E30 M3

One of the personal favourites! The BMW E30 M3 claims to be the only car in motorsport history to beat the porch 911, while remain the most successful touring and grand touring car to have participated in racing.



The M3 was based on the E30's 3 series model in 1986 and was used in campaign by BMW as well other teams such as AC Schnitzer and Prodrive. It participated in championships such as:

• World Touring Car Championship

• Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft

• British Touring Car Championship

• Italian Touring Car Championship

• French Touring Car Championship

• Australian Touring Car Championship

It was powered by a S14 engine which based off the M10 block due to its compact dimensions. The capacities ranged from 2.0-2.5 L with outputs ranging 141-175 kW (189 hp - 235HP). However the full spec race trim produced upto 300 HP (224KW) and the introduction of the 2.5L in 1990 produced unto 380HP (283KW). A break down of the performances of this car is as follows:

• (2.3 L-16v I4) – 195 PS (143 kW; 192 hp) − 0–62 mph: 6.9 s. Top Speed: 146 mph (234.964 km/h)

• (2.3 L-16v I4) – 215 PS (158 kW; 212 hp) − 0–62 mph: 6.7 s. Top Speed: 149 mph (239.792 km/h)

• (2.5 L-16v I4) – 238 PS (175 kW; 235 hp) − 0–60 mph: 6.1 s. Top Speed: 155 mph (249.448 km/h)

In order to keep the car competitive in racing, along with homologation rules changing, special homologations were produced. The rules were such that the race versions were to reflect the street car aerodynamically and in engine displacement. This brought to life the Evo 1, 2 and Sport evolution. Some of these models had leases weight, better aerodynamics, brake ducting, taller wheel arches and of course more power. There were few limited edition models based on evolution models with special features such as paintwork and/or unique interior schemes celebrating champion ship wins. Cecotto, Ravaglia, Europan and Europameister to name a few. The original E30 M3 ceased p
roduction in early 1992.

For more information see: http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=8