2021 BMW M3 Competition

The BMW M3 first hit the scene back in 1986, a high-performance beast born from the 3 Series in BMW's M lineup. Codenamed E30 initially, it packed a 2.3-liter naturally aspirated inline-four, cranking out around 200 horsepower—quickly cementing itself as one of the benchmarks for performance sedans of its era. Since then, the M3 has gone through some serious evolution: E36, E46, E90/E92/E93, F80, and now the latest G80. Each generation upped the ante big time in power, handling, and tech. Remember the E46? That's when they dropped in the legendary 3.2-liter inline-six. The F80 was a game-changer too, being the first M3 to go turbocharged. And the current G80? It's rocking a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six that pushes out over 500 horsepower—absolute insanity. For Malaysian petrolheads, the M3 has always been a top pick for a high-performance sedan. It's a natural fit for our twisty roads and those moments when you just want to stretch its legs on the highway. Plus, BMW Malaysia is pretty on the ball with bringing in the latest versions and backing them up with solid after-sales service. But the M3 isn't just a street star—it's got serious track cred too. Think DTM touring cars and other races where it's consistently podium-finishing. That kind of heritage? It just reinforces why the M3 is known as the ultimate driver's car.

The BMW M3 and M4 are the high-performance stars of the BMW M lineup, and the key difference between them comes down to body style and intended purpose. The M3 rocks a four-door sedan setup, making it the go-to choice if you want to blend everyday family practicality with serious performance. The M4, on the other hand, is a sleek two-door coupe that's all about sporty aesthetics and raw driving thrills. Under the hood, both share the same 3.0-liter inline-six twin-turbo engine, pumping out identical power figures – like 503 hp in Competition spec – and feature nearly identical chassis tuning. But since the M4 has a shorter wheelbase and is slightly lighter, it theoretically has a tiny edge when it comes to corner-carving agility. Here in Malaysia, both models offer a choice between rear-wheel drive or xDrive all-wheel drive. Local buyers can pick based on their priorities: the M3 if practicality is king, or the M4 if you're after head-turning style and that extra sporty vibe. More broadly, the BMW M range has a huge following in Malaysia. Car enthusiasts here absolutely love the combination of high-revving engines and pinpoint handling. Plus, the local dealership network backs it up with solid after-sales support and warranty packages – think exclusive track days and specialized maintenance plans – which really sweetens the ownership experience. A quick heads-up though: both cars need to guzzle high-octane fuel (RON 97 or higher) to perform at their best. And given Malaysia's scorching climate, splurging on the upgraded cooling system is a smart move if you plan on pushing these machines hard.

The BMW M3, an icon among high-performance sedans, currently packs a 3.0-liter inline-six twin-turbo engine – the S58 powerplant. That means six cylinders firing in a straight line, cranking out a solid 480 to 510 horsepower depending on the trim, like the Competition model, and a meaty 650 Nm of torque. It's mated to either an 8-speed M Steptronic auto or a good old 6-speed manual, again depending on which version you go for, and it'll rocket from 0-100km/h in around 3.9 seconds flat. For Malaysian enthusiasts, the M3's inline-six isn't just a nod to BMW's classic engine layout; its turbocharged tech also handles high-revving action better in our hot local climate. Plus, it's more fuel-efficient compared to the older naturally aspirated units. Let's not forget, inline-six engines are beloved by performance fans for their silky smooth power delivery and that unmistakable engine note. BMW M Division also deserves props for beefing up the cooling system, which is a total lifesaver in Malaysia's year-round sweltering heat. If you're scouring the used car market, keep in mind that the earlier E90/E92 M3 generations came with a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 – that's eight cylinders, folks. So, cylinder count has changed over the generations, so definitely check the specific year and model before you buy.

Under the hood of the BMW M3 GTR lies the legendary P60B40, a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine. This high-performance powerplant, featuring a 90-degree cylinder bank angle, cranks out an impressive 350 horsepower and 365 Nm of peak torque. Mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and tuned specifically for the track, it revs all the way up to a thrilling 8,000-rpm redline. What really sets it apart is its dual-overhead camshaft setup with four valves per cylinder, complemented by BMW's then-advanced Double-VANOS variable valve timing system. This potent combination propelled the M3 GTR to victory in the 2001 American Le Mans Series. For Malaysian petrolheads, this engine is a rare gem with serious collector's appeal. Why? Because it was a special homologation build by BMW M Division, with only 10 road-going examples produced worldwide. The race-spec versions took things even further with lightweight materials and more aggressive tuning. It's also worth noting that this V8 left a lasting legacy, influencing BMW's subsequent high-performance engine development. You can see its technical DNA in modern M Power engines like the S65B40, which is a familiar sight in the Malaysian market today.

The BMW M3 represents the pinnacle of high-performance sedans. Its latest G80 generation is powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six twin-turbocharged engine that produces 510 horsepower and 650 Nm of torque. It is paired with either an 8-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual gearbox, enabling the automatic version to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h, which can be extended to 290 km/h with the optional M Driver's Package. Designed to perform reliably in Malaysia's hot climate, the M3's specially engineered cooling system and chassis tuning maintain stable performance on both highways and race tracks. The xDrive all-wheel-drive variant significantly enhances grip, providing added confidence and safety on wet roads during the rainy season. Beyond its formidable power, the M3 is equipped with advanced technologies such as an Active M Differential and adaptive suspension, which contribute to both its dynamic handling and everyday driving comfort. While competitors like the Mercedes-AMG C63 and Audi RS5 have their own strengths, the M3 is particularly admired by Malaysian enthusiasts for its precise handling and engaging rear-wheel-drive character. We recommend a test drive at an authorized dealership to experience its performance firsthand.

The BMW E46 M3 is powered by the legendary S54B32 engine – a 3.2-liter naturally aspirated inline-six that's pure M Power magic. This high-revving masterpiece features an aluminum block and cylinder head, paired with BMW's Double-VANOS variable valve timing system. Cranking out 343 horsepower (252 kW) at a screaming 7,900 rpm and 365 Nm of torque at 4,900 rpm, with a redline hitting 8,000 rpm, it's an engine that lives for the upper end of the tach. It came mated to a slick 6-speed manual gearbox or the optional SMG sequential transmission in later models, rocketing the E46 M3 from 0-100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds. What really makes the S54 special is its incredible high-revving character and linear power delivery – no wonder it bagged the International Engine of the Year award three years running. It's a true icon from BMW's M division. For Malaysian enthusiasts, the E46 M3's S54 isn't just a great engine; it's a tuner's dream with massive modification potential. That distinctive inline-six bark and the sheer driving thrills it delivers still have a cult following today. Just a heads-up though – in our tropical climate, those high-revving engines need extra cooling love. Keeping up with cooling system maintenance and swapping in quality high-performance coolant is key to keeping that S54 singing strong.

Let's talk about the production numbers of the BMW M3 GTR. This beast was BMW's homologation special for the 2001 American Le Mans Series (ALMS), built specifically to meet the racing regulations requiring a road-going version. Official figures say only around 10 road-legal M3 GTRs rolled off the line, making it insanely rare – most were used just for homologation, not actual public sale. Under the hood, you've got a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 cranking out roughly 380 horsepower, mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. Toss in its lightweight body and track-focused setup, and this thing is hands down the wildest iteration of the E46 M3 lineage. For Malaysian petrolheads, the M3 GTR is pretty much a collector's piece – you'll be hard-pressed to spot one on local roads. Your best bet? Keep an eye on international auctions or classic car trading platforms if you're chasing one. Fun fact: Its starring role in Need for Speed: Most Wanted cemented the M3 GTR as a dream car for a whole generation of enthusiasts. And BMW's kept that track-ready spirit alive with limited editions like the M4 GTS. If you're into high-performance Bimmers, check out the M Power models officially brought in by BMW Malaysia – rides like the M3 Competition or M4 CSL. They might not have the GTR's legendary rarity, but they pack more advanced tech and are way more livable for daily driving.

In Malaysia, the latest pricing for the BMW M3 Competition varies depending on the spec and optional extras, typically ranging from around RM 700,000 to RM 800,000. For the most accurate quote, it's best to hit up your local authorized dealer. This high-performance sedan packs a 3.0-liter inline-six twin-turbo engine, churning out 510 hp and 650 Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed M Steptronic gearbox. It sprints from 0-100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds, making it a real standout in its class. For Malaysian enthusiasts, the M3 Competition isn't just about raw performance—it also comes with the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which handles our country's unpredictable road conditions like a champ. Inside, you're looking at top-notch materials and the latest iDrive 8 system, so the tech game is strong too. One thing to keep in mind: import car prices in Malaysia take a hit from factors like tariffs and exchange rates. So before you sign on the dotted line, it's smart to shop around. Also, keep an eye out for dealer promotions or financing deals—you might score a sweeter deal than you think.

The all-new BMW M3 (G80) made its global debut in September 2020 and started hitting markets worldwide from 2021. BMW Malaysia officially brought it into the Malaysian market in the third quarter of 2021, and it's currently available for order locally. This high-performance sedan is powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six twin-turbo engine, churning out 480 horsepower in standard trim, while the Competition variant ups the ante to 510 horsepower. It pairs with either an 8-speed automatic sport transmission or a 6-speed manual gearbox, depending on the market, and notably marks the first time BMW has introduced the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system to the M3 lineup. For Malaysian enthusiasts, beyond the regular models, it's worth keeping an eye on local dealerships to see if limited editions or special configuration models make their way in – think variants like the M3 CSL, which typically drop about 1-2 years after the base model's launch. A heads-up for buyers: imported cars in Malaysia usually undergo tweaks to suit local climate and road conditions, like upgraded cooling systems and tropical-spec tires. So, it's smart to check the latest spec sheets on BMW Malaysia's official website before making a purchase. If you're considering parallel imports, pay extra attention to whether the vehicle meets the certification standards of Malaysia's Road Transport Department (JPJ) to avoid any registration headaches down the line.

The 2024 BMW M3 offers the xDrive all - wheel - drive version in some markets. However, the specific configuration in Malaysia should be subject to the official information released by local dealers. As a high - performance sedan, the BMW M3 is equipped with a 3.0 - liter inline six - cylinder twin - turbocharged engine, paired with an 8 - speed M Steptronic transmission. The xDrive system can actively distribute torque between the front and rear axles, enhancing handling stability on slippery roads. It's worth noting that Malaysia has a tropical rainforest climate with frequent heavy rains. The all - wheel - drive system can provide better traction when driving in the rain, but it will also slightly increase fuel consumption. The M3 also offers a rear - wheel - drive version, which is more suitable for owners who pursue pure driving pleasure. It is recommended that potential buyers choose the drive type according to their own driving habits and needs and experience the differences through test drives in person. BMW Malaysia usually holds test - drive events after the release of new cars, which is the best way to understand the vehicle's performance.