The BMW M3 is the sports version of the BMW 3 Series, produced by Bavarian car manufacturer BMW.
The first M3 was based on the E30 Series which was marketed in 1986 and until 2018; each Series 3 had its M version. At the end of 2007, the M3 E92 was released, with an estimated power of 420 hp (414 HP; 309 kW). Since the E30, BMW has been increasing horses and cylinders, from the 4 inline to the E92 with a V8 engine. BMW M GmbH announced in 2013 the end of production of the M3 Coupé and stated that its successor will be the BMW M4.
Currently, the M3 is sold as a sedán and the M4 as a coupe, as are series 3 and 4.
E30 M3
Based on the 1986 E30 Series 3, the first M3 was introduced with a 2302 cm3 (2.3 L; 140.5 in.3 in3) S14 inline four-cylinder engine, derived from the BMW M10 block and the dual (DOHC) camshaft architecture in head with 4 cylinder valves (16 in total), Getrag 265/5 Sport gearbox (the 1st back).
It was BMW President Eberhard Von Kuemheim, who commissioned BMW Motorsport GmbH technical development director Paul Rosche to develop both the S14 and M3 E30.
The first version produced 200 hp (197 HP; 147 kW) and, subsequently, other limited editions, some numbered as: Evo1, Evo2, Cecotto/Ravaglia, Cabrio, EuropaMeister, Sport-Evolution, Course Tour, etc. with powers ranging from 195 hp (192 HP; 143 kW) to 238 hp (235 HP; 175 kW).
Versions
Evolution 1
It was the first evolution of the M3 to be able to approve in races the evolutions, 505 were manufactured according to FIA standards (formerly FISA) and it was from February 1987 to 05/87 with no VIN:2190005 – 2190787 It does not have a plate on its console and does have a die-cut “E” in the stock, under cylinder no 4, It can only be seen with a small mirror.
S14 engine (23 4E A) 200 hp (147 kW). NOT catalyzed (Code: 1001).
Corse ’87 Tour
It was a limited edition of 50 units intended for France only, to commemorate the win in the Rallye Tour de Corse of ’87, as driver Bernard Beguin and his co-driver Jean-Jacques Lenne. He’s got a badge on his console numbered and signed by both of them. Same Evo 1 engine.
Tourenwagen Europameister 87
Another small series limited to only 50 units, with Motorsport colors from left to right throughout the car and all in white. They have a plaque on their numbered console and the signatures of the pilots: Winni Vogt and Altfrid Heger. Noting that this short series was commissioned by Adolf Werner, a dealer of Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) in Hamburg. Same engine as the Evo 1.
Europameister 88
Series limited to 148 units in honor of Italian driver Roberto Ravaglia for winning the European Touring Car Championship (DTM) title in 1988. They have a plaque on their console signed by Roberto Ravaglia himself but are NOT numbered. They were manufactured between October and November of that year, all are macau-Blue and the SÍ engine is catalyzed with 195 hp (192 HP; 143 kW). 23 4E A, code: 1005. As standard equipment they all incorporated 7.5 x 16 inch (19.1 x 40.6 cm) tires and custom tires: 225/45/R16, interior in grey leather, (NOT dashboard) footrest M, No VIN: 1894358 – 1894628
Evolution 2
Series limited to 500 units, from March to May ’88. This evolution was important to be able to remain competitive in the face of competition, both in terms of engine and aerodynamics. the engine was increased to 220 hp (217 HP; 162 kW) and a maximum torque of 245 N’m (181 lb.ft.), camshafts with more crossover, intake and exhaust of 50 mm (2 in.g), compression ratio: 11.0:1 lightened inertia steering wheel, bosch ML-Motronic electronics reprogramming, final group ratio: 3:15, i.e. longer than the previous M3 carrying a 3:25. Tires and tires in size: 225/45/16 inches (40.6 cm), ellipsoidal headlights, self-ventilated and reinforced disc brakes of 280 mm (11.0 in.s).
The aerodynamics were significantly retouched, among other elements: air nozzles to better cool the disc brakes, i.e. the fog headlights were removed to adapt the nozzles, a wedge-shaped front “spoiler” was added and under the rear spoiler, a deflector was incorporated, the thickness of the glasses and the trunk cover were lightened. The engine has painted Motorsport colors in the intake and rocker cover, the interior is a combination in frame fabric in the centers and leather on the sides, on the console carries a metal numbered plate with the unit number. Footrest M. Exhaust pipes in polished steel, the colors were only three: Macau-Blue,(250) Misano-Rot(236) and Nogaro-Silber,(243) are the names of these three circuits as that’s where they won races. Macau in China, Misano in Italy and Nogaro in France. The NO VIN: 2191372 – 2191953 Engine S14, 23 4 S1 (code 1001) NOT catalyzed.
