The E30 M3 is where the badge started, and it got better as time went on.

The E30 got better, that is. We aren’t going to try and tell you which generation M3 is the best, but we are going to tell you which E30 M3 we think is the best.

It’s the Sport Evolution, the fastest, lightest E30 M3, and here’s why.

BMW E30 M3 Sport Evolution rear

It also copped a more aggressive cam and oil-spray nozzles under the pistons to keep things cool.

BMW E30 M3 Sport Evolution engine bay

It also had unique front and rear spoilers with adjustable extensions to grant more downforce, which was added to the car for homologation reasons.

BMW E30 M3 Sport Evolution above

Air conditioning? A sunroof? Trip Computer? All comfort items such as these were only options, and it’s unlikely many of them would have been selected.

The idea was to keep the weight down, just as in the other Evolution models. Most of them were almost 100kg lighter than the regular M3, 1200kg as opposed to 1296kg.

BMW E30 M3 Sport Evolution interior

But if you do somehow find yourself the custodian of one, give us a drive too?