Features
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The BMW M3 wasn’t the first M-car, but it was arguably the one that put BMW’s Motorsport division on the map.
As Group A racing regulations required at least 5000 road cars be built, it was the first dedicated M model to be made in significant numbers, and the first to have a real motorsport connection – BMW effectively made the ideal race car then decided how to make it road legal.
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It instantly became the standard by which other rear-drive coupes were judged and has remained the benchmark for almost three decades.
Thanks to the kind assistance of the BMW Car Club of Victoria, we not only managed to do so, but sourced a limited-edition version of each. Comprising our special quintet is Rob Garnsworthy’s E30 Evolution II, Ian Burke’s BMW E36 M3R, Chris Shaw’s E92 Pure Edition and an F80 ’30 Jahre’ – the catalyst for this feature – courtesy of BMW Australia, which also supplied the E46 CSL from its heritage collection.
There are naturally aspirated engines of four, six and eight cylinders, as well as a twin-turbo six, while we have two manual gearboxes, an automated manual and two dual-clutches.
So rather than comparing them to each other, we’re more interested in discovering if there’s a common link that binds these mechanically very different machines – an identifiable characteristic that is the essence of M3.
Over the next five days we’ll bring you each generation of M3, so check back tomorrow to start the nostalgia trip!
