M3 (Germany, 1985)

The M3 is a high-performance version of the 3 series automobile. It was the fastest 3 series version at the time and it left everyone in expectation when it was announced in 1985. However, press and public needed to wait another year for its release. Marketed in 1986, the M3 was very well received as a road car, but its performance on the tracks would take him to the next level. The M3 is in fact the most successful road-race car, winning more road races than any other model. The production of this version was terminated in 1992.

When it comes to the M division of BMW, it’s all about power. The M3 has a top speed over 230 km/h and it goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, marks that left press and public overwhelmed at the time. The M3 was equipped with a 4 cylinder engine to save weight but also because the 6 cylinder vibrated sooner at higher speed. The capacity of the engine was also increased to 2.3 litre.

Another important aspect was the introduction of a fully controlled catalytic converter that reduced the emission of carbon dioxide.

The M3 had a revised body as well, being more aerodynamic, with air dams on several areas of the body shell. The larger front spoiler and the wing on the rear clearly indicated that this wasn’t a regular 3 series. To complete the look, the car featured wider wheel-arches to fit bigger wheels and tires.

The M3 combined different materials from metal plate to plastic. The front and rear bumpers and spoilers were made of plastic. The main goal was to keep it light weighted. The total weight of the car was 1200 kg.

The M3 race car was boosted with a 300 hp at 8200 rpm engine. It debuted in 1987 at the World Touring Car Championship finishing in the number one spot in the overall classification. The M3 also won at the 24 Hours of Nurburgring.