BMW M3 Engine

Specifications

The BMW M3 engine is powered by a high-performance 3.0-liter inline-six M TwinPower Turbo petrol engine, featuring twin-scroll turbochargers, direct fuel injection, VALVETRONIC fully variable valve timing and Double-VANOS variable cam timing for enhanced power delivery and efficiency. The S58B30 straight-six produces around 473–510 hp and strong torque, depending on the specific variant and revs up to about 7,200 rpm. This advanced six-cylinder layout combines traditional BMW engine character with modern forced induction to deliver rapid acceleration and a broad powerband, making the M3 both a thrilling sports sedan and usable daily driver. 

Engine Variants

E30 M3 Engine

The BMW E30 M3 was powered by the S14 engine, a high-revving naturally aspirated 2.3-liter inline-four developed specifically for motorsport homologation. It featured a cast-iron block derived from the M10, an aluminum DOHC 16-valve cylinder head based on the M88/S38 design, individual throttle bodies, and Bosch Motronic fuel injection. In standard road form, it produced around 195–200 hp (depending on market) and about 240 Nm of torque, with a redline near 7,200 rpm, emphasizing sharp throttle response and top-end performance. Later evolution models increased output significantly, reinforcing the S14’s reputation as one of BMW M’s most race-focused engines.

E36 M3 Engine

The BMW E36 M3 was offered with two main engines depending on market. In Europe, it used the S50 inline-six, starting with a 3.0-liter naturally aspirated DOHC 24-valve engine producing 286 hp, later upgraded to a 3.2-liter S50B32 with 321 hp, featuring individual throttle bodies, VANOS variable valve timing, and a high 7,600 rpm redline. In North America, the E36 M3 received the S52 (and earlier S50US), a 3.0- to 3.2-liter inline-six producing 240 hp, with simpler components such as a single throttle body and milder cam profiles, tuned for reliability and emissions compliance while still delivering strong performance and classic M character.

E46 M3 Engine

Often considered the sweet spot of the M3 lineage, the E46 M3 was powered by the legendary S54 inline-6. This naturally aspirated engine revved to an exhilarating 8,000 rpm and combined razor-sharp response with a thrilling exhaust note. Balanced handling, timeless styling, and an engine widely regarded as one of BMW’s best ever made the E46 M3 a benchmark for modern performance coupes.  

E90/E92 M3 Engine

Breaking tradition, the E90/E92 M3 introduced the S65 4.0-liter V8, the only V8 engine ever fitted to an M3. Producing power high in the rev range with an unforgettable sound, it delivered a completely different character from its predecessors. While heavier and more complex, the V8 M3 offered a unique blend of exotic performance and everyday usability that still stands out in BMW’s history. 

F80 M3 Engine

The BMW F80 M3 is powered by the S55 engine, a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six with an aluminum block, direct fuel injection, double VANOS, and Valvetronic. It produces 425 hp in standard form (up to 444 hp in Competition models) and 550 Nm of torque, delivering strong low-end response and a high-revving character up to about 7,600 rpm, blending turbocharged efficiency with traditional M performance. 

Frequently Asked Questions