0ƐƎ

beautifullyengineered:

The BMW M3 (E30) is Beautifully Engineered

Homologation special.

Based on the 1986 model year E30 3-Series, the first M3 was introduced with a 2.3 L I4 S14B23 engine. The engine design was based on various BMW parts: basic block layout from the M10 4-cylinder (found in the 2002 and 320 series) overbored and reinforced to similar specifications of the BMW M88 inline-6. The valve train and head architecture from BMW’s M1 and, later, M6 inline-6-cylinder was adopted for aggressive breathing.

The production of the E30 road car was to homologate the M3 for Group A Touring Car racing. It was to compete with the “2.3-16V”-model of the Mercedes-Benz W201 190E that was introduced in 1983. In its final years of competition, the 2.5-litre S14 engine in full race trim was capable of about 300 hp naturally aspirated. The first road-going version produced 192 bhp - 197.3 bhp, depending on the presence of a catalytic converter.

The E30 M3 differed from the rest of the E30 line-up in many ways. The M3, although using the same basic unit-body shell as the standard E30, was equipped with 12 different and unique body panels for the purposes of improving aerodynamics, as well as “box flared” wheel-arches in the front and rear to accommodate a wider track with wider and taller wheels and tires. The only exterior body panels the standard model 3-series and the M3 shared were the bonnet, roof panel, and sunroof.

It also had a 5x120 wheel bolt pattern, increased caster angle through major front suspension changes, specific solid rubber offset control arm bushings, and aluminum control arms. The front strut tubes where changed to a design similar (bolt on kingpins and swaybar mounted to strut tube) to the E28 5-series. It also had special front and rear brake calipers and rotors, and a special brake master cylinder. The rear suspension is a carry over from the E30.

US models received an overdrive transmission while European models were outfitted with a “dogleg” version, with first gear being down and to the left, and fifth gear being a direct 1:1 ratio. Rear differentials installed included a 4.10:1 final-drive ratio for US models. European versions were equipped with a 3.15:1 final drive ratio. All versions were clutch-type limited-slip differentials with 25% lockup

Evolution models (not sold in North America) continued with 2.3 litres but adopted a number of changes including a revised intake camshaft profile and modified exhaust camshaft timing, increased compression, and a more efficient cylinder head intake port design. Larger diameter exhaust header tubes along with the lack of a catalyst contributed to produce approximately 220 hp (160 kW). Other Evolution model changes included larger wheels (16 X 7.5 inches), thinner rear and side window glass, a lighter bootlid, a deeper front spoiler and additional rear spoiler. Later the Sport Evolution model production run of 600 (sometimes referred as Evolution III) increased engine displacement to 2.5 L and produced 238 hp (177 kW; 241 PS). Sport Evolution models had higher lift intake and exhaust camshafts, enlarged front bumper openings and an adjustable multi-position front splitter and rear wing. Brake cooling ducts were installed in place of front foglights.

Production of the original E30 M3 ended in early 1992.

Video:

BMW Heritage: E30 M3

Autocar “Meet the Ancestors”: E92 meets E30 M3

Deals on Wheels: Buying an E30 M3 in Germany