BMW M3 I (E30) photos

1986 — 1991 · coupe, convertible
38
photos
9
specifications
192–235
hp
6.5 s
best 0–100

About this generation

The original motorsport homologation icon born for DTM racing with flared fenders and the high-revving S14 engine.

Created in 1986 to meet Group A touring car homologation rules, the E30 M3 is one of the most revered sports cars in history. With boxed wheel arches, bespoke C-pillars, a elevated rear wing, and lightweight body panels, almost every exterior piece was tailored for aerodynamic efficiency.

Under the hood resided the high-revving 2.3-liter (later 2.5-liter) S14 four-cylinder engine derived from BMW's Formula 1 and M1 racing legacy. Its communicative steering and sublime balance produced countless race victories and defined the M3 legend forever.

Specifications

9 in 2 body styles

Coupe E30 6 specifications

4345 mm171.1 in
Length
1680 mm66.1 in
Width
1370 mm53.9 in
Height
2565 mm101.0 in
Wheelbase
404 l14.3 cu ft
Trunk
Petrol
2.3 (Kat)
192hp(143 kW)
2.3 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 6.9 s
1986–1989
Torque
230 Nm (170 lb-ft)
Top speed
230 km/h (143 mph)
Displacement
2302 cc
Cylinders
4
Engine
S14B23
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1200 kg (2646 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)
2.3 (Non-Kat)
197hp(147 kW)
2.3 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 6.7 s
1986–1989
Torque
240 Nm (177 lb-ft)
Top speed
235 km/h (146 mph)
Displacement
2302 cc
Cylinders
4
Engine
S14B23
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1165 kg (2568 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)
Evolution I
197hp(147 kW)
2.3 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 6.7 s
1987–1987
Torque
240 Nm (177 lb-ft)
Top speed
235 km/h (146 mph)
Displacement
2302 cc
Cylinders
4
Engine
S14B23
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1165 kg (2568 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)
2.3 (Kat)
212hp(158 kW)
2.3 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 6.7 s
1989–1991
Torque
230 Nm (170 lb-ft)
Top speed
241 km/h (150 mph)
Displacement
2302 cc
Cylinders
4
Engine
S14B23
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1200 kg (2646 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)
Evolution II
217hp(162 kW)
2.3 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 6.7 s
1988–1988
Torque
245 Nm (181 lb-ft)
Top speed
243 km/h (151 mph)
Displacement
2302 cc
Cylinders
4
Engine
S14B23
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1150 kg (2535 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)
Sport Evolution
235hp(175 kW)
2.5 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 6.5 s
1989–1990
Torque
240 Nm (177 lb-ft)
Top speed
248 km/h (154 mph)
Displacement
2467 cc
Cylinders
4
Engine
S14B25
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1200 kg (2646 lb)
Fuel tank
62 l (16.4 gal US)

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Convertible E30 3 specifications

4345 mm171.1 in
Length
1680 mm66.1 in
Width
1370 mm53.9 in
Height
2565 mm101.0 in
Wheelbase
Petrol
2.3 (Kat)
192hp(143 kW)
2.3 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 7.5 s
1988–1989
Torque
230 Nm (170 lb-ft)
Top speed
228 km/h (142 mph)
Displacement
2302 cc
Cylinders
4
Engine
S14B23
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1360 kg (2998 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)
2.3 (Non-Kat)
197hp(147 kW)
2.3 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 7.3 s
1988–1989
Torque
240 Nm (177 lb-ft)
Top speed
233 km/h (145 mph)
Displacement
2302 cc
Cylinders
4
Engine
S14B23
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1360 kg (2998 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)
2.3 (Kat)
212hp(158 kW)
2.3 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 7.2 s
1989–1991
Torque
230 Nm (170 lb-ft)
Top speed
239 km/h (149 mph)
Displacement
2302 cc
Cylinders
4
Engine
S14B23
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1360 kg (2998 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)

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