BMW M3

The BMW M3 is a sports version of the popular compact BMW 3-Series automobile, made by BMW Motorsport.

The first M3 was based on the 1986's E30 range, and there has been an M version of every 3-Series since.

E30 M3

Based on the 1986 E30 3-Series body, the first M3 was introduced with a 2.3L S14 engine, derived from the M10 straight-4. One of the main reasons for production of the road car was to homologate the M3 for Group A Touring Car racing, as an answer to the "2.3-16V"-model of the Mercedes-Benz W201 which was introduced in 1983.

The first version produced 195hp (143 kW), and later versions upped displacement to 2.5L and 238hp (175 kW). 786 cabriolets were also produced.

The E30 M3 differed from the rest of the E30 lineup in many ways. The M3 was equipped with flared fenders to accommodate a wider track with wider and taller wheels and tires. It also had three times the caster angle of any other E30. The M3 had larger brakes and shared wheel bearings with the E28 5-Series.

Special editions and later homologation specials included the Evo I, Evo II and Sport Evo (AKA. Evo III) some of which featured less weight, improved aerodynamics, and more power to keep the car competitive in racing following homologation rules.

Production of the original M3 (E30 coupe) ended in 1991.

The M3 was (and is) a successful racer, winning the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft, European Touring Car Championship and even the one-off world title in 1987. The E30 M3 is also a multiple winner of Macau Grand Prix, 24 Hours Nürburgring and Spa 24 Hours.

Performance

• (2.3l-16v I4) - 143kW/195bhp 0-60 mph - 6.9 s. Top Speed: 140 mph
• (2.5l-16v I4) - 175kW/238bhp 0-60 mph - 6.2 s. Top Speed: 150 mph

In 2004, Sports Car International named this car number six on the list of Top Sports Cars of the 1980s.

E36 M3

The replacement for the original M3 appeared at the 1992 Paris Auto Show. This E36 coupe model got the 3.0L S50B30 straight-6 engine, which produced 286hp (210kW).