BMW M3 Production Will Reportedly End In May

The BMW M3 F80 is starting to show its age and a new report is indicating the model will soon be put out to pasture.

According to BMW Blog, the introduction of the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) has pushed the automaker to end production of the current-generation M3 earlier than expected. According to the report, the new regulations – which replace the previous New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) – would require the model to be equipped with a particulate filter but BMW has decided against this. As a result, the car will reportedly go out of production in May of this year.

While the M3 will be going on a short hiatus, production of the M4 Coupe and Convertible will reportedly continue as both models are expected to receive the filter well ahead of the June 1st deadline.

BMW hasn’t said much about the next-generation M3 but the model was recently spotted undergoing testing. The prototype didn’t reveal much about the production model but it suggested the car will have wider front fenders, a four-tailpipe exhaust system, and an aerodynamic body kit which includes aggressive side skirts and a rear spoiler.

There have been countless rumors about what will power the next M3 but the general consensus is a twin-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. However, reports vary from there as some claim the car will have a 48-volt mild-hybrid system while other expect the model to use the same water-injection system as the M4 GTS. Everything remains to be seen but rumors suggest the car will produce anywhere from 460 PS (453 hp / 338 kW) to 500 PS (493 hp / 367 kW).