BMW is having to end production of the mighty M3 performance sedan due to emissions regulations that take effect in June of 2018. The new regulations set forth by the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure, require a gasoline particulate filter be installed on all new vehicles after the June deadline. Unfortunately for the M3, its underbelly doesn’t have the room needed for the large device. Rather than spending the money to rework the M3’s floor pan, BMW is simply ending production of the 425-horsepower legend.

It’s not all bad news, however, the two-door coupe version of the M3, the M4 will continue production and come with the new particulate filter, officially known as the Otto Particulate Filter. Collateral changes to the M4 include the discontinuation of its lightweight carbon fiber driveshaft in favor of a steel driveshaft with a smaller diameter.

The M3’s discontinuation has several ramifications, of course, so let’s get into what’s going on.

Continue reading for more information.

Death by Emissions

While it is rather unfortunate the F80 generation M3 will cease production before June 1, 2018, BMW is already deep in development on its successor. Known as the G20 generation, the new M3 (and then M4) will ride on BMW’s new Cluster Rear Architecture that already underpins the new 5 Series. Not only will the new G20 produce (or at least better control) exhaust emissions, the new model should be better by about every measurable metric. Non-M models are reportedly coming with a reworked version of the current inline four- and six-cylinder turbocharged engines.

Better still, BMW is said to have a slew of new M and M-Performance models on the way, both for the new G20 chassis and for several other vehicles is its stable. In fact, the numbers are pegged at 11 new M models and 15 new M-Performance variants – all by 2020.

In the meantime, that means the current F80 M3 will see its value skyrocket. Those wanting the car will have to act quickly, while those looking for a pre-owned model will see resale values remaining high. That’s great news for current owners who want to unload their F80 M3, but bad news for someone looking to purchase. It seems both time and money are in short supply.

Of course, prices will undoubtedly drop once the new G20 M3 and M4 hit the market sometime around 2020. BMW has been rather quiet on specifics regarding the G20 M3’s performance, but we can expect at least marginal improvements from the current F80 car.

F80-Gen BMW M3 Specifications

Engine Type

3.0-Liter I-6 Turbocharged

Engine Technology

M TwinPower Turbo technology with two mono-scroll turbochargers, High Precision Direct Fuel Injection, fully variable valve timing (VALVETRONIC) and variable camshaft control (Double-VANOS)

Output (HP @ RPM)

425 @ 5500–7300

Torque (LB-FT @ RPM)

406 @ 1,850–5,500

Transmission

Six-speed manual gearbox (optional: Seven-speed Double Clutch Transmission)

Acceleration (0-60 MPH)

4.1 Sec (W/ Manual) / 3.9 Sec. (W/ M-DCT)

Top Speed

155 mph


In its current form, the 2018 M3 uses a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder making as much as 444 horsepower in the DCT Competition Package edition. Torque is rated at 406 pound-feet. A seven-speed dual-clutch sends power to the rear wheels and helps the 3,600-pound sedan hit 60 mph in just 4.0 seconds. Car & Driver recorded 0.98 g on their 300-foot skid pad, showing just how capable the sedan is at holding the road. Prices for such performance start around $64,500 for the DCT Competition Package and can crest near $90,000.

References

BMW M3

Read our full review on the 2017 BMW M3.

Read more BMW news.