The BMW E30 M3 generations snowball into most of what we have today as performance-orientated automobiles of all time. The E30 M3 different generations featured the benchmark that other competitors needed to live up to as long as styling and performance were concerned. BMW dreams of competing in DTM and meeting the FIA’s Group A regulations which require them to produce 5,000 road-going versions of the competition car, birth the E30 platform as the basis of the new race car. Taking up this challenge saw the E30 M3 earn a number of laurels for its mother company. Below are the different generations of the BMW E30 M3.
BMW E30 M3 (1986 – 1991)
The M3 displayed at the 1985 Geneva Motor Show came with a massive upgrade to the car as the entire exterior wore a new look from the standard E30 model. The exterior changes that came with it include a larger rear spoiler, a deep front splitter, and flared wheel arches that could accommodate the wider tires intended for the M3. The car aerodynamic add-ons were made from plastic to reduce weight. To further give it a unique look, alteration of somebody panels including the C-pillar and rear window to improve airflow towards the rear spoiler was a welcome idea.
The braking system of the E30 M3 model was unique and its suspensions came with aluminum control arms, offset control arm bushings at the front, revised front strut tubes with bolt-on kingpins, and a new swaybar. Its 15-inch wheels gave the exterior a perfect look. The E30 M3 came with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder DOHC engine generating 197 horsepower (147 kW) accelerating from 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) within 7 seconds with a top speed of 235 km/h (146 mph). This was accompanied by a Getrag 265 5-speed manual transmission.
E30 M3 Evolution I (1987)
BMW created new homologation special models that were produced in limited volumes. The first of these models were known as the Evolution I (EVO I) and it sported a revised cylinder head. Powered by a 200hp 2.3-liter S14 inline-four engine driving the rear wheels through an engaging five-speed dogleg manual transmission.
BMW E30 M3 Convertible (1988)
The wave of convertible cars was permeating seriously into the minds of enthusiasts in the 80s and with the 3 Series Convertible widely acceptance, an open-top version of the M3 came in 1988 with some slight modification in its suspension setup due to increase weight as the car had to be strengthened to account for the lack of a roof. The convertible version was mechanically identical to the hardtop.
E30 M3 Evolution II (1988)
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The Evolution II (EVO II) featured an additional 217 horsepower (162 kW) from its previous model. A deeper front splitter, rear spoiler, 16 x 7.5-inch wheels, thinner rear and side window glass, and a lighter boot lid made the (EVO II) distinctive.
E30 M3 Sport Evolution (1989)
The “Sport Evolution” (EVO 3) boasts a 2.5-liter engine that produced 235 horsepower (175 kW) and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque hitting a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The (EVO 3) came with a larger front bumper opening and an adjustable multi-position front splitter and rear wing. To assist with brake cooling, the front foglights were replaced by brake cooling ducts.
M3 Prototype Pickup (1986)
Based on the Convertible model M3, a prototype pickup truck version of the E30 M3 made an entry into the segment. It featured a 2.0-liter S14 engine which was later replaced with a real 2.3-liter M3 engine. Garching factory used the pickup for transportation for years.
E30 M3 and Motorsport
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The E30 M3motorsport had a 2.3-liter engine that produced 300 horsepower (224 kW), which was later increased to around 380 horsepower (283 kW) in 1990 with the introduction of a 2.5-liter engine.
The E30 M3 won a number of laurels from its inception such as winning the 24 Hours Nürburgring five times (1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, and 1994) and the Spa 24 Hours four times (1987, 1988, 1990, and 1992). With production ending in 1991, a total of 18,000 models were produced. Automobile Magazine rates the BMW E30 M3 as one of the “5 greatest drivers cars of all time”.
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