Celebrating BMW's Iconic E30 M3

The E30 M3

The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of BMW's 3 Series car, developed by BMW Motorsport (M Division). Based on the 1986 model year E30 3-Series, BMW's production of the road car was to homologate the M3 for Group A Touring Car racing. At the time, homologation rules roughly stated that the race cars be based on a production car and that a minimum of 500 cars be sold to the public to be used on public roads. Thus, the M3 was born. BMW's M cars are widely recognized by the tri-color stripes and "M" (Motorsport) emblem.

The E30 M3 differed from the rest of the E30 line-up in many ways. The M3 was equipped with a revised stiffer and more aerodynamic body shell as well as "box flared" fenders to accommodate wider wheels and tires. The only shared body panels between the standard E30 and the M3 are the hood and sunroof.

Racing History

Having won more road races than any other model in history, the E30 M3 is considered by many to be the world's most successful road-race car. M3s entered by BMW and private racing outfits dominated the competition for all the years it was in production. Wins include the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft, British Touring Car Championship, European Touring Car Championship, Australian Touring Car Championship and even the one-off World Touring Car Championship title in 1987. The E30 M3 is also a multiple winner of Guia Race, 24 Hours Nürburgring, Spa 24 Hours, and countless Rally Car Championships worldwide.