Do you know the only reason people have for not liking the BMW M3? That everyone else loves it and they're sick of hearing about it.
Well, prepare, our friends, to hear more about it. You know why? We, too, love it. And we would even if the bylaws of auto writing didn't require it.
How much do we love it? So much so that when BMW says it's celebrating the 25th anniversary of this automotive icon, we create this lovely photo gallery of the history of the model, now four generations old. This despite the fact that the North American market didn't get an M3 until the 1988 model year, making the 2011 model year its 23rd anniversary (an anniversary that even our wife couldn't convince us is a significant one). Also, there's the little matter of the U.S. not having a BMW M3 on offer between the model years 1992 and 1994. We will forgive this, as (most) owners have forgiven BMW for turning its raw-boned homologation special into a model line within a model line, one that contains something as antithetical to the original car's spirit as a — gasp! — retractable-hardtop convertible.
So now we chart in pictures both the evolution of the BMW M3 and the love affair its devotees have with it. Each generation of this car has inspired positively evangelical zeal. And each new generation of this car is assumed to be heretical by true believers. (You know, it's too big, too many cylinders, et cetera.) For they so loved it that they could conceive of loving no other. That is, until they really drove the newest one. Then they invariably fall in love all over again.
Enjoy.
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edgy99 says:
03:47 PM, 07/21/2010
Thanks for the gallery. I love my 1999 M3, Fern green with some tasteful mods. Your green picture is almost perfect, too bad it's a vert!
navsto1 says:
07:19 AM, 07/19/2010
I own E46 BMW M3 interlagos blue in competition package. It is so much fun to drive. The steering is sharp, plenty of power, suspension is stiff, seats are supportive and comfortable. Steering wheel is right thickness. Metal exhaust note is fantastic. Engine is very responsive, and once you push M button it becomes even crisper.
BMW just did everything right for my taste.
agnh says:
08:21 AM, 07/17/2010
cgspd1-
The E30 Evo models along with the E30 convertible version were not sold in the US.
saunupe1911 says:
10:36 PM, 07/16/2010
I pray that I live to afford one. I can go by a 335i tomorrow, but an M3 is my ultimate goal. I will stick with my 06 G35 until then. It's still a beast too.
tifoso_numero1 says:
01:52 PM, 07/16/2010
Props to BMW for a great 25 years. Hopefully the next 25 will be greater.
jgcl2005 says:
11:38 AM, 07/16/2010
What a great article to end the work week with, thanks insideline. Here's to the ultimate of the ultimate driving machines.
m3shmem3 says:
10:01 AM, 07/16/2010
Thanks for a great little compilation for my Friday afternoon. They're all fantastic; most especially that Evolution III. What a shame the US didn't get the 'real' E36. I still love that body for reasons I don't completely understand.
minibro77 says:
08:59 AM, 07/16/2010
Well done as usual Inside Line. Happy Anniversary M3. I am fortunate enough to own one of these purpose built performance machines and can say I am happy! E46 M3 Convertible rides like a dream with amazing music filling the background from it's 3.2L Inline 6. It's most special and turns heads no matter where you are. It's an automotive legend!
mrgold78 says:
08:56 AM, 07/16/2010
Congrats on a great 25 years! M3 are always awesome! I just hope the next one stays true to the original Motorsport feel of the first generation when they move to turbocharging.
iskch says:
08:15 AM, 07/16/2010
The 1985 M3 was and is dream car.