Powering the E9x generation M3 is the infamous S65 DOHC V8 which produces 414 horsepower stock and revs all the way to 8,400 rpm. As the final naturally aspirated M engine from BMW, this one made a statement. With 8 individual throttle bodies breathing and VANOS variable valve timing on the intake and exhaust cams, the S65 is capable of providing gobs of low-end power while still revving higher than almost any other V8 on the market and making power all the way around the tachometer. In addition, it makes an outstanding noise that is low and muscly at idle but transitions to a high-pitched scream as you rev it out.

The M3 is, without a doubt, one of BMW’s most beloved nameplates, and every time a new 3-Series debuts, enthusiasts wait with great anticipation to see what the M variant will be like. With the introduction of the E90 chassis in 2005, it was clear that BMW had a great starting point- and two years later, the company debuted what might be considered the best M3 of all time. After two generations of inline-6 powered M3s, another inline-6 would have been the natural choice for the E90. But with the E46’s S54 already touching the ceiling of what was possible for a naturally aspirated 6-cylinder, BMW pivoted to a one-generation-only V8 in the E90, which transformed the M3 from a quick car to an absolute Autobahn missile.