The E30 model of the BMW M3 came to the market with everything drivers desired. This car quickly became the Ultimate Driving Machine.
You don’t have to love BMW cars to understand what an impressive and important car the E30 model is. This car delivers the special sauce that we all love when we hop in and get ready for a drive. Recent versions of the M3 might not be quite as appealing, which makes us want to look back at the car that gave BMW this moniker and made it one of the best driving cars ever made.
The angled wedge was born
The 1980s wasn’t a time of impressive style and design but more about getting back to the basics and away from the gas problems of the 1970s. Although the E30 M3 used a wedge design, it was much more angular than other cars that offer more of an upright design. This allowed the M3 to be more aerodynamic and offered the driving build and prowess desired. This angular design set the tone for the brand, and it became the wedge that we admired. Yes, the boxy shape was still present, but it was better than other boxed cars.
Some drivers kept the M3 garaged
The E30 model of the BMW M3 became such a phenomenon that it was considered a bit of a poser car by some. This car was sought after by many, and some actually kept them garaged, knowing these M cars would eventually increase in value dramatically. Because of this, many models are worth a lot today. Unfortunately, this also means that many of these early M3s were never driven hard or fast, which is what they were made for.
The first M3 was a limited model
Because the first M3 was extremely popular, BMW tried hard to capitalize on that popularity by creating a mass-produced following for future M3 models. This was the epitome of diluting the market, that could have been extremely lucrative for the brand. The original model was limited in numbers to satisfy the Group A requirements. This meant BMW was developing this car so they could take it racing, not as a serious profit or sales model, which it eventually became.
A road-going racing accident
The BMW M3 in the E30 form was not supposed to be a road-going car. Instead, it was made to be a racing machine that could be used on the road. This is the formula that allowed this car to become the Ultimate Driving Machine. When a road-going performance car is the desired goal, the E30 was the limited sports car many drivers wanted to enjoy. If you’re looking for something similar but more common, the E36 model that came after wasn’t a limited model. This happy accident is what we admire about the original M3.
How is the M3 a driver’s car?
The accident that is the E30 M3 gave us a car that was both a conventional sedan and a lightweight sports car. Of course, some of these cars were only made with two doors, which gave them a bit of a sportier appeal. This car could carve up a twisting road and still deliver the kids to school or help you bring the groceries home. The handling was incredible, especially when you consider some modern sports cars still can’t handle like the original M3.
An engine that was made for racing
The BMW M3 started life with an engine block that had been used by BMW since the 1960s. This was pretty common, but when you add a race-tuned head and fuel injection, you’ve got something special. Keep in mind fuel injection wasn’t a common occurrence for cars in the 1980s. The engine was a large displacement 4-cylinder model that wasn’t refined at all. The current run of smooth inline 6-cylinder engines are elegant in comparison.
The E30 isn’t overstated
Those who don’t appreciate what this M3 brought to the market might consider it to be an overhyped car. This is the quintessential sports sedan that delivers the goods with impressive handling, the right amount of power, and plenty of aggression. The E36 and beyond gained more driving prowess and capability, but most were never quite as attractive or unique as the original E30 version.
If you’re looking for pure driving pleasure in a car that doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles, the original E30 version of the BMW M3 is a car that has everything you want and much more.
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