BMW E30 M3
Based on the 1986 model year E30 3-Series, the first M3 was introduced with a 2.3 L I4 S14B23 engine (or S14 in shorthand). The engine design was based on various BMW genealogy: basic block layout from the M10 4 cylinder (found in the 2002 and 320 series) overbored and reinforced to similar specifications of the BMW M88 inline-6. The valve train and head architecture from BMW's M1 and, later, M6 inline-6 cylinder was adopted for aggressive breathing, resulting in outstanding performance for the day.
The most notable characteristic of the E30 M3 (relative to later M3 iterations) is its racing pedigree. It was campaigned by BMW as well as other racing teams including Prodrive and AC Schnitzercompeting in many forms of racing including rally as well as German, British, Italian, Belgian, French and Australian touring.
One of the main reasons for production of the road car was to homologate the M3 for Group A Touring Car racing. One of the reasons often cited for its creation was that it was to compete with the "2.3-16V"-model of the Mercedes-Benz W201 190E which was introduced in 1983, although this was only speculative. When the E30 M3 was in its final years of top level competition, the 2.5 liter S14 engine in full race trim was capable of over 340 hp (250 kW) naturally aspirated.
E30 Performance
- (2.3 L-16v I4) - 195 PS (143 kW; 192 hp) − 0-62 mph: 6.9 s. Top Speed: 146 mph (235 km/h)
- (2.3 L-16v I4) - 215 PS (158 kW; 212 hp) − 0-62 mph: 6.7 s. Top Speed: 149 mph (240 km/h)
- (2.5 L-16v I4) - 238 PS (175 kW; 235 hp) − 0-60 mph: 6.1 s. Top Speed: 154 mph (248 km/h)
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