Why is the E30 M3 so special, anyway?

The E30 M3 was constructed by BMW for a predominate purpose - to homologate a race car suitable for The European Touring Car Championship (ETCC). To that end, BMW was required to construct 5,000 street-bound examples. The E30 3-series was the best suited automobile in BMW's stable to undergo this transformation.

Certain rules in the racing series heavily influenced characteristics of the production M3. For example, the shape of the body of an ETCC entry could not be altered from the homologated version. The deep front spoiler, rear windscreen "cap", rear trunk lid and spoiler were incorporated solely for high speed aerodynamic performance. The wide fender flares allowed large race tires and wheels to fit under stock bodywork.

Of the 21,222 E30 M3s produced, well over 100 were built solely for road race and rally use. 4,996 examples were imported to the United States, the vast majority of that number sold in 1988.

E30 M3 Variations

Evolution I
505 units produced February 87 - May 87

200bhp / ft. lbs. torque
5 speed close ratio gearbox
Center resonator
Modified cylinder head
Brake cooling ducts

M3 Evolution II (EvoII)
501 units produced from March - May 1988

The second Evolution M3 was built for homologation purposes, specifically homologating of aerodynamic parts. Five hundred examples had to be produced, and BMW beat that by a scant margin of one (at five hundred and one for total production). The Evolution II was never officially imported to the United States.

Differences from standard E30 M3 

Different camshaft and pistons
Different air intake tube
11:1 compression ratio (versus 10.5:1)
HP up to 220 PS versus 200HP in no catalyst trim
Torque up to 244Nm (181 ft. lbs.)
Lighter flywheel
3.15:1final drive ratio (instead of 3.25:1)
Lighter trunklid
Thinner (lighter) rear and side glass
BMW Motorsport painted cam cover and intake plenum
Lighter front and rear bumpers
Front spoiler extension (non-adjustable)
Secondary rear lip spoiler, along trailing edge of bootlid
7.5Jx16 wheels with 225/45 ZR 16 (versus 7Jx15 with 205/55 VR)

Europa Meister Celebration image
150 units produced October 88 - November 88

195bhp / 170 ft. lbs. torque
Made to celebrate European Touring Car Championship.

Differences from standard E30 M3 

EuropaMeister placard on center console
Cloth checkered interior option
Painted cam cover and intake plenum

Cecotto/Ravaglia Cecotto image
Cecotto - 480 units produced April 89 - July 89
Ravaglia - 25 units produced April 89 - July 89

215bhp / ft. lbs torque
Cecotto produced in honor of Johnny Cecotto's track record.
Ravaglia produced in honor of Roberto Ravaglia's World Touring Car Championship and ETC wins.

Differences from standard E30 M3 

Cam cover and plenum color matched to exterior color
Only available in three colors: Cecotto - Macao Blue, Nogaro Silver and Ravaglia - Misano Red
Numbered placard with Cecotto's or Ravaglia's signature
Lightened trunk lid (by 22 lbs.)
7.5J x 16 cross spoke alloy wheels with black centers
Polished exhaust tailpipes
M Technic driver's footrest
Door sill plates with "M3" logo
Illuminated gear knob
Graduated tinted windshield
M3 Evolution front and rear spoilers with front fog lights
M3 Evolution lightweight body panels
Front electric Windows
On board computer
Headlamp levelling system
Cassette holder
Motorsport design cloth interior

M3 Sport Evolution (Evolution III, EvoIII) image
600 units produced from January - March 1990

In 1990, with an already successful agenda on the track, BMW introduces the Sport Evolution. The Sport is the third and final special edition Evolution M3 and by far, the most radical of the street-going M3's. Production reaches 600 to surpass the 500 models required for homologation in Group A DTM.

While there are many specific alterations to the Sport Evo which vary from the standard M3, several modifications focus on achieving maximum competitive advantage in Touring Car racing. Rules of the time require that racing models (a) run the same engine and displacement as the homologated car and (b) no sheet metal or aerodynamic aids can vary from the homologated model.

For this reason, the Sport Evolution displaces 2467cc, nearing the 2500cc Group A limit. The Sport Evo is equipped with a multi-position adjustable front splitter and rear lip spoiler so that downforce can be dialed in on a per track basis. Wider fender wells allow clearance of larger 18" racing wheels.

Differences from standard E30 M3

2.5 L engine (original E30 M3 has 2.3L)	Upgraded front brake disks
Sodium filled exhaust valves	Front brake cooling air ducts (in place of fog lights)
Larger inlet valves	Enlarged front wheel arches (for racing wheels)
Modified camshaft timing	Adjustable front air splitter with venturi undertray
Pistons with improved cooling	Adjustable rear spoiler
Lighter flywheel (12lb)	Motorsport designed interior
Front suspension lowered by 10 mm	Suede covered wheel, e-brake handle and shift knob
3.15:1final drive ratio instead of 3.25:1	Motorsport driver's footrest
Lighter trunk lid	M3 logo on instep of both doors
Thinner (lighter) rear and side glass	Illuminated gear knob
Roof grab handles deleted	Special placard on the interior console
Red seat belts	Anti-glare strip across the top of windshield
Red spark plug boots	Tuned exhaust manifold
Lighter front and rear bumpers	16" wheels with 225/45 instead of 15" and 205/55
Front fog lights deleted

Standard Equipment

Optional Equipment