What makes the BMW e30M3 Iconic?

BMWs e3O M3 SPACE COUPE

From winning races to appearing in rap videos. Being one of the finest, most eccentric widebody variations in German engineering. BMW’s M3 series is scandalous, and universally known as the “envy of every garage in the world”.

Originally only meant to be a race car, the M3 stands as an ultra classic beamer recognized for its stylish look and high-powered engine. From fabulously molded box arches to a neatly packed four-cylinder German engine, the M3 is truly iconic and a mega fan favorite.

With an extensive list of accolades, and a vast history of mods, the M3 has amassed throughout the decades a cult-like following. Including rapper, Travis Scott, purchasing an M3 for a humble $250,000 for a music video.

But What Makes The M3 So Unique?

Is it its 200-in Horse-Power straight-4 engine? Or a rich history of race winnings?

Maybe it's the fact that it was a race car posing as your everyday sedan. The M3 is legendary. Simply perfection if there ever was.

An absolute space-coupe.

YOUR LEGAL STREET RACE Vehicle

Simply put, the M3 is a race car. Originally built to rival and defeat the Mercedes model 190.E at the local German race circuit. The M3 ws crafted for speed, stardom, and endless style.

At the time, Mercedes was dominating the prestigious DTM race series. Winning the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters was every German car manufacturer’s dream. This meant more sales of cars and bragging rights.

BMW’s CEO Eberhard Von Kuenheim, out of an infatuation with the race, called for the 3 series to be equipped with a more powerful engine. They called this new 3 series M. M standing for their Motorsport division.

The DTM race came with strict rules for all its participants. They wanted to avoid manufacturers developing specialized track hypercars, and instead focus on “modified versions” of street-legal cars. Homologation rules to enter the race meant that each car had to have its street equivalent.

Therefore, the M3 was opened up to be sold to the public, and it had to sell at least 5,000 units to be eligible to race. Kuenheim, being the madman visionary that he was, greenlit the project immediately and started production right away.

Even after the sales department, had decided there wasn't a big enough demand to justify 5,000 units. Needless to say, what happened next changed history.

BAVARIAN MASTERY

The original idea was to incorporate the six-cylinder in-line motor from their M1 sports car. Due to weight issues, they turned it into a four-cylinder engine. In 1986 the new streamlined, aerodynamic vehicle was released.

The M3 won a ton of races. The car was never known for being extra luxurious. Or innovative. The Motorsport Bavarian team was just able to perfect the e30. Most importantly, perfecting your everyday car.

The original idea was to incorporate the six-cylinder in-line motor from their M1 sports car. A four-cylinder engine replaced the old six-cylinder after they encountered weight issues. In 1986 the new streamlined, aerodynamic BMW M3 was released. The M3 was received gracefully by the public. All 5,000 units were sold.

The car was never known for being terribly luxurious. Or innovative. The Motorsport Bavarian team was just able to perfect the e30. Most importantly, perfecting your everyday car.

4 CYLINDER ENGINE & 200 HORSE-POWER

The infamous 4-cylinder straight engine makes the M3 truly remarkable. From 0 to 60 in just 6.5 seconds what's there not to love. 200 horsepower with no sight of a turbocharger or compressor.

With a top speed of 6,750 rpm, the M3 boosts up to 146 mph.

ALL THE CLASS & SPECS

With its classy slick bodywork and leather interior. From its iconic slick rear wing, to its rear aprons and front splitter. The M3 was built for pace and precision. All the specs were dialed down for efficient aerodynamics and handling. It even included wider wheel arches.

The M3 was also equipped with a superb ABS braking system. For guaranteed steadfastness, custom ventilated discs. Not to mention specialized damping and clean suspension that are of utmost race car quality.

Manual transmission with a classic racing squeeze. Featuring the first gear on the bottom left like most race cars.

PRICE

Though the price of the M3 has fluctuated since the late 80s, it originally went for $58,000. By the end of its production, it was at an all-time high of around $85,000. Nowadays you can get one for about $60,000. If you’re lucky.

There are also rare variations of the M3 that are upwards of $150,000. Being a cult classic, many owners have modified the M3 to their liking.

Anything from performance to cosmetics, to mechanical upgrades.

Final Thoughts

That being said, if you're fortunate enough to come across a classic M3 you will most likely have to ship it from Europe or Sweden.

In case you do strike gold, make sure you use a classic car moving service to ensure high-quality safe travel for your M3 or other classics.

Posing as your everyday sedan, and being a total rocket on the streets. Known for its iconic grill. Inevitable swag.

Killer driving. And laser-precise steering.

BMW’s e30 M3 is a monster amongst monsters when it comes to 80s classics.

A true German space coupe.

It will outrun and outclass the most overpriced modern cars for a third of the price.