Hot Wheels BMW M3 generation

With the introduction of the latest BMW M3, the E36 M3 Race car, it joins earlier BMW M3's that Hot Wheels introduced in the past few years, the 1992 E30 M3 and the 2011 E92 M3 GT2.

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The heart of the M division

The Motorsports division of the BMW line started in the early 1980's with the mid-engine M1 supercar, and some of that technology was handed down to later M models including the M5 and the M3.  The first M3 was introduced in 1985 and was based on the 3-series line.  The powertrain was the 2.5L DOHC I-4 producing 235 hp. through a 5-speed manual.  European models got the dog-leg 5th gear position, while the US has the regular H-pattern 5-speed.  Front end modifications included increased camber alignment and parts shared with the 5-series.  The exterior featured flared fenders, ground effects, and modified front bumper with larger air ducts.  The interior featured a sporty European flair with typical placement of controls and switches and a comprehensive gauge cluster.  This M3 also offered lightweight and Race car versions.

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Next is the 1992 M3 based on the new 3-series line, which now features smoother, aerodynamic look while still retaining the BMW iconic cues like the round headlights and kidney grille.  Differentiation between regular 3 and M3 is even more difficult since the M3 shares the same look except for ground effects, revised front and rear bumpers, and dual exhaust at the rear.  Sedan and Convertible versions was also offered for the first time.  Interior is more smoother and well-laid out with the same comprehensive setup as the previous generation, now offered with dual airbags.  The motor is now a larger 3.2L DOHC I-6 producing 316 hp. through a five-speed manual transmission, with an automatic also offered for the first time.  This generation was know for the vast array of special edition models as well.

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The Third-generation was based on the new 1999 BMW 3-series coupe, only as coupe and convertible sharing the same I-6 as before, but upgraded with enhancements to produce more power.  I won't go into detail since this generation is not represented here for now.

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The Fourth generation was another revolutionary step with the introduction of 4.0L DOHC V8 with 414 hp. at the higher end of the RPM range, through a six-speed manual or the DCT automated manual transmission.  The new car is fast, but the heavy engine limited the flexibility that the previous generation's had.  The exterior is smoother and features deeper front scoops, hood bulge and scoops, lower stance, and quad exhaust tips at the back.  The interior now features the I-drive controller and screen with dash, seats, and steering wheel much thicker in bolstering.  The GT2 features an even lower stance with front spoiler and rear spoiler.  The interior features one racing seat with roll cage and the dash remains, but typical controls are replaced by switch gear and the gauges with the digital racing setup.  The 4.0L V8 produces more power and the only transmission is the DCT automated manual transmission.  Oh, and the exhaust exits out to the sides after the doors.

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The Hot Wheels versions

First was the GT2 after the 2011 reintroduction of the BMW license to the Mattel brand with the stock M3 coupe.  The GT2 has a much aggressive front-end that properly follows the shape of the actual car, compared to the 2011 stock M3 coupe that looks like the front-end got pushed-in!  The stance is as low as it can go, and the details around the back are top notch.  The interior also has the proper setup as well.  It's unfortunate that this casting has not gotten its fair share of attention after the 2012 introduction in white and black, and I hope it gets some more attention soon.

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Next was the 1992 M3, a race car that was the result of a short-lived Hot Wheels Racing premium series that was only available to international markets. While the Toyota 2000GT never made it, the M3 did, then both were released in the 2013 mainline with the M3 arriving first in silver with striping on the hood and sides and looking good in the gold lace wheels (resembling the BBS wheels of the 1990's).  From the outside you can't even tell its a race car with a stock look that includes a nicely-done front grille with scoops, lights, and all.  The sides feature the flared fenders nicely, but the rear could use some more details.  The base is nicely done with all of the major drivetrain components.  Inside is where the racing lives with two front seats, deleted rear seat with roll cage behind the front seats, and the stock M3 dashboard setup.  So far it's gotten its share of attention in dark blue, red, and K-mart-only white, but using the same deco and blacked-out wheels is getting old, so it's time for a new deco.

Even though the AMG version didn't arrive until later in the 1990's, you can option a Mercedes-Benz 190E to make it a legitimate M3 competitor, just like this Hot Wheels Corgi version from 1997.

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Finally is the new one the E36 Race car in the same white and graphics as the limited edition 1995 lightweight version.  It is definitely a race car with large rear wing, ground effects with wider rear fenders, while still retaining the factory stock look with the kidney grille, headlights, taillights, and body lines.  However, for a race car why is the car not sitting low, and why is that bumper so high up there???  Inside the interior features the same stock dash, two supportive seats, and rear seat delete and roll cage just like the 1992 M3.  The base details are the same as well.  This is one superb casting let down by a rather high-up setting of the front bumper.

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