BMW M3 I (E30) photos

1986 — 1991 · coupe, convertible

photos

specifications

192–235

6.5 s

best 0–100

Photos

1988

1988

1988

1988

1988

1988

1988

1988

1988

1988

1988

1988

1988

165

M3 E30

M3 E30

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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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