The 80 were the occasion for BMW E30 M3 to impose its models as “The Ultimate Driving Machine.” Succeeding the first three series in history (E21) appeared in 1982 the E30 has emerged rapidly as a best-seller for the brand by opening a large number of variations of body and engines. Alongside its commercial success, BMW also wanted to impose his name in the FIA Group A. Series 3 is fast emerging as the most suitable basis for developing a competition model. And so naturally Motorsport, the racing department of the brand, which was in charge of designing and producing the 5000 Best of the BMW E30 M3 required for approval (to be built in 12 months). Thus was born the BMW E30 M3, a car completely designed for motorsport, even if the version “road” knew maintain a certain level of comfort. The exterior of the vehicle does not deceive the experienced eye. Contrary to the simple look of series 3 “tuned” might suggest, the changes needed to transform this small sedan bourgeois racing machine are numerous. The body kit, in fact, includes a big rear wing whose angle of support will be even adjustable on the Sport Evolution, broad wings connected by Juppe side shields and larger. Motorsport proposed for the most demanding of lightweight body parts such as glass or bumper fiberglass, seats or cover reduced. The aggressive look and eye-l’oeil of the BMW E30 M3 has probably influenced the fledgling world of “tuning” for years but reflects the spirit of sportsmanship exacerbated that drives the BMW E30 M3. It is true that today, the fund and including the E30 M3, have a side frankly old-fashioned, not to say “cheesy”. But it is not impossible that this design so typical of the 80 found a certain charm with collectors. And we all know, is the inner beauty that counts, not the BMW E30 M3 physical.
Picture of BMW E30 M3
On the BMW E30 M3, the best is actually inside. It begins its existence in 1986 with the engine type 4E 23 A, better known under the code S14, a 4-cylinder 16-valve 2302 cm3 in developing 195cv 6750 r / m (200 hp without a catalyst for some markets) and 230 Nm at 4750 r / min. This same block that was the basis for the M10 in Formula 1 at the time of Turbo engines. This is actually the 6 cylinder in-line of the famous CSI M635, for the opportunity to cut two cylinders. The BMW E30 M3 offers a nice pedigree from the start! Soon, the power is increased to 215cv (220 hp without a catalyst). In 1999, the “Sport Evolution” will be the ultimate evolution of this series with a power 238cv a displacement of 2.5 L. The box chosen for the M3 is the Getrag 265. A box on the floor favoring short times and acceleration (0 to 100 km / h in 7 “1 to 195 bhp) and achieves a maximum speed of 238 Km / h top speed of 6800 rev / mn.
BMW E30 M3 Rear view
German championship in passenger cars, Mercedes, BMW, Audi and Opel are waging a fierce battle, requiring ever-increasing power, ease the body while remaining within the limits of a technical regulation rigorous enough for Group A. Permitting approvals in the first case to a manufacturer that produces twelve consecutive months in a minimum of 5000 cars, it also allows for “extensions of approval.” In this case, 500 cars are sufficient if the FIA considers that it is simply the mechanical or aerodynamic extension of an existing database. She admits that while volume changes explicitly defined in relation to the basic BMW E30 M3, which is equivalent to all the same cars on the track entirely new while at the same time, the “evolution series” suffer some superficial changes … The M3 will know three major developments, rightly named, Evolution I, II and Evolution Sport Evolution. The few limited editions are called “Europa meister” (148 copies produced from October to November 1988) and “Cecotto & Ravaglia” (506 ex. From April to Jul.. 89) the names of two pilots. The BMW E30 M3 jewel of Motorsport will also be declined in convertible variant designed for users looking for a car agile and powerful but also radically sporty months and therefore more comfortable than the coupe. It also has three developments with a very rare 220 hp version apparently produced a single copy (!!!) in June 1989 (chassis No. EB85020).
BMW E30 M3 Sports coupe
505 copies of products, updated February ? May 87 identifiable “E” stamped on the BMW E30 M3 cylinder head that passes 200hp abandoning the catalyst. Few significant changes outside the front bumper fell a little lower.Available in three colors only (Blue Macao, Nogaro Silver and Misano red), the M3 Evolution 2 was produced in 501 copies from March to May 1988. With the camshafts and pistons and a new different intake pipe, the compression ratio has been increased slightly and the engine, without catalyst, going to 220 hp and 244 Nm Thanks also to various sources of tax (supports shields lighter, thinner rear glass …) and a shortened axle ratio, the BMW E30 M3 gain in acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h is 0.4 s. The maximum speed reached 244 km / h. The front bumper is deeper and has a kind of “lame” more prominent in the lower part. The wheels move in 7.5Jx16 with 225/45 ZR 16 tires instead of 205/55 VR 15.In theory any BMW E30 M3 is interesting, provided they are aware of the charges made and those to be expected. Here are some things to check before buying: First, the distribution chain and the rollers should be checked, especially on cars with high mileage (150 + 000 km). The BMW E30 M3 arms of steel suspensions are quite fragile. The ball joints can break and should be replaced every 3 / 4 years. The engine oil consumption is normal. The ideal is to make it work with a level slightly above the maximum of the gauge. It is strongly recommended to use oil filters Original BMW (ref. OC-84) rather than cheap replacement parts. The air may arrive at the chain tensioners and oil pressure lowering results in a significant noise level in the chain. These tips are not exhaustive, but all precautions apply to all vehicles must also be taken into account. Namely, a clear history and meticulous maintenance, preferably carried out in the BMW network.
Collections model of BMW E30 M3
Produced from January to March 1990 (chassis number AC79000 AC79599 to), the Sport Evolution (Evo or Evo Sport or III) is the ultimate culmination of the e30 M3. The engine size goes for the occasion in 2467 cm3 and equips it with a standard 3-way catalytic converter with Lambda probe. Its maximum power of 238 hp is achieved at 7000 rev / min and torque of 26.3 million kg to 4750 r / min. The axle ratio 5-speed Getrag box is shortened (3.15:1). Nevertheless, the difference in displacement between the two engines is not immediately in the eyes. You have to stay in the towers and agree to play excellent permanence box to take full advantage of an engine below 2500 r / min, is decked out for the inevitable to multivalve own laziness at the time. From 3500 r / min, the 2.5L will appear longer available but more pointed and ultimately more difficult to operate in normal use. The BMW E30 M3 plant content by reducing the weight bumper and rear lid, up to 1mm win on the thickness of the side windows and reduce the tank capacity from 70 to 63 liters. However, despite this concern to relief, weight reached 1275 Kg (1200 Kg announced by BMW …) which only move very little weight / power ratio of BMW E30 M3. Chapter news, the Bosch ABS and variable-assist steering are standard.The BMW E30 M3 front suspension is lowered by 10.5mm, the shield to gain downforce redesigned and enlarged wheel arches accommodate wheels BBS 16 “(proposed as an option on the M3) of roads originally by Michelin MXX 225/45 Z. The BMW E30 M3 in the air and more compact. The rear wing has a leading edge and different, as the shield, it is adjustable in 3 positions. Not very useful in everyday life, however, it was imperative that the car is registered in series with this system to be mounted in Group A. In terms of performance there are a maximum speed of 248 km / h in 5th, the 1000m in 27 “4, 0 to 100 km / h in 6″ 5. Isolated from context, these performances are excellent, it is something heard, the figures speak for themselves. In the dry, the behavior of the BMW E30 M3 is fantastic and the hard limit to be reached. Naturally neutral and a little understeer The M3 can not go too fast turning out to drift. This maneuver was already a feast on other M3, here takes on an even more exciting. dampers fully digest the inclinations of the body and the changes of support on a winding course takes place with a lively and admirable precision, that could even be improved if management was less multiplied BMW E30 M3.
BMW E30 M3 Interior
The BMW E30 M3 list of standard equipment including remote central locking, air conditioning, windows and electric mirrors, ABS, power steering and bucket seats could be enriched with a list of options such as manual or electric sunroof, the lava-headlights, leather interior, trip computer, etc.. choice for the body: red or black. The sale price in 1990 was already rather flirtatious with no options (380,000 FF), we understand why the Sport Evolution has been reserved for a small privileged clients (600 ex. with a fifty in France)! An expensive car but “almost perfect” according to the press at the time. But the extra 100,000 FF at the BMW E30 M3 time does not justify a completely different power 23ch (partially offset because of the weight) and performance substantially equal to those of a 215/220 hp BMW E30 M3.This excellent basis for approval will therefore provide a record 1.436 wins Super Touring races, including a world championship, two European and German from 1987 to 1992. Born to run, the BMW E30 M3 was immediately imposed in competition. Since its first appearance in the 24 hours of Spa in 1987, the M3 “circuit” initiated by the manufacturer is covered with laurel. At the wheel, Roberto Ravaglia won the World Championship cars. Sure the potential of the M3, BMW France decides to hire a car rally that year. Prepared by Prodrive, the BMW E30 M3 crew Bguin-Lenne made a sensational debut in the Rally of Garrigues. Only an electronic problem lets out the victory. The car must be adapted when the next event in the Criterium de Touraine. The consecration took place in the Rally of Corsica. Bguin-Lenne exceed-wheel drive to afford a single victory in the World Championship. “Thought for the competition, the BMW E30 M3 could count on its exceptional handling, especially due to its lightness and proper weight distribution” shows Bernard Bguin. The BMW E30 M3 will continue to build success in both disciplines until 1992.
