Eurown's Weblog

Being involved with cars, both as a hobby and a profession, the topic of ‘my dream car’ often arises. Most people vouch for exotic super cars like Ferraris and Lamborghinis or even something slightly more modest such as a Corvette, Mustang or Porsche 911. At least all of those cars look the part. My answer usually has people scratching their head for a couple of reasons, asking, “Why?” and “What does it look like?” Well, for starters it doesn’t look very aerodynamic and it certainly isn’t as menacing or devious looking upon initial glance as the aforementioned.

It’s kind of boxy-looking. It’s small. It’s not ‘sleek’ by most people’s standards. It doesn’t have fancy Italian flair or the following associated with classic American muscle. Your grandfather or rich uncle probably doesn’t own one. But ask any BMW enthusiast, what the greatest car ever built was and most likely your reply will be “The E30 M3”.

This car is a timeless classic to all German engineering fans. If you’re even moderately into tuning or collecting European cars, it’d be a blunder and embarrassment to yourself not to mention the E30 M3. Many people have owned and operated a fair amount of E30s with over 2.3 million produced. However, just under 5,000 E30 M3s made it to the states so chances are slim that you know anyone that has even ridden in one, let alone owned one.

The E30 M3 has taken home more road race trophies than any other model in history. It’s power plant, the S14 (beefed up to a 2.5 liter at the end) was capable of 340 hp. Coupled with a close-ratio gearbox, evenly distributed weight, track perfected suspension, and finely tuned gears – the drivetrain propelled the pint-sized race package with commanding determination, welcoming tight turns like a roller coaster. It’s acceleration was impressive to watch being described by Car & Driver (11/1987) “..spinning and spitting until you snatch another gear or the rev limiter grabs it by the tail.”

After seeing the car perform, spectators fell in love with the over-achieving coupe. And they also fell in love with its charming good looks. From the widen stance to the flaired out fenders to the trully functional rear wing. Nothing past, present or future looks remotely similar to the E30 M3. The styling became envious of other E30 owners who often imitated the look of an M3 by trying to match and replace their non- M body panels, fenders, moldings and wings. Aggressive styled body kits and performance accessories can be purchased here to emulate the M3.