Speedwell sedan, which was manufactured
by the Speedwell Motor Co in Dayton, Ohio.[5] But even before that time
completely closed cars were called saloons or limousines, like the 1905
Rational 4-door limousine[6] or the 1907 Renault 4-door limousine[7] or the
1910 Stella 2-door saloon.[8] The words saloon or limousine do not
exclusively mean a fully closed car.[9] Cars which are called sedans are
almost always fully closed. The term "convertible sedan" was used in the
1930s to describe a car with a soft, foldable top and roll-up windows, very
much like a convertible coupe.
The derivation from the town of Sedan, Ardennes in France, where it was
said to have been made or first used, lacks historical evidence, according
to Oxford English Dictionary.
International terminology
In American English and American Spanish, the term sedan is used
(accented as "sedán" in Spanish). The engine compartment, at the front, is
covered by the hood; the cargo compartment at the rear is called the trunk.
In British English, a car of this configuration is called a saloon. The engine
compartment cover is the bonnet, the cargo-compartment boot is at the
rear. Hatchback sedans are known simply as hatchbacks (not hatchback
saloons); long-wheelbase luxury saloons may be referred to as limousines.
The British English term saloon is sometimes used by British car
manufacturers in the United States. For example, the Rolls-Royce Park
Ward was sold as a saloon in the United States, while the smaller Silver
Seraph was called a sedan.
In Australia the American term sedan is used, albeit with the British terms
boot and bonnet being retained. In New Zealand the British terms "boot",
"bonnet" and "windscreen" are most commonly used, but the American
terms are understood by most of the population. However, the American
terms "sedan" and "station wagon" are predominantly used, with "saloon"
only finding occasional usage, particularly in the field of motor racing. In
other languages, sedans are known as berline (French), berlina
(European Spanish, European Portuguese, Romanian, and Italian);
although these terms also may include hatchbacks. These terms, besides
sedan, derive from types of horse-drawn carriages. In German, the term
Limousine is used for sedans, and "Stretch-Limousine" for limousines.

Sport sedan

history
Audi B7 RS4 quattro
The term was originally introduced in the 1930s and applied to lighter,
more streamlined closed body coachwork fitted by car makers.[citation
needed] Rover, for example, had Sports Saloon versions of several of their
models.
It was later applied by manufacturers to special versions of their vehicles
that allowed them to enter production cars in motor races with extra
modifications not normally permitted by the regulations.[ Such regulations
required cars to be homologated typically by selling them in minimum
numbers to the public. Some of the earlier examples were the Alfa Romeo
1900,[2] Triumph Dolomite and Lotus Cortina.
Traditionally sports sedans have a manual transmission and tachometer in
order to provide that "sports look and feel" and are rear wheel drive, have
good handling characteristics, and adequate power. Because of the US
move to automatic transmission and front wheel drive these types are now
also to be found in the sport sedan category. Recent sport sedans such as
the latest iterations of the BMW M5 and BMW M3 had implemented semi-
automatic transmissions.

Concept[
In North America, most luxury import sedans are often considered "sport
sedans" because of their higher performance, handling, and expensive
available amenities relative to that of mass market cars. There is some
price overlapping, for instance as an entry-level BMW 328i has a similar
(manufacturer's) suggested retail price to a Toyota Camry XLE V6.

BMW E90 M3 sedan

The term "sport sedan" also came into being, when comparing luxury
import sedans (i.e. BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz), which were smaller
cars popular with young buyers that focused on performance and handling,
to domestic luxury marques such as Cadillac and Lincoln, for older
customers and which emphasized size and comfort. In the 1980s and
1990s, the change in consumer demographics towards smaller and
sportier luxury cars, along with Japanese luxury brands, led to a decline in
the prestige of domestic luxury marques, whose chief offerings were the
Cadillac DeVille and Lincoln Town Car. However, since the 2000s, Cadillac
and Lincoln have begun producing competitive models such as the
Cadillac CTS and Lincoln LS. Buick was retained as General Motors's
traditional luxury brand and emphasized comfort and amenities instead of
driving experience.[3]
Luxury performance sedans sold in North American have a smaller range
of engines, tending towards the high-powered side, compared to their
European lineups. For instance Mercedes-Benz advertises all of the 2009
US/Canadian models of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class as a "sport sedan",
not just the high-performance C63 AMG.[4]
In the midsize sedan category in North America, the 2008 Nissan Altima
has been described as the sportiest in its classification, compared to the
Honda Accord or Toyota Camry.[5][6] The first-generation Mazda6 and
Mazda3 were also known as[7] sport sedans as well,as well as the
Volkswagen Jetta and Volkswagen Passat, when tested against other
vehicles in their size class.

BMW
This article is about the German automobile and motorcycle manufacturer.
For other uses, see BMW (disambiguation).
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG

Type Aktiengesellschaft
Traded as FWB: BMW
Industry Automotive
Predecessor(s Bayerische Flugzeugwerke AG
) (BFW)[1]
Founded 7 March 1916
Founder(s) Franz Josef Popp
Headquarters Munich, Germany
Area served Worldwide
Key people Norbert Reithofer (CEO)
Joachim Milberg (Chairman of the
supervisory board)
Adrian van Hooydonk (Vice-
President)
Karim Habib (Director of Design)
Products Automobiles, motorcycles,
bicycles
Production 1,861,826 Automobiles (2012)
output 125,284 Motorcycles (2012)
Revenue €76.84 billion (2012)[2]
Operating €8.30 billion (2012)[2]
income
Profit €5.12 billion (2012)[2]
Total assets €131.85 billion (2012)[2]
Total equity €30.40 billion (2012)[2]
Employees 105,876 (2012)[2]
Divisions Mini
BMW Motorsport
BMW i
BMW Motorrad
Subsidiaries List
[show]
Website bmwgroup.com
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG ( pronunciation (help·info); English:
Bavarian Motor Works), commonly known as BMW or BMW AG, is a
German automobile, motorcycle and engine manufacturing company
founded in 1916.
BMW is headquartered in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. It also owns and
produces Mini cars, and is the parent company of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.
BMW produces motorcycles under BMW Motorrad. In 2010, the BMW
group produced 1,481,253 automobiles and 112,271 motorcycles across
all its brands. BMW is part of the "German Big 3" luxury automakers, along
with Audi and Mercedes-Benz, which are the three best-selling luxury
automakers in the world.[3][4]

History
Main article: History of BMW

BMW Headquarters in Munich. The towers and museum are visible in the back right.

BMW Classic with a front opening door

BMW model 3/15PS (BMW Dixi) from 1930

BMW 132 engine

BMW 801 engine
BMW was established as a business entity following a restructuring of the
Rapp Motorenwerke aircraft manufacturing firm in 1917. After the end of
World War I in 1918, BMW was forced to cease aircraft-engine production
by the terms of the Versailles Armistice Treaty.[5] The company
consequently shifted to motorcycle production in 1923, once the
restrictions of the treaty started to be lifted,[6] followed by automobiles in
1928–29.[7][8][9]
The first car which BMW successfully produced and the car which
launched BMW on the road to automobile production was the Dixi, it was
based on the Austin 7 and licensed from the Austin Motor Company in
Birmingham, England.
BMW's first significant aircraft engine was the BMW IIIa inline-six liquid-
cooled engine of 1918, much preferred for its high-altitude performance.[10]
With German rearmament in the 1930s, the company again began
producing aircraft engines for the Luftwaffe. Among its successful World
War II engine designs were the BMW 132 and BMW 801 air-cooled radial
engines, and the pioneering BMW 003 axial-flow turbojet, which powered
the tiny, 1944–1945–era jet-powered "emergency fighter", the Heinkel He
162 Spatz. The BMW 003 jet engine was tested in the A-1b version of the
world's first jet fighter, the Messerschmitt Me 262, but BMW engines failed
on takeoff, a major setback for the Emergency Fighter Program until
successful testing with Junkers engines.[11][12] Towards the end of the
Third Reich BMW developed some military aircraft projects for the
Luftwaffe, the BMW Strahlbomber, the BMW Schnellbomber and the BMW
Strahljäger, but none of them were built.[13][14]
By the year 1959, the automotive division of BMW was in financial
difficulties and a shareholders meeting was held to decide whether to go
into liquidation or find a way of carrying on. It was decided to carry on and
to try to cash in on the current economy car boom enjoyed so successfully
by some of Germany's ex-aircraft manufacturers such as Messerschmitt
and Heinkel. The rights to manufacture the Italian Iso Isetta were bought;
the tiny cars themselves were to be powered by a modified form of BMW's
own motorcycle engine. This was moderately successful and helped the
company get back on its feet. The controlling majority shareholder of the
BMW Aktiengesellschaft since 1959 is the Quandt family, which owns
about 46% of the stock. The rest is in public float.
BMW acquired the Hans Glas company based in Dingolfing, Germany, in
1966. It was reputed that the acquisition was mainly to gain access to Glas'
development of the timing belt with an overhead camshaft in automotive
applications.[15] Glas vehicles were briefly badged as BMW until the
company was fully absorbed.

BMW 3-Series (F30)

In 1992, BMW acquired a large stake in California based industrial design
studio DesignworksUSA, which they fully acquired in 1995. In 1994, BMW
bought the British Rover Group[16] (which at the time consisted of the
Rover, Land Rover and MG brands as well as the rights to defunct brands
including Austin and Morris), and owned it for six years. By 2000, Rover
was incurring huge losses and BMW decided to sell the combine. The MG
and Rover brands were sold to the Phoenix Consortium to form MG Rover,
while Land Rover was taken over by Ford. BMW, meanwhile, retained the
rights to build the new Mini, which was launched in 2001.
Chief designer Chris Bangle announced his departure from BMW in
February 2009, after serving on the design team for nearly seventeen
years.[17] He was replaced by Adrian van Hooydonk, Bangle's former right
hand man. Bangle was known for his radical designs such as the 2002 7-
Series and the 2002 Z4. In July 2007, the production rights for Husqvarna
Motorcycles was purchased by BMW for a reported 93 million euros. BMW
Motorrad plans to continue operating Husqvarna Motorcycles as a
separate enterprise. All development, sales and production activities, as
well as the current workforce, have remained in place at its present
location at Varese.
In June 2012, BMW was listed as the #1 most reputable company in the
world by Forbes.com.[18] Rankings are based upon aspects such as
“people’s willingness to buy, recommend, work for, and invest in a
company is driven 60% by their perceptions of the company and only 40%
by their perceptions of their products.”

Shareholders structure

Production

BMW plant in Leipzig, Germany: Spot welding of BMW 3 series car bodies with KUKA
industrial robots.
In 2006, the BMW group (including Mini and Rolls-Royce) produced
1,366,838 four-wheeled vehicles, which were manufactured in five
countries.[20] In 2010, it manufactured 1,481,253 four-wheeled vehicles
and 112,271 motorcycles (under both the BMW and Husqvarna brands).
[21]
The BMW X3 (E83) was made by Magna Steyr, a subsidiary of Magna of
Canada, in Graz, Austria under license from BMW until 2010. More than
45,973 were produced in 2009. Starting October 2010, the new BMW X3
(F25) is produced at BMW US Manufacturing Co., Greer, Spartanburg
County, South Carolina, USA
It is reported that about 56% of BMW-brand vehicles produced are
powered by petrol engines and the remaining 44% are powered by diesel
engines. Of those petrol vehicles, about 27% are four-cylinder models and
about nine percent are eight-cylinder models.[22] BMW also has local
assembly operation using complete knock down components in Thailand,
Russia, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, and India, for 3, 5, 7 series and X3. [19]

Automobiles
Main article: List of BMW vehicles
New Class
Main article: BMW New Class
The New Class (German: Neue Klasse) was a line of compact sedans and
coupes starting with the 1962 1500 and continuing through the last 2002s
in 1977. Powered by BMW's celebrated four-cylinder M10 engine, the New
Class models featured a fully independent suspension, MacPherson struts
in front, and front disc brakes. Initially a family of four-door sedans and
two-door coupes, the New Class line was broadened to two-door sports
sedans with the addition of the 02 Series 1600 and 2002 in 1966.
Sharing little in common with the rest of the line beyond power train, the
sporty siblings caught auto enthusiasts' attention and established BMW as
an international brand. Precursors to the famed BMW 3 Series, the two-
doors' success cemented the firm's future as an upper tier performance car
maker. New Class four-doors with numbers ending in "0" were replaced by
the larger BMW 5 Series in 1972. The upscale 2000C and 2000CS coupes
were replaced by the six-cylinder BMW E9, introduced in 1969 with the
2800CS. The 1600 two-door was discontinued in 1975, and the 2002
replaced by the 320i in 1975.

Current models

BMW 5-Series (F10)

The 1 Series, originally launched in 2004, is BMW's smallest car. Currently
available are the second generation hatchback (F20) and first generation
coupe/convertible (E82/E88). The 3 Series, a compact executive car
manufactured since model year 1975, is currently in its sixth generation
(F30); models include the sport sedan (F30), and fourth generation station
wagon (F30), and convertible (E93), and the Gran Turismo. In 2014, the 4
Series will be released and replace the 3 Series Coupe. The 5 Series is a
mid-size executive car, available in sedan (F10) and station wagon (F11)
forms. The 5 Series Gran Turismo (F07), debuted in 2010, created a
segment between station wagons and crossover SUV.[24]

BMW Z4 (E89)
BMW's full-size flagship executive sedan is the 7 Series. Typically, BMW
introduces many of their innovations first in the 7 Series, such as the iDrive
system. The 7 Series Hydrogen, featuring one of the world's first hydrogen
fueled internal combustion engines, is fueled by liquid hydrogen and emits
only clean water vapor. The latest generation (F01) debuted in 2009.
Based on the 5 Series' platform, the 6 Series is BMW's grand touring
luxury sport coupe/convertible (F12/F13). A 2-seater roadster and coupe
which succeeded the Z3, the Z4 has been sold since 2002.
BMW X3 (F25)
The X3 (F25), BMW's second crossover SUV (called SAV or "Sports
Activity Vehicle" by BMW) debuted in 2010 and replaced the X3 (E83),
which was based on the E46 3 Series' platform, and had been in
production since 2003. Marketed in Europe as an off-roader, it benefits
from BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system. The all-wheel drive X5 (E70)
was BMW's first crossover SUV (SAV), based on the 5 series, and is a
mid-size luxury SUV (SAV) sold by BMW since 2000. A 4-seat crossover
SUV released by BMW in December 2007, the X6 is marketed as a
"Sports Activity Coupe" (SAC) by BMW. The X1 extends the BMW Sports
Activity Series model lineup.
In 2013, the company announced that it was to launch its first fully electric
car range. This would begin with the launch of the BMW i3 in the second
quarter of 2014.

M models
Main article: BMW M

BMW M6 (F13)
BMW produce a number of high-performance derivatives of their cars
developed by their BMW M GmbH (previously BMW Motorsport GmbH)
subsidiary.
The current M models are:
1 Series M Coupe – E82 Coupe (2011 model year only)
M3 – E90 Sedan, E93 Cabriolet (2007 to present)
M5 – F10 Saloon (2011 to present)
M6 - F12/13 (2012 to present)
X5 M – E70 SAV (2010 to present)
X6 M – E71 SAV (2010 to present)

The arts

1975 BMW 3.0CSL painted by Alexander Calder

Manufacturers employ designers for their cars, but BMW has made efforts
to gain recognition for exceptional contributions to and support of the arts,
including art beyond motor vehicle design. These efforts typically overlap
or complement BMW's marketing and branding campaigns.[62] BMW
Headquarters designed in 1972 by Karl Schwanzer has become a
European icon,[63] and artist Gerhard Richter created his Red, Yellow,
Blue series of paintings for the building's lobby.[64][65] In 1975, Alexander
Calder was commissioned to paint the 3.0CSL driven by Hervé Poulain at
the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This led to more BMW Art Cars, painted by
artists including David Hockney, Jenny Holzer, Roy Lichtenstein, and
others. The cars, currently numbering 17, have been shown at the Louvre,
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, and, in 2009, at the Los Angeles County
Museum of Art and New York's Grand Central Terminal.[63] BMW was the
principal sponsor of the 1998 The Art of the Motorcycle exhibition at the
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and other Guggenheim museums,
though the financial relationship between BMW and the Guggenheim was
criticised in many quarters.
In 2012 BMW brought out the BMW Art Guide by Independent Collectors,
which featured amongst others the Dikeou Collection. It is the first global
guide to private and publicly accessible collections of contemporary art
world wide.
The 2006 "BMW Performance Series" was a marketing event geared to
attract black car buyers, and featured the "BMW Pop-Jazz Live Series," a
tour headlined by jazz musician Mike Phillips, and the "BMW
Blackfilms.com Film Series" highlighting black filmmakers.

BMW M3
The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the BMW 3-Series,
developed by BMW's in-house motorsport division, BMW M. M3 models
have been derived from the E30, E36, E46 and E90/E92/E93 3-series, and
sold with coupé, saloon and convertible body styles. Upgrades over the
"standard" 3-Series automobiles include more powerful and responsive
engines, improved handling/suspension/braking systems, aerodynamic
body enhancements, and interior/exterior accents with the tri-colour "M"
(Motorsport) emblem. Over the years the M3 and M5 have become the
benchmark vehicle against which most sport sedans in its class are
compared despite competition from Mercedes-AMG and Audi Quattro
GmbH (Audi RS). The last M3 coupe rolled off the assembly line in
Germany on 5 July 2013. The M3 name will remain with the sedan, but the
coupe model will be replaced by the M4 beginning with the 2014 model
year.[1][2]

E30 M3[edit]
E30

Overview
Production 1985–1992
Assembly Regensburg, Germany
Garching, Germany
Rosslyn, South Africa
Body and chassis
Body style 2-door coupé
2-door convertible
Related BMW 3 Series
Powertrain
Engine 2.3 L four-cylinder petrol
Transmission 5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase 101.1 in (2,568 mm)
Length 171.1 in (4,346 mm)
Width 66.1 in (1,679 mm)
Height 53.9 in (1,369 mm)
Curb weight 2,865 lb (1,300 kg)
Based on the 1986 model year E30 3-Series, the E30 M3 used the BMW
S14 engine.
In contrast to later M3 iterations, the E30 M3 was campaigned by BMW as
well as other racing teams including Prodrive and AC Schnitzer competing
in many forms of racing including rally as well as German, British, Italian,
Belgian, French, and Australian touring. The production of the E30 road
car was to homologate the M3 for Group A Touring Car racing. It was to
compete with the "2.3-16V"-model of the Mercedes-Benz W201 190E that
was introduced in 1983. In its final years of competition, the 2.5-litre S14
engine in full race trim was capable of over 250 hp (190 kW) naturally
aspirated.
The E30 M3 road car[edit]
The road car engine produced 192 hp (143 kW) with a catalytic convertor
and 197 hp (147 kW) without a catalytic convertor.
The "Evolution" model (also called "EVO2") produced up to 217 hp
(162 kW). Other Evolution model changes included larger wheels (16 X
7.5 inches), thinner rear and side window glass, a lighter bootlid, a deeper
front spoiler and additional rear spoiler.[3]
Later the "Sport Evolution" model production run of 600 (sometimes
referred as "EVO3") increased engine displacement to 2.5 L and produced
235 hp (175 kW). Sport Evolution models have enlarged front bumper
openings and an adjustable multi-position front splitter and rear wing.
Brake cooling ducts were installed in place of front foglights. An additional
786 convertibles were also produced.
Changes from the standard 3-series[edit]
Body
The E30 M3 differed from the rest of the E30 line-up in many ways. The
M3, although using the same basic unit-body shell as the standard E30,
was equipped with 12 different and unique body panels for the purposes of
improving aerodynamics, as well as "box flared" wheel-arches in the front
and rear to accommodate a wider track with wider and taller wheels and
tires. The only exterior body panels the standard model 3-series and the
M3 shared were the bonnet, roof panel, and sunroof.
Suspension
The E30 M3 differs from the standard E30 by having a 5x120 wheel bolt
patern. The E30 M3 had increased caster angle through major front
suspension changes. The M3 had specific solid rubber offset control arm
bushings. It used aluminum control arms and the front strut tubes were
changed to a design similar (bolt on kingpins and swaybar mounted to strut
tube) to the E28 5-series. This included carrying over the 5 series front
wheel bearings and brake caliper bolt spacing. The rear suspension is a
carry over from the E30.
Brakes
The E30 M3 had special front and rear brake calipers and rotors. It also
has a special brake master cylinder.
Driveline
The E30 M3 had one of two Getrag 265 5-speed gearboxes. US models
received an overdrive transmission while European models were outfitted
with a dogleg version, with first gear being down and to the left, and fifth
gear being a direct 1:1 ratio. Rear differentials installed included a 4.10:1
final-drive ratio for US models. European versions were equipped with a
3.15:1 final drive ratio. All versions were clutch-type limited-slip differentials
Wrap up
To keep the car competitive in racing following year-to-year homologation
rules changes, homologation specials were produced. Homologation
(motorsport) rules roughly stated that the race version must reflect the
street car aerodynamically and in engine displacement. These include: the
Evo 1, Evo 2, and Sport Evolution some of which featured less weight,
improved aerodynamics, taller front wheel arches (Sport Evolution; to
further facilitate 18-inch (460 mm) wheels in DTM), brake ducting, and
more power. Other limited-production models (based on evolution models
but featuring special paintwork and/or unique interior schemes
commemorating championship wins) include the Europa, Ravaglia,
Cecotto, and Europameister.
Production of the original E30 M3 ended in early 1992.
The M3s were entered by BMW as well as private racing teams and its
wins included the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft, British Touring
Car Championship European Touring Car Championship, Australian
Touring Car Championship, as well as the one-off World Touring Car
Championship title in 1987. The E30 M3 is also a multiple winner of Guia
Race, 24 Hours Nürburgring and Spa 24 Hours.
The M3 also saw service as a rally car, Prodrive-prepared examples
contesting several national championships and selected rounds of the
World Rally Championship between 1987 and 1989. By the latter year, the
cars, based on the standard M3, were equipped with six-speed gearboxes
and produced 295 bhp. The M3 was not competitive with the four-wheel-
drive cars on loose surfaces, but a very effective car on asphalt. Its most
notable success was victory on the Tour de Corse in 1987, driven by
Bernard Beguin.
Notable publication accolades[edit]
In 2004, Sports Car International named the E30 M3 car number six on the
list of Top Sports Cars of the 1980s.
In 2007, Automobile Magazine included the E30 M3 in their "5 greatest
drivers cars of all time" under their 25 Greatest Cars of All Time.
E30 performance[edit]
(2.3 L-16v I4) – 195 PS (143 kW; 192 hp) − 0–62 mph: 6.9 s. Top Speed:
146 mph (235 km/h)[4]
(2.3 L-16v I4) – 215 PS (158 kW; 212 hp) − 0–62 mph: 6.7 s. Top Speed:
149 mph (240 km/h)[4]
(2.5 L-16v I4) – 238 PS (175 kW; 235 hp) − 0–60 mph: 6.1 s. Top Speed:
154 mph (248 km/h)[4]

E36 M3[edit]
E36

Overview
Production 1992–1999
71,242 built[4]
Assembly Regensburg, Germany
Rosslyn, South Africa
Toluca, Mexico (BMW Mexico)
Body and chassis
Body style 4-door saloon
2-door coupe
2-door convertible
Related BMW 3 Series
Powertrain
Engine S50B30 3.0 L (1992–1995)
S50B32 3.2 L (1995–1999)
Transmission 5-speed automatic
5-speed manual
6-speed manual
6 Speed SMG
Dimensions
Wheelbase 106.3 in (2,700 mm)
Convertible: 106.7 in (2,710 mm)
Length 174.5 in (4,432 mm)
Lightweight: 178.0 in (4,521 mm)
Width 67.3 in (1,709 mm)
saloon: 66.9 in (1,699 mm)
Height 52.6 in (1,336 mm)
saloon: 53.7 in (1,364 mm)
Curb weight 1,460 kg (3,219 lb)
Convertible: 1,560 kg (3,439 lb)

1995–1999 BMW M3 (E36) coupe (Australia)

The E36 M3 debuted in February 1992 and was in the dealer's showrooms
in November that year; it was the first M3 powered by a straight-6 engine.
The engine used is a 2,990 cc (182 cu in) S50, which produces 210 kW
(282 hp).
Initially available as a coupé only, BMW introduced M3
convertible/cabriolet and saloon versions in 1994, the absence of any M5
models in the BMW line-up between the end of E34 M5 production in 1995
and the launch of the E39 M5 in 1998 prompting the introduction of the
four-door Motorsport model.
Also in 1994, BMW produced the limited-edition M3 GT as a racing
homologation special; all GTs were British Racing Green and featured an
upgraded 295 PS (217 kW; 291 hp) 3.0-litre engine. 356 GTs were built.[4]
In September and November 1995, the M3 coupé and saloon,
respectively, were upgraded to the 236 kilowatts (316 hp) 3.2 litre S50B32
engine. At the same time, the cars received clear indicator lenses, new
wheels and a 6-speed gearbox. The convertible did not receive these
changes until February 1996.[5]
The majority of E36 M3s were produced at the Regensburg factory;
however, a small number of detuned right hand drive M3s were assembled
at BMW's Rosslyn plant in Pretoria, South Africa.[6] In total, 46,525
coupés, 12,114 Cabriolets and 12,603 saloons were produced. Saloon
production ended in December 1997; the coupé ceased production in late
1998; and the convertible in December 1999.[4]
The E36 chassis M3 was touted as one of the best handling cars of the
90s in independent tests by Car & Driver. Known for its benign handling
and balance, the car is popular amongst circuit racers and track
enthusiasts. The E36 was also one of the first cars BMW designed mainly
with computer aid with the use of detailed Finite Element Analysis and
other software.
North American models[edit]
The first E36 M3 to be imported to the United States was the 1995 model,
which used the S50B30US engine with 240 bhp (179 kW; 243 PS) and
305 N·m (225 lb·ft), a different suspension setup and a 0-60 mph
(97 km/h) time in about six seconds. It was available with five-speed
manual and automatic transmissions.

An M3 Lightweight, with the characteristic checkered flag motif on the fender corner
A LTW (Lightweight) M3 was produced in limited numbers for the 1995
model year:
The 1996–1999 model years had displacement bumped up to 3.2 litres,
still with 240 bhp (179 kW; 243 PS), but torque increases to 320 N·m
(240 lb·ft) which is the same S52B32US engine used in the early M
Roadster and M Coupe. The manual gearbox remains a 5-speed despite
the European versions being upgraded to 6-speed. It was also available as
a saloon starting in model year 1997, and as convertible in 1998.
Production of the saloon was halted in 1998, while the other models
continued until 1999.
US sales figures include a total of 18,961 coupés, 7,760 saloons and 6,211
convertibles.[7]
Other notable differences between North American and their European
counterparts were as follows: Floating rotors were standard on the
Canadian and European cars, but absent from the American variations. As
well, the differential and rear axles on the North American cars were of
lighter duty builds than the Euro cars.
All late model M3's received subframe re-inforcements and more
aggressive front end suspension geometry due to the differences in caster
and camber yielded by top hat design and lower control arm bushings.

Racing history[edit]

Team GotOrgans E36 M3 in the Yukon, Canada, while on the Alcan Winter Rally
In 2012, an E36 M3 driven by Daniel Merkins and Ryan Smiley of Team
GotOrgans?[8] competed in the Alcan 5000 Winter Rally,[9] a rally starting
in Seattle to the Arctic Circle and back, marking the first time that an M3
had competed in this gruelling motorsport event. The M3 was an
unprecedented vehicle choice for this rally,[10] however, it proved to be one
of the most reliable cars competing that year, never citing a breakdown or
hard start in the cold, as well as never becoming snowbound.

The E36 M3 was also available as a saloon in the UK for a limited period
during 1995–6, during which around 400 RHD models were sold in the UK.
This variation had slightly softer suspension but could be purchased with
the firmer coupe set-up if the customer wished. Performance figures did
not change with the standard 286 bhp (213 kW; 290 PS) (more than the
US model by some margin). The 3.2 Evo was introduced with 316 bhp
(236 kW; 320 PS) .
E36 special models[edit]
There were six special-edition models of the E36 M3 produced: the M3
Euro-Spec (Canadian Edition), M3 LTW, M3 GT, M3 GT-R, M3-R, and the
Imola Individual (often referred to as the GT2) (the last of the E36s)
There was also an M3 Anniversary Edition only produced in 1999 for
Australia. This was the final year of production for the E36, with only 50
coupes and 70 convertibles being made. Furthermore, "BMW Individual"
were able to custom design an M3 with specific coloured leather,
woodgrain and other personalized options including polished magnesium
alloy wheels from the Anniversary edition. Convertibles lacked the sports
seats found in the coupe but retained every other feature.

M3 Euro-Spec (Canadian Edition)[edit]

In 1994 agreements existed between Canada and several countries in
Europe which allowed any car authorized in one participating country to
legally be sold in any of the others.[citation needed] Though BMW had
unveiled the next generation E36 M3 in Europe in 1992, the company felt
that the production version would need to be priced much higher for export
to North America than the market would allow. While the engineers worked
on a less expensive North American version of the E36 M3, BMW Canada
seized the window of opportunity: 45 numbered European specification M3
coupes were specially produced and imported into Canada.
Even with a base price of $59,900 (a substantial sum for the day given that
the standard equipment list did not include forged lightweight wheels, air
conditioning, a sunroof or even metallic paint), all 45 cars were spoken for
in 3 days. Unlike the other special versions of the E36 M3, buyers were
free to choose any colours and options they wanted on their cars. The cars
all came equipped with the 286 PS (210 kW; 282 hp) 3.0 L inline 6-cylinder
engine, vented brakes with floating rotors, glass headlights and other
European standard equipment. They were initially delivered to Toronto,
then shipped all across the country to the dealerships where they were
ordered.
Canada would not see another E36 M3 for sale until two years later, when
BMW finally made the American versions of the 1997 M3 available for
sale. Forty five Euro-Spec Canadian Edition cars were built, each one
having a numbered engraved plaque in both the glovebox and the custom
leather case which holds the owners manuals. Only the Australian M3-R
was built in lower numbers.
M3 Lightweight (LTW) (E36)[edit]
Beginning with the first E36 M3s delivered, BMW racers began pressuring
BMW for a homologation version with which to compete against Porsche
911s in sports-car racing. A homologation version is a car with special
modifications from the factory that are allowed in racing as "production"
cars, if enough cars are made and sold.
In 1995, BMW relented and offered the M3 LTW. The major changes to the
car were to lower the weight for racing. The cars came without a radio
(although the speakers were installed and the car pre-wired for the radio),
air conditioning (later offered as a dealer installed option), leather seats,
tool kit, or a sun roof. The doors have aluminum skins. There is no
underhood insulation blanket and the trunk only has carpet on the floor.
The under body insulation is thinner and there is special carpeting to lower
weight. Overall the changes added up to 200 -300 pounds less than a
standard M3.
The engines were specially selected from the assembly line for the highest
power. The ECU had the top speed limiter removed. The cars also came
with a 3.23 rear axle ratio versus the standard 3.15 of the 1995 M3s. The
cars were fitted with a sport suspension with stiffer springs and shocks.
Cosmetically the M3 LTW came only in Alpine White with the Motorsports
flag decals on the left front and right rear corners of the car. There is an
aggressive wing on the trunk lid. There was some carbon fiber interior trim
and the badges (side molding and dash) say "BMW Motorsports
International." The seat fabric is black with a red pattern.
Upon completion they were sent to Prototype Technology Group (PTG)
Racing in Virginia for final preparation, which included the front and rear
Motorsport flag decals, and "trunk kit." In the trunk there was a different oil
pan with special oil pump, longer oil dipstick tube, front strut bar, lower x
brace, spacer blocks to raise the rear wing, and an adjustable front splitter.
The oil pump was actually two pumps, one for feeding oil to the engine as
normal, the second fed from a second pick up at the front of the pan and
pumped the oil back into the sump to prevent build up of oil in the shallow
area of the oil pan. Each new owner was given a 1 page legal document to
sign stating that any installation of trunk items voided the new car
warranty. Later cars did not come with the "trunk kit" in the trunk, but with a
form that allowed the owner to order the items at no cost.
Unique forged 17-inch alloy wheels, 7 1⁄2 inches wide in the front and 8
1
⁄2inches wide in the rear, mounted with identically sized 235/40-17 tires
front and rear were an additional difference from the standard 17 × 7 1⁄2-
inch cast alloy wheels mounted with 235/40-17 tires on standard M3s.[13]
Although BMW promised to build approximately 100, BMW never released
the number of M3 LTWs built, and because of the peculiar assembly line,
to this day may not be known. However, enthusiasts now believe that there
exist approximately 125 built, with some 116 sold to the public.
The first two cars, which were used as press cars, are not technically M3
LTWs as they were regular production M3s that PTG made similar in
appearance to the not-yet-built LTW. After press duties, those two cars
were brought back into the PTG stable.
Racing history[edit]
Outside of multiple cars raced in the BMW CCA Club Racing series (an
amateur series specific only to BMW models) PTG had between two to
four models that they raced in IMSA. It seems that one of those cars was
sold to Jeff McMillian, in which he won the SCCA World Challenge series,
without winning a single race. One was raced in the SCCA's Touring 1
class by John Browne. The now defunct team Massari Muller won the
1998 Motorola Cup "Grand Sport class" championship with drivers Terry
Borcheller and Andy Pilgrim in an M3
M3 GT[edit]

1995 BMW M3 GT Individual

The M3 GT Coupe was a limited-edition mainland Europe-only edition of
which 356 were made; 50 were made in right-hand drive for the UK market
and were built in 1995 February–June. Six prototypes were made in
December 1994.
Famous for being British Racing Green (#312) with a Mexico Green interior
– a peculiar choice when the traditional German national racing colour is
silver.[clarification needed]
The BMW M3 GT was a homologation series special built to allow the E36
M3 to compete in the FIA-GT class II, IMSA GT and international long-
distance races.
It differed from the standard M3 with a deeper, adjustable, front spoiler with
corner splitters, higher rear double wing, doors in aluminium. Forged BMW
Motorsport wheels, 17x7,5 in front and 17x8,5 in rear, stiffer suspension in
front, x-brace and strut brace. Engine had raised compression (10,8:1),
slightly changed intake and camshafts (264 deg duration), motorsport oil
pump and double oil pickups in the special oil pan as well as special
software for engine and VANOS, producing 295 bhp at 7100 rpm and 323
Nm at 3900 rpm. The M3 GT was around 30 kg lighter than the standard
M3 and had a derestricted top speed of 275 kmh.
M3 Evolution Imola Individual (M3 GT2)[edit]
The M3 Evolution Imola Individual was a limited-edition (200 units for
Europe with part VIN WBACB5103-AN307--, 50 for the United Kingdom)
car sometimes referred to as the M3 GT2. The engine and performance
characteristics of the car were unchanged from the 1996+ euro M3, and a
special exterior and interior colour combination was once again chosen by
BMW; Imola red (405) paint with Nappa leather & Amaretto seats in Imola
red and anthracite seats. It also included side airbags, the M3 GT Class II
rear spoiler, front class II corner spoiler extensions, electric seats, and
double-spoke polished alloy wheels.
Prior to the release of the Imola Individual there was a pre-production
model made which was used as the basis of the special edition, it featured
the Class II front and rear spoilers, special order Imola red Paint, special
order Nappa + Anthracite Amaretta interior, SMG gearbox, GSM Phone
Kit, headlamp washers and double-spoke polished alloy wheels.
This car is believed to be the car BMW used for the Imola individual
advertising, though not officially confirmed. The car was professionally
converted to a 6-speed manual in June 2010 when the SMG Gearbox
failed.

1998 BMW M3 Evolution Imola Individual number 42/50 Shown here

M3-R[edit]
Fifteen M3s were ordered by BMW Australia in 1994 to race in the
Australian Super Production series. All were delivered to Tony Longhurst
Racing for final preparation by the Frank Gardner run team. Eleven were
made available to the general public, (who have to possess a CAMS
license to be allowed to buy one), four were retained for the race series,
the M3-R had locally sourced King springs fitted to Group N adjustable
struts and rear perches, AP Racing twin plate clutch and four piston brake
calipers, dual pickup sump, an oil restrictor in the head, A C Schnitzer
cams, a 3.25:1 ratio medium case diff and M5 driveshaft, cold air snorkel
into air filter box replacing left hand fog light, non functional rear seat, air
conditioner delete and more aggressive tune, GT front splitter and rear
spoiler with extensions and gurney strips. This was the most powerful
production E36 made with 240 kW (326 PS; 322 hp). A bolt-in FIA
approved roll cage was also a factory option (locally produced by Dencar)
there were several differences between the cars depending on customer
requirements, early numbers had non-staggered BBS wheels, later had
staggered BBS wheels (individually numbered plaque fitted to centre
console below emergency brake lever)
M3 GTR[edit]
The E36 M3 GTR is the road-going version of the competition machine
built to compete in the 1994 ADAC German GT Cup Touring Car series.
Essentially a race car with license plates,
M3 compact[edit]
To celebrate the 50th birthday of the German automobile magazine Auto
Motor und Sport in 1996, BMW M GmbH hand-built (at least) one official
BMW E36 M3 compact. The car was tested and described in the June
edition of the magazine.[14]
The car embodied all the mechanical (engine, driveline, suspension) and
visual (bumpers, wheels, mirrors, dashboard) characteristics of the stock
E36 M3. It was powered by the 321 DIN-hp 3.2-litre engine, and its colour
was red with a black cloth/alcantara interior. It had the forged Styling 24M
5-doublespoke wheels that came standard on the M3 cabriolet, an exhaust
with fairly centered quad exhaust tip, Recaro sports bucket seats, red four-
point seat belts and an alcantara wrapped steering wheel and gear lever.