The idea behind the first BMW M3 was to make a racing sedan available as a street version. Nobody foresaw just what a roaring success the M3 would become – on everyday roads as well as the world’s greatest race tracks. As a touring car racing homologation model, the BMW M3 finally rolled to the starting line in 1986. The Group A regulations required that at least 5,000 road-legal copies of a racing car had to be sold within twelve months in order for a vehicle to be homologated for racing.

The heart of the BMW M3 was undoubtedly its sophisticated four-cylinder engine. The basis for this was the two-litre four-cylinder from the then 3 Series, which was completely revised. Among the best features of the original engine were its low weight, high torque and durability. The typical M power treatment included increasing the displacement to 2.3 litres and integrating a four-valve head. This technology was already known in a modified form from the BMW M1 super sports car.

The BMW M3 was tested at the Nürburgring before the start of its production cycle. The experience gained on probably the most demanding race track in the world served to ensure both the series and racing versions were durable. After its gruelling drives on the ‘Green Hell’, the M3 was able to showcase its full-throttle credentials in a 150,000-kilometre test at top speed on Italy’s Nardo Ring. Naturally, it passed with flying colours.

In addition to other titles in other countries, BMW Motorsport scored a double victory with the M3 at the Nürburgring 24 Hours Race. That closed the circle, because the pre-series M3 cars received finishing touches for series production and racing on this famous circuit. For five years, this vehicle dominated the series across the globe and developed into the most successful touring car ever. In its most powerful variants, the M3 racing version with 2.5 litre cubic capacity went up to 360 hp.

Whether as a closed two-door or from 1989 or as the BMW M3 Convertible, almost 18,000 vehicles were sold. The first M3 ever came on the market for 58,000 DM, while the M3 Sport Evolution at the end of the production cycle had a starting price of 85,000 DM. All these M3 models are the basis of a loyal fan community and an important pillar for the BMW M GmbH’s success today. Above all, this model is the origin of the myth of the M3 letter-number combination, which continues to inspire to this day all around the world.