Verified Performance Tests i Updated Jul 2026 · 67 production runs · 7 modified

BMW M3 0–60 Times

The BMW M3 0–60 times and quarter-mile times below are from 67 verified production tests sourced from reputable automotive resources such as Car and Driver, Motor Trend and MotorWeek and more. A further 7 modified or prototype runs are listed by year but kept out of every record and average, per our methodology.

The fastest tested production BMW M3 is the 2024 BMW M3 CS Sedan, which went from 0 to 60 mph in 2.70 seconds, reaching the ¼ mile in 10.70 seconds at 129.0 mph, according to Car and Driver.

The slowest tested production BMW M3 is the 1988 BMW M3 Coupe, which took 7.10 seconds to reach 60 mph, running the ¼ mile in 15.40 seconds at 91.0 mph, according to Road & Track.

Across the 67 verified production tests of the BMW M3, the average 0–60 mph time is 4.65 seconds. The average quarter-mile time is 13.07 seconds at 109.28 mph.

Separately, 7 modified or prototype runs are on record for the BMW M3, led by the 2010 BMW M3 GT Coupe (Race Car) at 3.10 seconds. These are not stock configurations and are excluded from the figures above.

Fastest 0–60 2.70sec 2024 CS Sedan · stock

Average 0–60 4.65sec Across 67 production runs

Fastest Modified 3.10sec 2010 GT Coupe (Race Car) · modified

Avg ¼ Mile 13.07sec @ 109.3 mph trap

Slowest 0–60 7.10sec 1988 Coupe

Across 67 verified production runs, the BMW M3 ranges from 2.70 to 7.10 seconds 0–60, with a 4.65-second average. 7 modified or prototype runs are recorded separately and excluded from this range.

The BMW M3 is ranked in these lists

#4 Fastest Cars Under 600 HP

#5 Fastest 6-Cylinder Cars

#6 Fastest Quarter Mile Sedans

#8 Fastest Sedans

#8 Fastest Cars of 2023

#9 Fastest Cars of 2024

#14 Fastest Cars of 2022

#15 Fastest Twin-Turbo Cars

#20 Fastest Cars Under 800 HP

#22 Fastest Cars of 2025

#25 Fastest Cars of 2021

#26 Fastest Cars of 2020's

#26 Fastest Quarter-Mile AWD Cars

#28 Fastest AWD Cars

#31 Fastest Cars of 1980's

#37 Fastest Quarter-Mile Manual Cars

#37 Fastest Hatchbacks

#38 Fastest Naturally Aspirated Cars

#39 Fastest Cars of 1990's

#41 Fastest RWD Cars

#47 Fastest Cars of 2000's

#47 Fastest Quarter Mile of All Time

#48 Fastest Convertible Cars

#50 Fastest Quarter-Mile RWD Cars

#69 Fastest Cars Under 200 HP

#87 Fastest Cars Under 300 HP

#94 Fastest Coupes

#97 Fastest Cars of 2010's

#99 Fastest 8-Cylinder Cars

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BMW M3 Performance Overview

BMW’s M3 performance record spans 1988 to 2025 across 74 verified tests (72 production, 2 modified), tracing a steady shift from compact, naturally aspirated gasoline coupes to today’s turbocharged super-sedan format. The E30 began with the 192-hp S14B23 and a 6.9-second 0-60 run for the 1988 Coupe, while the E36’s 240-hp S50/S52 era cut that to 5.3 seconds in the 1995 Lightweight Coupe.

The E46 period brought the 333-hp S54 and, in modified form, a 2006 Dinan Supercharged S3-R Coupe at 4.4 seconds. BMW then moved to the E90/E92/E93 generation’s 414-hp S65 V8, with the 2010 Coupe reaching 3.9 seconds. Turbocharging became standard with the F80’s S55 twin-turbo inline-six, and a 2017 Competition Package + M Performance Parts Sedan posted 3.8 seconds.

In the current G80 generation, the S58 twin-turbo inline-six ranges from 473 to 543 hp, and all tested examples remain gasoline-powered rather than hybrid or electric. Rear-drive Competition Sedan models opened at 3.5 seconds for 2021, xDrive dropped the mark to 2.8 seconds in the 2023 Competition xDrive Sedan, and the 2024 CS Sedan’s 2.7-second 0-60 and 10.7-second quarter-mile at 129 mph define the model’s current peak.

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BMW M3 0–60 Times by Generation: E30 to G80

6 generations

Generation	Years	Avg 0–60	Fastest 0–60	Production Tests	Notes
G80	2021–present	3.25s	2.70s — 2024 CS Sedan	8	The G80 generation (2021–present) averaged 3.25 seconds to 60 mph across 8 production tests, led by the 2024 CS Sedan at 2.70 seconds. Output ranged from 473 to 543 hp across 3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6 configurations.
F80	2015–2018	3.95s	3.80s — 2017 Competition Package + M Performance Parts Sedan	12	The F80 generation (2015–2018) averaged 3.95 seconds to 60 mph across 12 production tests, led by the 2017 Competition Package + M Performance Parts Sedan at 3.80 seconds. Output ranged from 425 to 444 hp across 3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6 configurations.
E90/E92/E93	2008–2013	4.24s	3.90s — 2010 Coupe	16	The E90/E92/E93 generation (2008–2013) averaged 4.24 seconds to 60 mph across 16 production tests, led by the 2010 Coupe at 3.90 seconds. Output ranged from 414 to 540 hp across 4.0L V8, 4.6L V8 configurations. A further 2 results from 2 modified vehicles are recorded but excluded from the average.
E46	2000–2006	4.84s	4.50s — 2001 Coupe	13	The E46 generation (2000–2006) averaged 4.84 seconds to 60 mph across 13 production tests, led by the 2001 Coupe at 4.50 seconds. Output ranged from 333 to 462 hp across 3.2L I-6, 3.2L Supercharger I-6, 4.0L V8 configurations. A further 4 results from 4 modified vehicles are recorded but excluded from the average.
E36	1992–1999	5.83s	5.30s — 1995 Lightweight Coupe	16	The E36 generation (1992–1999) averaged 5.83 seconds to 60 mph across 16 production tests, led by the 1995 Lightweight Coupe at 5.30 seconds. Output was 240 hp across 3.0L I-6, 3.2L I-6 configurations. A further 1 result from 1 modified vehicle is recorded but excluded from the average.
E30	1986–1991	7.00s	6.90s — 1988 Coupe	2	The E30 generation (1986–1991) averaged 7.00 seconds to 60 mph across 2 production tests, led by the 1988 Coupe at 6.90 seconds. Output was 192 hp across 2.3L I-4 configurations.

G80 2021–present

Avg 0–60 3.25s

Fastest 2.70s

Tests 8

2024 CS Sedan

The G80 generation (2021–present) averaged 3.25 seconds to 60 mph across 8 production tests, led by the 2024 CS Sedan at 2.70 seconds. Output ranged from 473 to 543 hp across 3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6 configurations.

F80 2015–2018

Avg 0–60 3.95s

Fastest 3.80s

Tests 12

2017 Competition Package + M Performance Parts Sedan

The F80 generation (2015–2018) averaged 3.95 seconds to 60 mph across 12 production tests, led by the 2017 Competition Package + M Performance Parts Sedan at 3.80 seconds. Output ranged from 425 to 444 hp across 3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6 configurations.

E90/E92/E93 2008–2013

Avg 0–60 4.24s

Fastest 3.90s

Tests 16

2010 Coupe

The E90/E92/E93 generation (2008–2013) averaged 4.24 seconds to 60 mph across 16 production tests, led by the 2010 Coupe at 3.90 seconds. Output ranged from 414 to 540 hp across 4.0L V8, 4.6L V8 configurations. A further 2 results from 2 modified vehicles are recorded but excluded from the average.

E46 2000–2006

Avg 0–60 4.84s

Fastest 4.50s

Tests 13

2001 Coupe

The E46 generation (2000–2006) averaged 4.84 seconds to 60 mph across 13 production tests, led by the 2001 Coupe at 4.50 seconds. Output ranged from 333 to 462 hp across 3.2L I-6, 3.2L Supercharger I-6, 4.0L V8 configurations. A further 4 results from 4 modified vehicles are recorded but excluded from the average.

E36 1992–1999

Avg 0–60 5.83s

Fastest 5.30s

Tests 16

1995 Lightweight Coupe

The E36 generation (1992–1999) averaged 5.83 seconds to 60 mph across 16 production tests, led by the 1995 Lightweight Coupe at 5.30 seconds. Output was 240 hp across 3.0L I-6, 3.2L I-6 configurations. A further 1 result from 1 modified vehicle is recorded but excluded from the average.

E30 1986–1991

Avg 0–60 7.00s

Fastest 6.90s

Tests 2

1988 Coupe

The E30 generation (1986–1991) averaged 7.00 seconds to 60 mph across 2 production tests, led by the 1988 Coupe at 6.90 seconds. Output was 192 hp across 2.3L I-4 configurations.

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BMW M3 0–60 Times by Year and Trim

67 production tests + 7 modified · 24 years

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2025 BMW M3

1 production run

Avg 0–60 3.20 sec

Avg ¼ Mile 11.40 sec

Production Tests 1

#04

2025 BMW M3 Competition Sedan

3.20sec 0–60

11.40s ¼ mi @ 125.0 mph

▾

0–60 mph: 3.20 sec
¼ Mile ET: 11.40 sec
Trap Speed: 125.0 mph
Engine: 3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6
Drivetrain: RWD
Transmission: 8A
Horsepower: 503 hp
Torque: 479 lb-ft
Curb Weight: 3,840 lbs
Power-to-Weight: 7.6 lbs/hp
MPG EPA: 16 C / 23 H
Production Vehicle
Body Type: Sedan
Powertrain: Gasoline
Test Source: Car and Driver
Overall Rank: #4 of 67 production runs

How we verify BMW M3 performance data

Records and averages on this page cover verified production runs only; modified and prototype results are listed by year but never folded into them. We include only independently published road-test results from automotive publications. Manufacturer-claimed 0–60 times are excluded unless clearly labeled. When multiple publications test the same BMW M3 trim, each run is listed separately — weather, tires, surface, rollout, and instrumentation all affect results.

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BMW M3 0–60 and quarter-mile distribution

0–60 vs ¼ mile · lower-left is faster

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BMW M3 performance FAQs

11 questions

The 2025 BMW M3 Competition Sedan does 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds. That current-year test is for the 503-hp, 479-lb-ft rear-wheel-drive sedan with BMW’s twin-turbo S58 engine. It also runs the quarter-mile in 11.4 seconds at 125 mph.

The quickest BMW M3 on record is the 2024 BMW M3 CS Sedan, which reaches 60 mph in 2.7 seconds. It is also the fastest M3 in the quarter-mile, posting 10.7 seconds at 129 mph. Across 74 total tests, no other M3 has matched that 0-60 result.

The fastest stock BMW M3 on record is the 2024 M3 CS Sedan at 2.7 seconds from 0-60 mph. That same car also holds the quickest quarter-mile result at 10.7 seconds with a 129-mph trap. It is the benchmark production M3 in straight-line performance.

Across 74 total BMW M3 tests, the average 0-60 time is 4.62 seconds. Average quarter-mile performance is 13.03 seconds at 109.8 mph. The range runs from a quickest 2.7-second sprint to 60 mph to a slowest recorded 7.1-second run.

The G80-generation BMW M3 averages 3.25 seconds from 0-60 mph across 8 tests, making it the quickest M3 generation on record. Its fastest run is 2.7 seconds, set by the 2024 M3 CS Sedan. G80 models span 473 to 543 hp and use twin-turbocharged gasoline powertrains.

The fastest G80 BMW M3 is the 2024 M3 CS Sedan, with a 0-60 mph time of 2.7 seconds. Within the G80 generation, that is the quickest verified launch result. Across the generation’s 8 recorded tests, no other G80 M3 is quicker to 60 mph.

The E46 BMW M3 averages 4.8 seconds from 0-60 mph across 16 tests. Its quickest recorded run is 4.4 seconds. E46 cars on record span 333 to 462 hp and include both naturally aspirated and supercharged examples, which helps explain the generation’s wide performance spread.

The E30 BMW M3 averages 7.0 seconds from 0-60 mph across 2 tests, with a quickest run of 6.9 seconds from a 1988 Coupe. E30 models on record make 192 hp and use naturally aspirated gasoline power. It is the slowest M3 generation in straight-line acceleration.

On record, yes. BMW M3 sedans average 4.39 seconds to 60 mph across 17 tests, while coupes average 5.01 seconds across 32 tests. The best sedan result is 3.8 seconds, compared with 3.9 seconds for the best coupe. Overall, the sedan has the stronger acceleration record.

Yes. The BMW M3 Competition xDrive Sedan averages 3.07 seconds from 0-60 mph across 3 tests, while the rear-wheel-drive Competition Sedan averages 3.4 seconds across 3 tests. The quickest xDrive run is 2.8 seconds, versus 3.2 seconds for the quickest Competition Sedan.

Across 74 total tests, the BMW M3 averages 13.03 seconds in the quarter-mile at 109.8 mph. The quickest quarter-mile result on record is 10.7 seconds at 129 mph by the 2024 M3 CS Sedan. For the 2025 model year, the Competition Sedan runs 11.4 seconds at 125 mph.

Sources

Car and Driver

Motor Trend

MotorWeek

Road & Track

0–60 and quarter-mile times vary with driver, weather, tire temperature, and wear. We collect every verified run we can find — so you see the range of what a BMW M3 can do, not a single marketing claim.

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