Production of the current BMW M3 (F80) might already end in May

BMW has been steadfastly working on developing the all new version of the 3 Series and M3. That’s why it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the existing model’s production will end when the new version comes along. But then, it seems like production will end sooner than we expected. In fact, there have already been reports of the discontinuation of the current F80 M3 taking place in a few months.

It was actually BMWBlog that announced this, as they said that the F80 M3’s production will be capped off as early as May 2018. One of the reasons for this is because of the introduction of the new WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure) driving cycle. This new procedure will act as the new standard when determining levels of pollutants, C02 emissions, fuel or energy consumption for cars worldwide.

Once this becomes effective, BMW will have to fit the M3 F80 with a complex new Otto particle filter beginning in June. But instead of doing this, they have decided to just completely stop production in May, also so that they may focus on developing the 3 Series and the M3 - both models are slated to begin production within the next couple of years. Production will only be halted for the M3 though, as the M4 will remain unaffected by this change. Therefore, production of the M4 will continue for a few more months after May.

If rumours are true, it is said that the up and coming M3 that is scheduled to be released in 2020 will be more powerful, and we mean that it will have as much as 500 horsepower (373 kilowatts) that comes from its 48-volt mild hybrid system. However, other sources say that it might come with 475 horsepower (354 kilowatts) if it gets the updated version of the current S55 3.0-liter engine carrying over. It is also very likely that the upcoming X3 and X4 M models will get the same engine as well.

The new 3 Series will be sitting on BMW’s new CLAR architecture and we expect to get a number of improvements for this. We expect that the new model will have an increase torsional rigidity because a lot of aluminum and high strength steel were used. Aside from that, it should also have a 50:50 weight distribution, as well as a lower center of gravity.

As I said earlier, do not expect to see the new BMW 3 Series until sometime next year. The more powerful M3, on the other hand, will not be out in the market until 2020 so contain your excitement. For now, all we can do is sit back and wait for BMW to give us updates on both models.