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The BMW M3
(E30) is the very first M3 model. The car was introduced on the
Frankfurter Motor Show in the year 1985. The BMW M3 E30 was built
between September 1986 and July 1991.
The BMW E30 M3 for street use was built to homologate the M3 for
participation in the European Touring Car Championship (ETCC). To
homologate the car for this championship BMW had to built 5000 M3 street
cars. For BMW the 3 series was the logical choice to enter a
championship, as the car was compact and it had great roadholding
capabilities.
The ETCC
rules strongly influenced the shape of the BMW M3. The circuit car had
to be almost 100% similar to the street model. The widened wings and the
large front- and rear spoilers had to be incorporated to the street
model as well.
In a time frame of five years 21.222 BMW E30 M3 were built.
Approximately 100 cars were used for race- and rally driving.
4.996 cars were exported to the United States of America.
In the year 1989
two limited edition BMW M3 models were presented. The cars were given
the names of skilled M3 race drivers: Cecotto en Ravaglia.
The "Cecotto" model was built 505 times for the European
market and the "Ravaglia" was built 25 times for the British
market. These models obtained the highest specification M3 engine,
16" BBS light alloy wheels, a lightened booth lid, power windows
and some other goodies in the interior.
Technical
data
Four cylinder
in-line engine, DOHC, 16 valves
(type S14 B23 M-power)
cylinder capacity: 2302 cc.
Bosch ML Motronic injection system
capacity: 215 DIN bhp. at 6750 rpm.
torque: 230 Nm at 4600 rpm.
gearbox: 5-speed, manual, close ratio
rear wheel drive, 25% limited slip differential
brakes: disc brakes all round, vented at the front
weight: 1200 kg.
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