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Overview

Image credits: Alpina

The BMW Motorsport department was tasked with designing and building a powerful, lightweight derivative of the three series. The purpose of the M3 was to compete in the FIA Group A racing. Over five-thousand examples were hand-built by BMW Motorsport.
The first series M3 was based on the E30 platform and was introduced to Europe in 1986 and the United States a year later. The first series stayed into production until 1990 and offered with a variety of motors, including a 238 horsepower engine. In a short amount of time, the E30 M3 scored thousands of victories making it one of the most successful touring machine in history. Under the hood of the M3 lurked a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with twin-cam four-valve head with Bosch fuel-injection and rated at 192 horsepower. The 2850 pound vehicle with five-speed manual transmission could go from zero-to-sixty mph in less than seven seconds. The top speed was 140 miles-per-hour.

In 1992 the second generation M3, based on the E36 platform, was introduced at the Paris Auto Show. BMW Motorsports started with the M50TU engine used in various E36 and E34. The bore and stroke was enlarged and the intake was modified to include individual throttle bodies. A new variable valve timing system on the intake camshaft, called VANOS, was adapted to the engine. The engine, dubbed the S50, was capable of producing over 280 horsepower.

The Motorsport department continued the modifications by adapting a new suspension with firmer shocks and springs and larger anti-roll bars. Twelve-inch vented disc brakes provided excellent stopping power, while the M-tuned variable-ratio steering provided instantaneous response.

Aesthetically, the E36 M3 was similar to the regular three series with only a few distinctions. The exterior of the M3 had a front air dam, aerodynamic side mirrors, and deeper side valance panels while the interior had a M shift knob, M instrument cluster, and M sport seats. An M-Technic rear spoiler could be purchased as a dealer option, giving the vehicle a very sportier look.

The E36 M3 did not reach US soil until 1994. Even when it did it was outfitted with a special American version of its potent engine, which was dubbed the S50 B30 USA. Throttle bodies had been removed to lower compression and the continuous VANOS was replaced with a two-stage one. This lowered the cost but also lowered the horsepower, now producing 240.

In 1995, a ZF 5HP18 five-speed automatic transmission was offered on the M3 as optional equipment. During the 1994 to 1995 model year, around 10,000 USA and 18,500 non-USA versions of the M3 were produced.

BMW went a step farther in the performance department with the introduction of the M3 Lightweight introduced in 1995. It was built for competition, having shaved 200 pounds from the standard E36 M3. The inside was void of amenities including air conditioning, rear seat, and radio. Their were only 85 sold in the United States, all were quickly sold.

In 1996 BMW had learned much through its support of the McLaren super car. This translated to a new, larger engine using a Double VANOS system making the intake and exhaust camshafts continuously variable. The engine was called the S50 B32. In Europe the 3.2 liter engine was producing over 320 horsepower while the American version stayed at 240. A Getrag six-speed manual transmission was matted to the engine. The brakes were ventilated discs and 12.4 inches in size. The steering was M-Tuned rack and pinion with variable power assist. Weighing 3150 pounds, the car could accelerate from zero through sixty mph in 5.6 seconds. A four door version was offered.

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