Almost exactly 30 years ago, production of the first BMW M3 series vehicles began – and with it a success story that is unparalleled in the automotive world. The 2,3-liter four-cylinder engine with four-valve technology produced 147 kW/200 hp and accelerated the car, which weighed just 1.200 kilograms, from standstill to 100 km/h in just 6,7 seconds and reached a top speed of 235 km/h.
But besides the legendary M3 from the DTM series, there is another M3 that enjoys iconic status among fans. Since 1988, an even more powerful Evo version has been introduced, which with 220 hp reached speeds of up to 243 km/h. In 1990, the top version of the first generation of the model was launched: the BMW M3 Sport Evolution, limited to 600 units, with a 2,5-liter engine with 238 hp. The (un)blue Mauritius of the E30-M3.
The BMW M3 Sport Evolution (E30) represents the pinnacle and technically most radical development of the first generation of the M3. As a homologation model for Group A in the Touring Car Championship, it was produced in a limited series of 600 units, and production took place exclusively between January and March 1990.
The heart of the Sport Evolution, also unofficially called the “Evo III”, is the S14 four-cylinder engine. By increasing the displacement to 2.467 cm³ (2,5 liters) and optimizing the valves and camshafts, power was increased to 238 hp (175 kW) at 7.000 rpm. To ensure cooling of the engine at high revs, additional oil spray nozzles were installed to cool the piston crowns.
Externally, this model differs from the basic one in purposeful aerodynamic changes: both the front spoiler and the rear wing are adjustable in three positions (modes: Monza, Normal, Nürburgring) to optimize the ratio between downforce and air resistance depending on the race track.
For better cooling of the brakes, the fog lights were replaced with special air ducts. The car was available from the factory in only two colors: glossy black or Misano red. A striking feature is the red (for black cars) or dark (for red cars) decorative stripes on the bumpers.
In order to improve the power-to-weight ratio, BMW implemented consistent weight-saving measures. These included thinner side window glass, a lighter boot lid and a smaller fuel tank with a capacity of 62 liters. The chassis was lowered by ten millimeters compared to the standard M3 and was combined with 16-inch BBS cross-spoke wheels with a star in the color "Nogaro-Silver".
Inside, Recaro sports seats with integrated headrests and the characteristic M design underline the sporty character. The steering wheel, gear lever knob and handbrake handle are covered in Alcantara leather for better grip. A numbered plaque on the center console recalls the exclusivity of this special series, which is now considered one of the most sought-after collector's items in the history of the Bavarian brand.
The BMW M3 Sport Evolution (E30) was already an exclusive and expensive car when it was launched at the beginning of 1990, with a purchase price that was considerably higher than the standard M3 model at the time. The base price for one of the 600 examples produced was 85.000 German marks in Germany. For comparison: the regular BMW M3 (with a 2,3-liter engine with 215 hp) was available at the time for around 68.000 German marks. The additional cost of 17.000 German marks for the “Sport Evolution” version was almost the same as the price of a well-equipped VW Polo or basic Golf.
Despite its high price, the standard equipment of the Sport Evolution was rather minimalist due to its focus on motorsport. Comfort features such as air conditioning, electric windows or a sliding sunroof often had to be ordered separately, which often increased the final price of the vehicles for customers to more than 90.000 to 100.000 German marks.
From today's perspective, this original price seems almost modest: the value of well-preserved examples in original condition has since more than quadrupled. At auctions, the best cars reach prices that far exceed 200.000 euros, with record prices for cars with extremely low mileage even exceeding the 300.000 euro mark.
