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1,976 views Jul 11, 2010

BMW M3 celebrates 25th anniversary

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Since BMW has recently celebrated 25 years of the 3-series M cars, it might be wise to look back at the model that started it all: the E30 generation M3.

The most important piece that BMW created was the 2.3L inline-four. The engine was a modified combination of the increasing the displacement of the M10 four-cylinder engine, which dated back to the ‘60s, to 2.3L and a shortened dual-overhead cam cylinder head that was found in the M1, M5 and M6. The engine produced a potent 195 horsepower, and helped the car reach 60 mph in under seven seconds, which was quite good for the time, as was the 146 mph top speed. Later, Non U.S .models gained larger revised “Evo” engines that would produce nearly 250 horsepower.

BMW also tweaked the rest of the car, adding a wider track and wheels which required the M3’s famous boxed fender flares. The front brakes and hubs were an exercise of parts-bin raidning, they were taken off the E28 5-series. The drive line was improved with a stronger Gertag 5-speed gearbox and a lower rear-gear ratio.

While nearly 5,000 of these cars made it to our shores, over 10,000 were sold in Europe, including a 786 convertibles that never were sold in the America.

Now considered a classic, good example will cost nearly $20,000 or more when one pops up on the used market.