BMW M3 V6
The 2022 BMW M3 has an inline-six engine that gets a maximum of 503 horsepower, 23 mpg, and hits 0-60 in 3.4 seconds.
Written by Melanie Johnson
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
BMW has long been synonymous with power, performance, and best-in-class handling. The BMW M3 is particularly impressive—it’s operated by a six-cylinder engine that leads the ultimate driving machine to reach 0-60 in just 4.1 seconds.
The M3 was first introduced in 1986 and came directly from motorsport. The idea was to make a racing sedan available on the road—and boy did they do it! If speed and agility are what you’re after, you’ll get them with the M3. The base 473-hp model comes with a mandatory manual transmission and rear-wheel drive while upgrading to the Competition model will see an enhanced twin-turbo engine that boasts a whopping 503-hp.
Hungry for more information on this speed lover's car?
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Starting price: $70,100
Engine: 3.0 L 6-cylinder
Horsepower: 473 to 503 hp
Torque: 406 to 479 lb-ft
0 to 60: M3 sedan—4.1; M3 Competition—3.8; M3 Competition xDrive—3.4
Despite many competitors switching to a V6 configuration,
BMW
has a long history of using inline-six (also called straight-six) engines in its vehicles. Inline-six means that the cylinders in the engine are in a straight row, while V6 means they are in a V shape. Car aficionados argue that the inline-six is more refined than the V6 engine—but no matter where you stand in that debate, you’ve gotta admire the M3’s impressive capabilities. In its base model, it boasts an impressive 473 hp, 406 lb-ft of torque, and reaches 0 to 60 speeds in 4.1 seconds. Upgrading to the Competition xDrive model will get you there in an astounding 3.4 seconds. That’s some serious speed!
Other notable features of the BMW M3 include:
- BMW Assist eCall™, which includes an emergency request button and automatic collision notification
- Driver assistance features, including frontal collision warning, lane departure warning, and blind-spot detection.
- Advanced vehicle and key memory system that stores most recently used climate-control settings, as well as mirror, power, locking and lighting settings, and audio and radio presets
- Surround sound audio system with a 464-watt amplifier and 16 speakers
- 12.3-inch touchscreen display featuring Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, and a one-year all-access subscription to SiriusXM® Satellite Radio
Not to mention, the 2022 BMW 3 series—the M3 series’ counterpart—is an
IIHS Top Safety Pick
. Safety and speed? That’s a winning combination. How’s the fuel economy?
A vehicle this fast will cost you a little in the fuel efficiency department. The M3 gets up to 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway and it requires premium gasoline. Hey, you can’t have it all!
Which BMW models have the V6?
BMWs are operated by an in-line six engine, not a V6.
However, like the V6, the inline-six is a six-cylinder engine. The inline-six comes standard in both the base and CompetitionM3 models. It also comes standard in the BMW M4.
How fast is the BMW M3?
The M3 sedan goes from 0-60 in a brisk 4.1 seconds, while the M3 Competition makes it there in 3.8 seconds. The M3 Competition outfitted with xDrive—BMW’s all-wheel-drive—hoofs it there in a brisk 3.4 seconds.
How does the BMW M3’s speed stack up to the competition? Let’s check out a few similar vehicles:
- BMW M4: 3.24 seconds
- Audi RS5: 3.6 seconds
- BMW M2: 3.9 seconds
- Cadillac ATS-V: 3.9 seconds
- Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio: 5.1 seconds
Key Takeaway The inline-six engine in a BMW M3 gives it its speed and power—but at the expense of fuel efficiency.
Which is better: M3 or M3 Competition?
Both the standard M3 and the M3 Competition come with an inline-six engine.
You’ll pay about $3,000 more for the Competition model, which will give you more horsepower, torque, and a faster 0-60 speed. For an additional $4,100 you can upgrade to xDrive, BMW’s performance-oriented all-wheel drive—though the starting price is a hefty $77,895.
The best BMW M3 model for you will come down to price point and what you want out of your vehicle. A base model BMW M3 is a zippy little speed demon sure to give a jolt of excitement to your morning commute—but if you crave more power, speed, and handling capabilities, consider the M3 Competition outfitted with all-wheel drive. We certainly think you’ll enjoy it!
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Reviewed on 5/28/2023
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FAQs
Does the BMW M3 come in V6?
The BMW M3 comes with an inline-six engine, not a V6. Like a V6, an inline-six is a six-cylinder engine. Unlike the V6, the cylinders are arranged in a straight line, not a V-formation.
Are V6 BMWs reliable?
According to RepairPal, the BMW M3 is not as reliable as other models. The high repaircosts and frequency of repairs make the ownership costs of an M3 high.
That said, when you buy a new M3, your car will be under warranty for four years. This means that repairs from defective parts or labor will be covered. You will also receive BMW Ultimate Care with your purchase, which covers all regularly scheduled maintenance for up to three years or 36,000 miles.
Does the 2022 BMW have AWD?
Both the base model 2022 BMW M3 and the Competition model come standard with rear-wheel drive. However, the Competition xDrive sedan features xDrive, BMW’s performance-oriented all-wheel drive.The Competition xDrive’s MSRP is $7,000 above the base price.
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