The BMW E30 M3 is a classic version of the M3, as the E30 was produced between 1985 and 1992. The E30 M3 was based on the 1986 year of the E30, specifically the 3 Series. It was offered as either a convertible or a coupe, giving drivers their choice of body style. This vehicle regularly gets included in lists of the best BMWs ever and even those for the top driver’s cars. Most people who have had the chance to get behind the wheel of a BMW E30 M3 will tell you that this sports car lives up to the hype.
source: ShutterStock
Overall Styling
Compared to the other E30 models, the M3 stood out despite sharing the basic uni-body shell. The M3 featured 12 distinct body panels to improve aerodynamics and wheel arches that were box flared, allowing for wheels that were both taller and wider. In fact, the body panels of the M3 were so different from the other E30s that they only shared door panels, the sunroof, the roof panel, and the hood.
Mechanical Components
The differences between the regular BMW E30 models and the M3 continued in terms of mechanical components. The suspension of the M3 featured a 5-by-120 wheel bolt pattern and a greater caster angle. It also featured unique offset control arm bushings in solid rubber, aluminum control arms, and front strut tubes that were more similar in design with the E28 5 Series. The rear suspension, however, was identical to other E30s. The brakes of the E30 M3 were unique, including a different brake master cylinder. Unsurprisingly, the gearboxes were also unique, offering two different Getrag 265 5-speed options. As a racing car, the E30 M3 used a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine that was derived from racing. It delivered 197 horsepower, ready for thrills.
Homologation Specials
Because of homologation rules, the racing version of a vehicle has to be nearly identical to the street version in terms of engine displacement and aerodynamics. This led to the production of homologation specials of the BMW E30 M3. Those models weighed less and had larger front wheel arches, improved aerodynamics, additional power, and brake ducting.
source: ShutterStock
Availability Today
In recent years, the BMW E30 M3 has grown in popularity, leading to challenges getting your hands on one. In addition to being rare, these models can be expensive. Very recently, for example, a 1989 E30 M3 homologation special model with 35,000 miles on it sold for $102,000. Keep in mind that this wasn’t even a stock car; it had been slightly modified in the past. Based on that recent sale, it is safe to say that you need to have plenty of money if you want to get your hands on an E30 M3. This is a dramatic change considering that just a short time ago, you could get one for about $10,000 if you wanted.
The Pickup
It is also worth noting that there was an M3 Pickup Concept in 1986 made from the 3 Series Convertible. It had a narrower body than this model and a 2-liter engine that later became a 2.3-liter one. That model was a transporter for about 26 years before being retired back in 2012.
Check out where the E30 ranks in as one of the coolest cars from the 1990s.
