BMW’s Original M3 Is the Quintessential M-Car After Nearly 40 Years

The original M3 from BMW was a pugnacious little brat of a car, more fun to drive than just about anything from the 1980s, short of other homologation specials like the Renault 5 Turbo 2 or the rare-as hen’s-teeth Lancia 037. BMW’s tiny terror was based on the ubiquitous—and excellent—E30 3 Series, but pumped up with anger and built to meet the quota of 5,000 roadgoing examples needed to satisfy rules allowing the race version to compete in the FIA Group A touring-car class.

The public first met the diminutive monster at the 1985 Frankfurt Motor Show, and it went into production in 1986. The M3 soldiered on in ever-more-potent iterations until 1991, with just short of 18,000 units produced throughout its lifecycle. (Which means there are plenty available to enthusiasts prepared to ante up.)

Accompanying—and accounting for—its unbridled success in the showroom was its success in motorsport, as the model won the 24 Hours Nürburgring in 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, and 1994. In addition, the M3 conquered the Spa 24 Hours four times, in 1987, 1988, 1990, and 1992. A David among Goliaths, it triumphed over competitors running cars with engines that were much larger, turbocharged, or both. The M3 also successfully competed in the World Touring Car Championship, taking that title in 1987.

There has been an M3 variant for every generation of BMW 3 Series since the first generation M3’s introduction in 1986. Not only was each version more powerful than its predecessor, but also larger, finally morphing into a four-door sedan far removed from the initial sporting concept. The original car features a front splitter and bulging fender flares, it also has a flat rear window and a raised decklid with a prominent spoiler, all in service of reduced drag. Its spiritual predecessor was the original BMW 2002, small and compact, but which always begged for more horsepower.

The M3 delivered just that, powered by BMW’s S14 inline-four, a high-revving, 2.3-liter DOHC engine that makes about 192 hp at 6,750 rpm. By the end of the production run, engine capacity had grown to 2.5 liters and 238 hp. A Getrag five-speed manual gearbox and limited-slip differential completed the power-train package.

Testament to the enduring attraction of the E30 M3, one car publication named it among “the greatest driver’s cars of all time” in 2007, 16 years after the last E30 M3 rolled off the line! What they knew is what anyone who has driven a first-gen M3 has discovered: power is just a part of the pleasure equation. Equally important are handling dynamics, light weight, and an engaging personality—elements that make even the most leisurely drive an experience to be savored. In 1991, this driver literally flipped a coin, deciding between an M3 and a 911 Carrera 2 (964), deciding on the latter, with later regrets for never having lived with BMW’s brilliant M3 when new.

We all have a second chance, and for marque enthusiasts looking to relive the glory days of BMW Motorsport, nothing beats the original M3. Of course, values have seen impressive gains in recent years, with concours examples of the final Sport Evolution series commanding upward of $500,000. Back on terra firma, an excellent base model M3 can bring $140,000, with a “good condition” example hovering in the $60,000 to $80,000 territory.

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As always is the case, spring for the best example available, based on intended use. There is no victory in spending six figures on a car that one intends to drive like it was stolen (yes, you can do that with an M3), and conversely, restoring a driver to concours condition is a losing proposition. Invoking a tired aphorism, “horses for courses” applies here. Whichever M3 model year or variant one acquires, it’s guaranteed that much diving pleasure comes with the price of admission. And that price isn’t going down in the foreseeable future.

Click here for more photos of this 1988 BMW M3.