E30 BMW M3: Most Overhyped Classic? - AFTER/DRIVE

[reelizmpro]

Damn, I forgot to take pics but there's a pretty good buyers guide for M3's 88-99 E30 vs E36 in one of the Bimmer mags. Where they are and where they will be...if anyone is interested in some good reading.

Jean, I think the reason purists or preservationists don't like to see that stuff happen is because people often sell the S14 to fund the swap. Good for those looking to buy an S14 and people that have them but bad for the next owner of the car looking to restore it. Swapped M3's are being passed around more than a $5 hoe right now. For me it was never about value...I just love the car for what it is. I was a 325e/i guy just like most of you before I got into the M3 and I too thought it should have came with a 2.7L 6 cylinder before owning one before I 'got it' so I hope other owners of these special cars 'get it' too. I'd like to think we drive E30's in the first place because we like older cars and their engines but it seems people nowadays actually want something else. They want a newer engine, newer suspension, newer technology but all inside an old car. The first few iterations are cool but when everybody does it, it just becomes a shame because the heritage is lost.

[///schwartzman]

^ I agree. I had a 318i, 325i & 325is, e34 525i before working at a dealership and finding myself in an e30 M3. I liked them all but there is a magic in this car, BMW only managed to come close to the spell with the S54 M Coupe, E46 M3 CSL and maybe e39 M5 IMO.

I chose to modernize mine because technology to me can create efficiency & power... Sometimes drama too (I almost regret it now), but there are very few drivers cars ever built with the purpose of this car... I agree with the pre-'74 comment as well, Porsche RS & 914-6, BMW 2002 turbo & '73 tii, Alfa GTV, Datsun 240Z & Skyline/510. The post '74 era had good ones 86 MBZ 16V, '91 Mazda RX7 & Miata's, R34... Anyway the list is less than 25 lol! Excluding supercars.

[pilotskillse30]

Can't wait to have mine finished. No I don't have the S14 power plant so I may restore it to original mechanically but, I have a shell, essentially a clean canvas to add my personal touches but to also honor the car where ever else possible in the restoration. And as deals go, I got one, allowing me admission into the E30 M3 club without the sticker shock. Makes me happy..and for sure makes the Wife happy that I didn't spend 20k+ on an icon that still needs restoration which includes 12k on the motor alone.

[King Mufasa]

Can't wait to have mine finished. No I don't have the S14 power plant so I may restore it to original mechanically but, I have a shell, essentially a clean canvas to add my personal touches but to also honor the car where ever else possible in the restoration. And as deals go, I got one, allowing me admission into the E30 M3 club without the sticker shock. Makes me happy..and for sure makes the Wife happy that I didn't spend 20k+ on an icon that still needs restoration which includes 12k on the motor alone.

Either way BMW said they wish they could go back and give the e30 m3 a more powerful power plant, they regret giving it too little hp. I'd build a most deserving high hp/tq M motor for it.

[fronton]

Either way BMW said they wish they could go back and give the e30 m3 a more powerful power plant, they regret giving it too little hp. I'd build a most deserving high hp/tq M motor for it.

Do you have a link or anything for this reference? I'm not challenging it, just curious to read or hear more about that regret. Were they talking about US production M3 or all production M3s?

[King Mufasa]

Do you have a link or anything for this reference? I'm not challenging it, just curious to read or hear more about that regret. Were they talking about US production M3 or all production M3s?

Your interest is sparking a desire in me to go find that link, as I would like to post that. I cant remember the link but I know it was on youtube and they were talking about their new e92 m3 and how this m3 is the best of all their m3 in handling and performance. And they brought up of course the e30 m3.

But I will look for it, kinda interested in your question if its the us or euro e30 m3 they were talking about or both..

[Emre]

i two cannot stand when people tear out the s14...

Agreed. An E30 M3 without it's S14 makes no sense to me.

...and turn it into a track car.

Disagree strongly. The M3 was a Group A homologation special; it was literally made to be raced. Its natural habitat is the track...not cruising to Dairy Queen while dodging Chrysler minivans.

[(03) Noriega]

^ you have to understand something magical ,mythical ,amazing about a car that does not have to be huge HP to just make you love it!!!!I love fast cars ,I love the never ending need for speed.the e30 m3 satisfies me in a way no other car has even if the other car had 500hp!This might be one the most special things about this car.Just all put together in one little package.The high revving beautiful sounding s14 .the feel when you drive it.Funny you are hauling ass in this car at the stop light .It is a little taste of what the race car drivers must feel every day I step in the drivers seat.it is just true love for me ****I plan to be cremated and put in the gas tank:)

That last part got me

[mikeedler]

Disagree strongly. The M3 was a Group A homologation special; it was literally made to be raced. Its natural habitat is the track...not cruising to Dairy Queen while dodging Chrysler minivans.

maybe not, but it sure is fun too use it for that too, damn in the end it is a street car............
because track cars needed power windows, OBC, sunroof, extra insulation,ect..

My M3 will make it the ring this year, but I can guarantee you that it won't be driven nearly as hard there as my 325i was.