'86 BMW E30 M3 Vs. '10 BMW E92 M3, 25 Years And For All The Marbles

'86 BMW E30 M3 Vs. '10 BMW E92 M3, 25 Years And For All The Marbles
Probably the best line in this whole piece, that perfectly reflects the transition over the years is found here:

"These two cars don't even seem to be from the same gene pool."

When you consider the cars side-by-side, in terms of design, powerplants and all their respective overall qualities, Edmunds could not have said it any better.

**Read the rest to find out the real deal by clicking "Read Article..."


The chiseled styling and angular, extroverted fender blisters. The dashboard fascia comically canted toward the driver so the passenger feels like an afterthought. The extravagant "M" badges and the impeccable motorsport heritage. This could only be the 1986 BMW E30 M3, arguably the most significant M-car of all time.

Sitting beside it on this English country road is the 2010 BMW E92 M3, three platform generations removed from the E30. The E30 M3's sharp edges have given way to the E92 M3's voluptuous curves, and the new car is larger in every dimension. The once simple interior is awash with gadgetry and the E30 M3's inline four-cylinder engine has been doubled both in cylinders and displacement for the E92.

These two cars don't even seem to be from the same gene pool, yet the 25th anniversary of the BMW M3
reminds us that the 1986 BMW E30 M3 is not only the poster boy of BMW's celebration but also the purest expression of the M division's intent...

[Source: Edmunds Inside Line]








Mini Takes The States Rally Photo Gallery

2011 Scion tC Launch Photo Gallery

2011 Audi A8 Real World Photo Gallery

2010 NISMO 370Z Photo Gallery

2011 VW Jetta Photo Gallery


AutoSpies.com Photo Galleries

If you want to see your photos running on our homepage photo ticker, be sure to upload your photos on the go by sending them to Mobile@AutoSpies.com

Share on Facebook



Read Article

F005F005 - 8/10/2010 3:05:14 AM
+2 Boost
This powerful photography captures two automotive masterpieces. Absolutely breathtaking!


r15mohdr15mohd - 8/10/2010 8:15:36 AM
+4 Boost
E30 > E92

I'd take an E30 M3 any day of the week before an E92...gotta love the old school design!


vman1013vman1013 - 8/10/2010 10:48:41 AM
+1 Boost
Love the design but its out of school next to the new version! Its like comparing a Fokker Triplane (E30) to a Spitfire (E92)!


5spdE305spdE30 - 8/10/2010 8:25:03 AM
+3 Boost
E30 for the win!!!!!!!!


asternmadkatzasternmadkatz - 8/10/2010 9:05:09 AM
+2 Boost
The E30 just screams DRIVE ME HARD!!!

There's no passion in the new E92. Sure it's got a screaming V8...but it doesn't have the same visceral experience you'd get in a tight thrashy 4-cyl. You are more connected to the car with the E30 as there is too much computer assistance with the E92.

Not to say that I wouldn't love to drive the E92, I would probably want to take the E30 out first.


theoptimisticpessimisttheoptimisticpessimist - 8/10/2010 5:51:32 PM
+3 Boost
"There's no passion in the new E92"

I've driven both. If you don't think the E90 M3 has passion I doubt you've driven it.


SpectatorSpectator - 8/10/2010 1:10:17 PM
+1 Boost
I used to own an E30. Best damn car I ever owned period. The thing felt like it was made out of just a thin sheet of aluminium it was so light. The geat box ...to this day...was the best I have ever come across.

In essence the car was basically an oversized GoKart with a roof.

God that thing was fun.

So yes I agree with everyone else...E30 is and will always be, the best 4 seater ever built.


SpectatorSpectator - 8/10/2010 1:11:38 PM
+1 Boost
that would be "GEAR" not "GEAT"


AmericaAmerica - 8/10/2010 9:18:45 PM
+1 Boost
Not my words, but sums up my thoughts beautifully:

"Not to start an all out war here, but these types of articles have become predictable. Old car is slower but more fun to drive, new car is faster, but is larger, heavier, and feels more isolated and therefore is less fun to drive.

The fact is, if the basic 3 series had remained a smaller, lightweight car, it would have lost sales to competitors. The market has over time forced these cars into what they are. Give BMW credit for keeping its formula for the 3 series alive, over multiple generations and multiple advancements in technology. As a person who works in an industry where we design, certify amd fabricate components, you come to appreciate a company like BMW that has managed to define and capture what each of its segment cars are, and has kept that fomula alive from generation to generation.

Certainly, the E30 M3 and any basic E30 are legendary cars, but to me, the real story is how BMW has been successful at maintaining that DNA through generations.

So in summary, I don't completely agree with the article from Edmunds."
Copyright 2026 AutoSpies.com, LLC