BMW M3 E30, BMW M3 E46 CSL or BMW M2 Competition: which is the best member of the performance division?

The high-performance division of BMW, BMW M, has developed some of the best sports cars the world has ever known. Now, for a very special test, three of the most iconic models from the performance family of the Bavarian brand have been selected. These are the BMW M3 E30, the BMW M3 E46 CSL and the BMW M2 Competition.

There is no doubt that these three are among the best models ever built by the M Division, but a BMW M3 E36, a BMW M3 E92 GTS limited edition and a BMW 1M Coupé would not look out of place in this test either. In any case, the test is a demanding one.

The first ace of the trio put to the test in the following video is the BMW M3 E30. It may not be the first road car built by the BMW M high-performance division, but it is perhaps the most famous and admired by purists and motorsport enthusiasts. Only 16,202 units were built, because the regulations required that, for the model to compete in racing, it had to be put on sale to the public.

It is powered by the S14 engine, a naturally aspirated four-cylinder from the German brand, with a displacement ranging from 2.0 to 2.5 litres depending on the year of manufacture and the market it was derived for.

BMW M3 E30, BMW M3 E46 and BMW M2 Competition: which is the best?

Years later, after the launch of the BMW M3 E36 in its three versions, 286 CV, the GT with 295 CV and the Evo with 321 CV, came the BMW M3 E46 and with it a limited edition called CSL, Coupé Sport Leichtbau, or Lightweight in English. Production was limited to 1,383 units in only two colours: Silver Grey Metallic or Saphirschwarz.

It is 110 kilograms lighter than the standard BMW M3 E46, and its sought-after S54 engine, repeatedly awarded best engine of the year, was modified to deliver more power and an even more intoxicating driving experience.

Last but not least, there is the BMW M2 Competition, whose inclusion may surprise some simply because it is very new. Its power comes from the same twin-turbo S55 engine and in-line six-cylinder that powers the previous generation BMW M3 and BMW M4. It delivers 410 CV and a maximum torque of 550 Nm between 2,350 and 5,230 rpm.

This sports car, destined to become a classic, can reach a top speed of 250 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds. It arrives as a coupé and weighs 1,625 kilograms. It is fitted with 400 mm front and 380 mm rear ventilated brakes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Snhb4tIwhww

It should be noted that each of them is a true masterpiece that any motoring enthusiast would be delighted to have in their garage. However, which is the best of the three?