The E30 M3

The first generation of the M3 was introduced in 1986. It was based on the E30 body of the 3-Series which started in late 1982. Unlike the E36 M3 which - while being much more powerful - was originally designed for the high performance sports car market and thus more developed towards understatement and comfort, the E30 M3 was a real race-bred homologation car born for the race track. The first E30 M3 had a 4-cylinder with 2.3 liters and 195 hp with a catalytic converter and 200 hp without. It was followed by a variety of Evolution models, highlighted by the Evo III with 2.5 liters and 238 hp in 1990, as well as by some special editions (see table below). To the United States, only the 195 hp Standard Version with a cat. was officially imported from 1987 to 1990. The photos below show different stock condition models of the E30 M3. Note the extended front spoiler on the gray car: It identifies it as an evolution model. The E30 M3 was also available as a quite attractive convertible from 1988 to 1991. As the Evo-models and special editions, it was never sold in the USA. The E30 M3 model history The following table was compiled based on my research. It is for sure not complete. Please submit corrections and/or additions, if possible along with the source, to me. Early Standard and Evolution Models   E30 M3 (Early) Standard E30 M3 Evolution I (Evo I) E30 M3 Evolution II (Evo II) E30 M3 Sport Evolution (Evo III) Horsepower DIN (with cat) 195 (USA 195) -- 215 238 Horsepower DIN (without cat) 200 (USA --) 200 220 -- Displacement ccm 2302 2302 2302 2467 Production Time Sep 86 - Jul 89 USA 12/86- 12/90 Feb 1987 - May 1987 Mar 1988 - May 1988 Jan 1990 - Mar 1990 Total Produced (ca.) 11000 500 500 600 Late Standard and Special Editions   E30 M3 (Late) Standard E30 M3 Europa Meister E30 M3 Ravaglia/ Cecotto E30 M3 Convertible Horsepower DIN (with cat) 215 195 215 195/215 Horsepower DIN (without cat) -- -- -- 200/-- Displacement ccm 2302 2302 2302 2302 Production Time Sep 1989 - Dec 1990 Oct 1988 - Nov 1988 Apr 1989 - Jul 1989 ? 1988 - Jun 1991 Total Produced (ca.) 4500 150 500 800 Click here to read quotes from magazine reports about the M3.

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