Classic cars with history: BMW M3, get to know its generations and its most radical versions

1985 was a very special year, as the Frankfurt Motor Show saw the start of what would become one of the most beloved and admired cars among motoring enthusiasts around the world. It is, naturally, the BMW M3. In 1982 the new BMW 3 Series E30 hit the market, but two years later, in 1984, a key competition began: the touring car championship.

The Bavarian brand backed this competition and developed the BMW 635 CSI, which won the first edition. BMW Motorsport, the brand’s motorsport division, was responsible for modifying the cars for racing, and when the generation was presented in 1982, they opted to create an enhanced version for the touring car championship. Sometimes homologation rules in motorsport make it possible for true gems to reach our hands. This is the case with BMW and its M3, which, in order to take part in the competition, had to produce road-going units of the BMW M3 E30.

BMW M3 E30

The BMW M3 E30 had to be a very reliable car. It was equipped with a

four-cylinder engine with a four-valve-per-cylinder cylinder head derived from the brand’s M88 engine. In addition, the crankshaft was also reinforced to withstand up to 10,000 rpm. The engine delivered 195 CV, 200 without the catalytic converter, and stood out for its agility and speed. Its design is spectacular even as the years go by: its widened wheel arches, aesthetic details and ground clearance make the BMW M3 E30 an object of desire. In 1987 it won the German Championship.

The BMW M3 E30 evolved and has numerous special versions. The first to arrive were called the Evolution and the Evolution II. The BMW M3 E30 Evolution featured an improved cylinder head, while the BMW M3 E30 Evolution II already incorporated a power increase to 220 CV and 245 Nm, larger wheels, a larger and more pronounced front lip and a rear spoiler. Only 500 units were sold. Do you own one of them? You have no idea what you have! The next special version is called the BMW M3 E30 Sport Evolution, and it quickly became the most important evolution of the German sports car. It offered 235 CV, thinner glass, a lighter boot, a titanium exhaust and even an adjustable rear spoiler. 600 units were manufactured, and it was only available in Jet Black and Misano Red.

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In 1988 the BMW M3 E30 convertible arrived, becoming the sports car to enjoy with the top down. 786 units were built, although only one was a BMW M3 E30 Cabrio Sport Evolution. In 1989 the Bavarian brand launched the BMW M3 Europameister to commemorate the DTM victory. It bore the signature of Roberto Ravaglia, and 148 units were built. The BMW M3 E30 Cecotto offered 215 CV and a very sporty look derived from the Evolution version. 505 units were produced.

BMW M3 E36, the six-cylinder arrives

In February 1992 the

BMW M3 E36 was presented. It is one of my favourites and the one that gives me goosebumps when I start the engine. The model evolved considerably: in addition to a six-cylinder engine, the bodywork also grew in size and equipment. The engine is called the S50 and in its first generation it produced 286 CV. Its strong points? Its refinement and performance. A four-door version was available, since the BMW M5 E34 was discontinued in 1995 and the E39 did not arrive until 1998.

The chassis of the BMW M3 E36 was developed on one of the best chassis in its class, and it quickly became one of the most efficient and sporty coupés on the market. More than 70,000 units were produced across the three body styles: coupé, saloon and convertible.

You have surely heard of the special versions. Perhaps one of the most famous is the so-called Lightweight. It was 91 kg lighter than the standard model and had no speed limiter. It was sold exclusively in white, Alpineweiß, with the typical stripes in the colours of BMW Motorsport on the bonnet and boot. The wheels were also special, and it featured a special aerodynamic package. 116 units were built.

The BMW M3 E36 Evolution Imola Individual was launched with the aim of becoming a marketing tool. It was the official debut of the Imola Red colour. It was fitted with the seats of the BMW M3 GT, an SMG automatic gearbox, and 200 units were made for Europe. In 1994 the GT special edition arrived, offering 295 CV, and in 1995 came the new S50B32 engine with 321 CV and 350 Nm of torque. The BMW M3 E36 GT was created to homologate the BMW M3 in class II of the FIA-GT championship, IMSA GT. It was 30 kg lighter and its top speed was limited. It was only available in British Racing Green with green leather interior. Only 356 units were made in Europe, and our friends at the BMW M Clube de Portugal have one among their members.

BMW M3 E46

Perhaps the BMW M3 E46 is one of the best known. It has striking looks, with widened front and rear wings and four exhaust outlets. It arrived in 2001 but remains a very attractive model for drivers. Some 80,000 units were registered, and it was equipped with the

S54B32 engine, a multiple-time winner of the best engine of the year award, which had six in-line cylinders, 3.2 litres and 343 CV. That figure was reached at 8,000 rpm. A convertible version was available, weighing 1,570 kg.

The BMW M3 E46 featured the SMG II gearbox, dynamic stability control and a limited-slip differential from BMW Motorsport. The crowning glory of this generation came with the BMW M3 CSL. It arrived in 2003, was very light and offered 363 CV at 7,900 rpm, with torque reaching 370 Nm. It was also 110 kg lighter than the conventional BMW M3 E46. Its acceleration? 4.9 seconds.

BMW M3 E92, the V8 arrives

In 2007 the fourth generation of the BMW M3 appeared. It came in three different body styles: the E92 coupé, the E90 saloon and the E93 convertible. The model featured specific bumpers, widened wheel arches, a bulging bonnet, side gills and two more centrally placed exhaust outlets. The engine revolutionised the segment: it was fitted with a V8 S65B40 engine. It delivered 420 CV at 8,000 rpm and 400 Nm at 3,900 rpm. This unmatched performance was made possible by the brand’s partnership with the

Sauber F1 team. BMW supplied engines to the single-seaters, and Sauber gave them access to technologies such as double-VANOS variable camshaft timing, individual throttle butterflies, a wet sump, anti-knock sensors and an optimised exhaust.

The engine was linked to a six-speed ZF Type G manual gearbox or a seven-speed M DKG dual-clutch gearbox. It reached 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h.

BMW M3 F80, now with four doors

BMW M3 G80, its kidney grilles evolve

The first units of the new BMW M3

are rolling off the line, and although its presentation has been very controversial because of its new kidney grilles, we are sure it will become a legendary model. As a novelty, it will be the first generation available as an estate. Personally, I like it more every day.

It will be available in two power levels,

M3 and M3 Competition. The standard version will offer 480 CV, rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual gearbox, while the Competition will have 510 CV, an 8-speed M Steptronic gearbox and xDrive all-wheel drive with an active M differential.