VIDEO: Is There A Substitute For The BMW E30 M3? NOT According To This Owner

The BMW M3 has been the de facto choice for European enthusiasts. But to be even more specific, it's not necessarily the new V8 E92 that has gearheads panting. It's the old-school 1980s E30 that boys and girls want.

With its unapologetic teutonic styling, rear spoiler and Spartan interior, it has all ingredients of a BMW.

But what sets it apart is its four-cylinder motor and driving dynamics. Though I can't claim to have driven one, ask a person who has piloted one and I am sure they'll wax poetic about the vehicle's attributes.

Kinda like this guy...

PUGPROUD - 6/14/2013 7:35:17 AM

0 Boost

He is right. It was a race car offered to customers to qualify for racing series. This is old school sanctioning rules which were great...you want to race in our series you need to sell a certain number of identical cars to the public...called "homologation specials." When I was a kid Dodge Daytonas with their long snout and huge wing were sold to the public so Dodge could race them in NASCAR. Amazingly these homologation specials were often misunderstood and sat on dealer lots for months even years before being sold. This was true for the E30 M3 and the Daytona. Hard to believe considering how desireable they are today and what both are worth now ! That was then, this is now... today's homologation specials sell at huge premiums today.

85bmw745i - 6/17/2013 12:30:26 PM

+1 Boost

There is no replacement for the e30 M3. Sure every subsequent M3 has been faster, but none have offered the pure and raw experience of the original. I have driven it and it is something. closest thing to it in this day is the Subaru BRZ/Scion FRS as far as being lightweight, simple, and direct with outstanding grip, feedback and handling. It has similar power, similar weight, is RWD, has a 2.0 4 cylinder, a minimalist interior. Only the exterior styling sets the two apart.