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History:
The high-performance version of BMW's 3-Series sedan range
began as a limited-edition model designed to meet minimum
production requirements for touring car racing in Europe and
Asia. The M3 arrived in the U.S. in the late '80s and was
sold through the 1991 model year, as a 2-door coupe with an
emphasis on performance at the expense of creature comforts.
Powered by a high-revving twin-cam 4-cylinder engine and
available only with a 5-speed manual transmission, the M3
quickly became a favorite of sports car enthusiasts. The M3
returned as a coupe for the 1995 model year, powered by a
240-horsepower 3.0-liter 6-cylinder. For 1997 an M3 sedan
was added with an optional automatic transmission available,
and the M3 convertible completed the M3 lineup in 1998. The
M3 sedan was dropped for 1999, the last year the previous M3
was available in the U.S.
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