M3 3.0 Coupé
The M3 becomes a straight-six.
1992 European 3.0-litre specification · Factory source
Every figure, in one place.
Performance
- Power
- 286 PS · 282 hp · 210 kW
- Torque
- 320 Nm
- 0–100 km/h
- 6 s
- Top speed
- 250 km/h · limited
- Power-to-weight
- 5.10 kg/PS
Engine and drivetrain
- Engine
- S50B30 · Inline-six
- Displacement
- 2,990 cm³
- Induction
- Naturally aspirated
- Gearbox
- 5-speed manual
- Drivetrain
- Rear-wheel drive
- Powertrain
- Petrol
Body and dimensions
- Production
- 1992–1995
- Body
- Coupé
- Length
- 4,433 mm
- Width
- 1,710 mm
- Height
- 1,335 mm
- Wheelbase
- 2,700 mm
- Kerb weight
- 1,460 kg
- Fuel tank
- 65 L
Where this car ranks across all 93 cars in the catalogue.
Know before you buy
- Rear shock mounts tear through the body
- VANOS rattle and cooling system ageing
- Rust on early cars
Commonly reported ownership points, not a guarantee of faults. Always get an independent inspection.
The M3 becomes a six-cylinder car.
The European E36 M3 3.0 uses the S50B30 straight-six. Keep its market attached: an E36 M3 badge does not establish the same engine specification in every country.
A naturally aspirated M straight-six in a classic coupé.
Confirm market and engine before comparing specifications.
The B30 suffix distinguishes this record from the later S50B32.
S50B30 · Inline-six
S50B32 museum engine pictured. Related S50-family reference; this is not the 3.0-litre S50B30 revision.
S50B30 · Petrol
The European 3.0-litre M3 uses the naturally aspirated S50B30 with individual throttles and VANOS inlet-camshaft adjustment. This is distinct from the lower-output North American powertrain.
Natural aspiration
Intake air enters without a turbocharger. Engine breathing, valve timing and engine speed shape the way torque builds.
Rear-wheel drive
A five-speed manual transmission sends torque to the rear wheels. The later European 3.2-litre model added Double VANOS and different power and torque ratings.
1992 European 3.0-litre specification
Power and torque above describe engine output for this specific factory specification. PS means metric horsepower; hp is used for US-rated output. Other model years and markets can differ. Open the BMW factory source for the original specification.
The full specification.
Ownership and buying
- Buying tips
- Confirm market and engine before comparing specifications.
- Maintenance notes
- Match the engine code and VIN to the correct BMW service schedule. Ask for dated maintenance records and an independent inspection before buying.
