"M3 - BMW redefines the term sports car. With 286 hp it is setting new standards and makes driving an addiction. [...] The M3 engine does not develop it's power - No - it is simply present in an overwhelming quantity at any time. Already at idle, the torque of 240 Nm is available, and instead of a maximum torque at a climax, it is constantly remaining at the peak of a band that is starting at 3600 rpm and goes up to 6000 rpm." "Auto Zeitung" Magazine, Issue 26/1992, Page 4 and 28 (Article about the introduction of the BMW E36 M3 3.0, Euro Spec.)

"... The M3 engine offers ... an impressive max. torque of 320 Nm, which is virtually all the time present in the range from 3600 to 5900 rpm. With it's torque value, the M3 six-cylinder outperforms sports car motors like those of the Porsche Carrera or Honda NSX (Remark by me: Acura Products are still designated as Honda in Germany) . [...] Keep in mind: The M3 has NO turbocharger." "mot" Magazine, Issue 26/1992, Page 72 (Article about the introduction of the BMW E36 M3 3.0, Euro Spec.)

"... Not only does the BMW M3 develop a higher torque at idle than the maximum (!!!) torque of the also powerful 325i, but with it's 320 Nm max. torque at only 3600 rpm and 95,7hp per liter it puts everything else in the shadow." "Auto Magazin" Magazine, Issue 4/1993, Page 31 (Road Test with the BMW E36 M3 3.0, Euro Spec.)

"... Although it has only 2.3 liters ... the engine develops the impressive specific power output of 85hp per liter - a value that is only exceeded by the M5 (Remark by me: In 1989 the E34 M5 had a 3.6 liter 6-cylinder with 315hp) [...] Always when testing the M3 in various comparison tests, to see how it performed against it's competitors, the M3 demonstrated that it was designed for the race track." "sport auto" Magazine, Issue 12/1989, Page 19,20 (Long Distance Test (80.000km in 2 years!) with the BMW E30 M3 2.3)