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© 2026 - Octane Automotive BV
© 2026 - Octane Automotive BV
The BMW M3 of the E90 generation (E90 Sedan, E92 Coupé, E93 Convertible) is the only M3 ever with a V8 engine and the only era in which BMW M deviated from the inline-six tradition. Built from 2008 to 2013, this M3 represents a unique chapter in BMW M history: a naturally aspirated 4.0-litre S65 V8 (derived from the S85 V10 in the E60 M5) producing 414 hp at 8,300 rpm with an 8,400 rpm redline. Alongside the three regular body variants, the line also includes the extreme M3 GTS (2010, around 150 cars, 4.4-litre S65B44 with 444 hp and factory-installed roll cage) and the limited M3 CRT (2011, 67 Sedan cars, factory-installed lightweight package). A BMW M3 E90 is not sold to just any buyer; it is passed on to someone who knows the naturally aspirated V8 culture and values this M3's unique position within the lineage.
The BMW M3 of the E90 generation was unveiled in 2007 and went on sale in 2008 as the successor to the E46 M3. The big technical change was the engine specification: for the first time in M3 history BMW M chose a V8 engine instead of an inline-six. The naturally aspirated 4.0-litre S65 V8 (a development of the S85 V10 from the E60 M5) produced 414 hp at 8,300 rpm and 400 Nm of torque at 3,900 rpm, with an 8,400 rpm redline. For BMW M this was an experiment that was not continued: the F80 M3 (2014) returned to inline-six (with biturbo). Production ran to 2013 with substantial worldwide sales across Sedan (E90), Coupé (E92), and Convertible (E93). The E92 Coupé has factory-installed carbon roof panels.
The S65 V8 is the heart of the E90 M3 and one of the most advanced naturally aspirated V8 engines ever built. Key factory-installed features: factory-installed dual VANOS variable valve timing, factory-installed individual throttle bodies per cylinder (eight individual intakes), factory-installed magnesium-aluminium construction, factory-installed dry-sump lubrication, and factory-installed lighter components. The engine produces 414 hp at 8,300 rpm with a specific output of 104 hp per litre - exceptionally high for a naturally aspirated V8 in 2008. The S65 however has known points of attention: rod bearings that can fail at higher mileage (comparable to S54), throttle actuators that periodically need replacement, and oil pump status. For collectors an S65 with proven completed rod bearing renewal is essential.
In 2010 BMW M unveiled the E92 M3 GTS, the most extreme regular E90/E92 M3 specification. Production was limited to around 150 cars worldwide. The GTS received factory-installed 4.4-litre S65B44 V8 (the S65 expanded from 4.0 to 4.4 litres) producing 444 hp at 8,300 rpm. The package includes factory-installed roll cage, factory-installed bucket seats with factory-installed harness preparation, factory-installed Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, factory-installed adjustable rear wing, factory-installed lowered chassis with factory-installed coilover suspension, and factory-installed Fire Orange paint colour. For collectors the E92 M3 GTS is one of the most sought-after regular E90 M3 specifications and trades consistently in seven-figure Euros.
The E90 M3 CRT (Carbon Racing Technology, 2011) is a unique factory-installed lightweight specification, limited to 67 cars (Sedan-only, European market only). The CRT received the same 4.4-litre S65B44 V8 as the GTS (uprated to 450 hp), factory-installed carbon bonnet, factory-installed carbon bucket seats, factory-installed Frozen Polar Silver Metallic paint colour, and factory-installed unique factory specification. Additionally BMW M released various Edition specifications: M3 Lime Rock Park Edition (2013, around 200 cars US, factory Fire Orange), M3 Frozen Edition (various colours in factory matte specification: Frozen Black Metallic, Frozen Silver Metallic, Frozen White, Frozen Red), and factory-installed Competition Package with factory-installed lowered chassis and sharpened differential settings.
The E90/E92/E93 M3 has seen a complex valuation curve. Regular E92 Coupés in factory specification with proven completed rod bearing renewal and factory throttle actuator update have been appreciating since 2020. Manual specifications sit substantially higher than M-DCT. The E90 Sedan and E93 Convertible have their own buyer pools, with the E93 Convertible generally lower priced. The M3 GTS and M3 CRT are in their own high price tier and trade consistently above original list price. Edition specifications (Lime Rock Park, Frozen Editions) are generally more attractive than regular E90 M3s. For sellers this means a well-documented E90/E92 M3 with proven S65 service history at BMW M Classic or recognised M specialist attracts strong international interest.
E90 Sedan (2008-2011), E92 Coupé (2008-2013), or E93 Convertible (2008-2013, with factory-installed four-piece folding hardtop). The E92 Coupé has factory-installed carbon roof panels, factory-installed unique front spoiler, and is the most collected regular specification. The E90 Sedan and E93 Convertible each have their own collector markets.
Regular E90/E92/E93 M3 was delivered with manual six-speed gearbox or M-DCT (seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, from 2008). For collectors and enthusiast drivers, the manual specification is substantially more valuable, often fifteen to twenty percent higher priced. The M-DCT is technically more advanced but is regarded by many as a less pure driving experience.
The naturally aspirated 4.0-litre S65 V8 requires factory expertise. Known points of attention: rod bearings (comparable to S54), throttle actuators, oil pump, and timing chains. An S65 with proven completed rod bearing renewal and throttle actuator update is considerably more attractive to collectors and buyers.
The E92 M3 GTS (2010, around 150 cars worldwide) has factory-installed 4.4-litre S65B44 V8 (444 hp), factory-installed roll cage, factory-installed bucket seats, factory-installed Brembo brakes, factory-installed adjustable rear wing, factory-installed Fire Orange paint colour, and factory-installed stripped interior. For collectors, confirmation via BMW Group Classic is essential for top valuation.
The E90 M3 CRT (Carbon Racing Technology, 2011, 67 cars Sedan only) has factory-installed 4.4-litre S65B44 V8 (450 hp, the same engine as GTS), factory-installed carbon bonnet, factory-installed carbon bucket seats, factory-installed Frozen Polar Silver Metallic paint, and factory-installed unique factory configuration. For collectors this is one of the rarest E90 M3 specifications.
For E90 M3 collectors, iconic factory colours such as Le Mans Blue, Imola Red, Jerez Black, Sparkling Graphite Metallic, and factory-installed Edition colours strongly drive price. Edition specifications include Lime Rock Park Edition (2013, around 200 cars US, factory Fire Orange), Frozen Edition (various colours in factory matte specification), and Competition Package.
E90 M3 service is specialist work: the S65 V8 requires factory expertise for rod bearings, throttle actuators, timing chains, oil pump, and factory-installed parts. For the E93 Convertible: factory-installed four-piece folding hardtop requires specific service. Service at BMW M Classic or a recognised M specialist is essential for collector-oriented sales.
Note: These factors may influence buyer interest. Value depends on many factors.
E90 Sedan (2008-2011), E92 Coupé (2008-2013), E93 Convertible (2008-2013), M3 GTS (2010, 150 cars, E92 only), or M3 CRT (2011, 67 cars, E90 Sedan only). Edition specification: Lime Rock Park Edition (2013), Frozen Edition (various colours), Competition Package. Model year, chassis number, and engine number.
Strongly recommended for M3 GTS (4.4-litre S65B44, factory-installed roll cage, factory-installed Fire Orange) and M3 CRT (4.4-litre S65B44, factory-installed carbon bonnet, factory-installed Frozen Polar Silver). Apply via BMW Group Classic in Munich. Confirms factory specification and factory-installed packages. For regular E90/E92 M3 optional.
All invoices from BMW M Classic or recognised M specialist. The S65 V8 requires factory expertise: rod bearings, throttle actuators, timing chains, oil pump, and VANOS system. For M-DCT specifications: factory mechatronics service. For E93 Convertible: four-piece folding hardtop system.
The S65 V8 has known points of attention with rod bearings that can fail at higher mileage (comparable to S54 in E46 M3). Document factory rod bearing renewal (preventive, often between 60,000-100,000 km) with invoices from BMW M Classic or recognised M specialist. For collectors, proof of completed rod bearing renewal is a decisive selling point.
The S65 has factory-installed eight individual throttle actuators that periodically need replacement. A failing actuator generates specific fault codes and can lead to engine performance reduction. Document factory throttle actuator update (preventive or after failure) with invoices from BMW M Classic. For collectors, proof of completed update is an important selling point.
Paint colour with BMW factory code, original leather specification, factory-installed M seats, factory-installed M steering wheel. For Edition specifications: confirmation of factory-installed Lime Rock Park (Fire Orange), Frozen Edition (factory matte specification), or Competition Package. For GTS: factory Fire Orange with factory-installed roll cage. For CRT: factory Frozen Polar Silver with factory-installed carbon bonnet.
Number of previous owners, mileage, manual or M-DCT specification, any trackday participation, geographic distribution. For collector-oriented sales manual is generally higher priced than M-DCT. For GTS and CRT: low mileage is substantially value-driving. For regular E90/E92/E93 M3 an average use with full service history is acceptable.
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