1988 BMW M3 E30

The first generation of the BMW M3, the E30, was produced from March 1986 through June of 1991. At the time, homologation requirements for Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft and Group A Touring required a minimum of 5,000 examples to be produced to qualify for competition.

Most of the E30 M3s were coupes along with limited volumes of the convertible. The sporty styling achieved a relatively low drag coefficient of Cd=0.33, lower than the Cd of 0.38 as in the standard 3 Series. This was achieved with the addition of sill panels, a rear apron, and a front splitter, along with modifications to the rear window, C-pillar, and bootlid. The tailgate was comprised of glass-reinforced plastics and elevated by approximately 40mm to improve airflow. The rear window was flattened to improve aerodynamics and the windscreen was glued in, unlike the other E30 models which used window rubber and piping.

Standard equipment included a clutch-type limited-slip differential a Getrag 265 five-speed manual transmission, and unique brake calipers, master cylinder, and rotors. The wheelbase measured 100.9-inches and the length at 171.1-inches. The five stud wheel hubs were wrapped with 225/45R16 Pirelli P700-Z tires. The engine was the BMW S14 four-cylinder unit with dual overhead camshafts and initially delivered 192 horsepower with a catalytic converter. In markets where the catalytic converter was not required, output was boosted by 5 bhp.

The 1988 BMW M3
For 1988, the BMW M3 - developed by BMW Motorsport - joined the 3-Series lineup in the United States, being produced as a high-performance, two-door option powered by a twin-overhead-cam 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, with four valves per cylinder. The engine offered nearly 200 horsepower. The M3 came with sport front seats with adjustable thigh support, an oil temperature gauge, an 8000-RPM tachometer, a modified suspension, a Motorsport steering wheel, and a specially-contoured rear seat.

The two-door sedan had a base price of $34,000.

The E30 M3 had been launched in 1985, putting BMW in competition with Mercedes-Benz who had just introduced the 190E 2.3-16 Cosworth. The new car had just begun taking over Group A Touring Car Racing. BMW answered the challenge with the all-new M3. The car soon became a real contender and the benchmark for BMW Performance. Since that time, the M3 has won races such as the 24 Hours Nurburgring, World Touring Car Championship Driver's Title in 1987, and many wins across the globe.

by Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2015