BMW M3 Coupe (E30) 1986-1992 Photos, engines & full specs

The BMW M3 E30 was the first M3 in history and it was the most successful touring car ever, with more than 1500 victories on its class. And the series model became a motorsports icon since its start, in 1986.

In order to be able to start in the touring championship series, a car should have been produced in at least 5000 units per year and the race model should have numerous parts in common with the production model. Those were the regulations and BMW struggled to find a way to get to the start. So, it built a race-car and then it made it suitable for the road and started to sell it. It was a blast, despite the fears of the sales department.

The E30 M3 was based on the standard E30 coupe version, but it was extensively re-worked. The C-pillars were different and the trunk was shorter. The front and rear fenders were enlarged in order to accommodate the new suspension and wider track. There were two evolution for the car, and one had adjustable aerodynamic elements such as an extension for the front apron and the angle of the rear wing.

The interior was fitted with sport-bucket seats and all the comfort needed for a pricey car. The dashboard, door panels, and rear trims were taken from the standard, non-M, version, with leather upholstery. An option for sunroof was available, but the car featured standard on-board computer, air-conditioning, and manual gearbox.

Under the hood it was a newly developed inline-four engine with twin-cam and 16 valves that offered almost 200 hp from the 2.3-liter displacement. It was available with two choices of manuals, both with 5-gears but one was dog-leg type with different gear ratios.