July 5, 2013 – The last BMW M3 coupe

^{BMW M3 GTS. By Alexandre Prévot}

The BMW M3 is a name synonymous with performance, precision, and driving pleasure. Since its inception in 1986, the M3 has captivated the hearts of automotive enthusiasts worldwide, setting benchmarks in the sports coupe segment. On July 5, 2013, a significant chapter in the M3’s storied history came to a close with the production of the last M3 two-door coupe, marking the end of an era and the dawn of a new one.

The Birth of an Icon: The Original M3

^{E30 BMW M3 coupe. By Darren (interior below by same photographer).}

Introduced in 1986, the original BMW M3 (E30) was designed to homologate the 3 Series for Group A Touring Car racing. The engineers at BMW’s M division crafted a vehicle that combined everyday usability with race-ready performance. The E30 M3 featured a high-revving, naturally aspirated 2.3-liter inline-four engine producing 192 horsepower, a lightweight body, and a finely tuned chassis. Its aggressive yet elegant design and exceptional handling characteristics quickly earned it a cult following.

The E30 M3’s success on the racetrack translated into commercial success, and subsequent generations of the M3 continued to build on its legacy. Each new iteration brought advancements in technology, power, and design, solidifying the M3’s status as a benchmark in the sports coupe category.

Evolution of the M3: Generations of Excellence

Over the years, the M3 evolved, with each generation bringing new innovations and maintaining the model’s reputation for performance and driving dynamics. The E36, introduced in 1992, featured a more refined design and a straight-six engine that produced up to 321 horsepower in its final iteration. The E46, launched in 2000, is often hailed as one of the best-handling cars ever made, thanks to its balanced chassis and powerful 3.2-liter inline-six engine.

The E92 M3, introduced in 2007, marked a departure from the inline-six engine with the introduction of a 4.0-liter V8, producing 414 horsepower. This generation also saw the inclusion of advanced technologies such as the M-DCT dual-clutch transmission, enhancing both performance and drivability.

^{1998 BMW M3 sedan. By BUTTON74}

The End of an Era: The Last M3 Coupe

On July 5, 2013, BMW manufactured the last M3 two-door coupe, marking the end of the E92 generation and the discontinuation of the M3 coupe. This moment was bittersweet for M3 enthusiasts, as it signaled the end of a beloved model that had defined the sports coupe segment for nearly three decades.

The decision to discontinue the M3 coupe was part of BMW’s broader strategy to rebrand its coupe and convertible models under the new 4 Series nameplate. The following year, the M3 sedan continued the M3 legacy, while the high-performance coupe and convertible versions were reintroduced as the M4.

The Dawn of the M4: A New Chapter

With the introduction of the BMW 4 Series in 2014, the M4 took up the mantle of the high-performance coupe. The F82 M4 featured a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, producing 425 horsepower and offering a perfect blend of power, agility, and efficiency. The M4 continued the tradition of the M3 coupe, delivering exhilarating performance and exceptional driving dynamics.

The history of the BMW M3, from its inception in 1986 to the production of the last BMW M3 coupe in 2013 is a testament to BMW’s commitment to engineering excellence and driving pleasure. Each generation of the M3 has pushed the boundaries of performance and technology, earning its place as an icon in the automotive world. While the M3 coupe may have bid farewell, its spirit lives on in the M4, ensuring that the legacy of the M3 continues to thrill and inspire car enthusiasts for years to come.