BMW E30 M3 classic car review: I don’t quite get the hype

The BMW M3 is one of the world’s most iconic sports saloons, and the E30 was the very first version. Launched in 1986, this original M3 was built as a homologation special so BMW could compete in the German Touring Car Championships, and almost 40 years later the model is in its sixth generation.

I recently drove the latest, and most hardcore M3 – the CS – around the track at Thruxton, and parked out front was a 1989 E30 M3. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to have a go in the car which started it all, but after taking in some twisty roads I emerged feeling a bit conflicted.

Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

BMW E30 M3 review: quick facts

BMW E30 M3 review: design and interior

I have always adored the way the E30 BMW 3 Series looks, and the M3 is just perfect in my eyes. It’s beautifully proportioned, and the metallic grey paint on this Ravaglia Edition really highlights the muscular stance.

And BMW made some pretty significant changes to the M3 over the standard 3 Series of the day, most notably the rear window. The normal E30 3 series has quite a steeply raked rear window, which caused aerodynamic issues on the much faster M3.

It would create turbulence at the back, resulting in air not passing over the rear wing properly. BMW therefore changed the rear C pillar to flatten the angle of the back window, along with adding a taller bootlid with that iconic spoiler on it.

The rear wheel arches are also wider, and there’s a more aggressive-looking front bumper. All of these subtle changes come together to create a sports car which looks mean and purposeful, without going overboard.

I spent a bit of time gawking at the E30 M3’s styling before climbing inside – on the wrong side at first because all E30 M3s are actually left-hand drive.

Every time I drive a car from this era, I’m reminded that I really need to own a classic car at some point. There’s just something so charming and characterful about a cabin this simple, and you get fantastic visibility thanks to the thin pillars. The M3 has body-hugging sports seats, which are nowhere near as extreme as the carbon fibre buckets you get in the latest version, as well a three-spoke steering wheel and some M-Sport tricolour details.

Driving the E30 BMW M3: It’s brilliant, but there’s a catch

I was slightly apprehensive about driving the BMW E30 M3, mostly because it’s worth an absolute fortune. More on that in a minute.

As well as being left-hand drive, it also has what’s known as a dog leg manual gearbox. This basically means that first is where second usually is, which is better for racing because second and third are then in a straight line – the gears you change between the most on a track. It takes some getting used to though.

Once I’d acquainted myself with the gearbox, I hit some twisty roads around Hampshire. As with most ‘80s sports cars, I almost instantly noticed how light the M3 felt. It weighs around 400kg less than the current M3, and it’s physically much smaller as well which makes it ideal for flinging down British B roads.

The steering is delightful, with a nice weight to it and plenty of feedback. You always know exactly what’s going on at the wheels.

Now for that gearbox. We’ve come to expect manual sports cars to have a short, snappy gearshift, a bit like in my own Mazda MX-5, but the E30’s is hilariously long. It almost felt like fourth gear was in the glovebox. It does add to the charm though.

Under the bonnet is a revvy 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine putting out 215hp, and that makes it plenty quick enough to have fun in a car this light. You do have to wring its neck to get the most out of it, but it makes a nice noise when you do. That said, it’s not quite as characterful as the six-cylinder engine you got in the later E46 M3.

You seem to love it, so what’s the catch?

The catch is the price. E30 BMW M3s start at around £60,000 these days, rising to well over £100,000 for the rarer and more powerful Evolution models.

Now don’t get me wrong, I know why they fetch such strong money. Rarity is one factor, with fewer than 18,000 of them ever made and only around 600 of them left in the UK right now. They’re also hugely popular with collectors thanks to their racing heritage.

So it’s a classic case of demand outstripping supply. For me though I’m not interested in hoarding cars as an investment – not that I could afford to anyway. I much prefer to drive and enjoy my cars.

And as a driver’s car, I couldn’t shake the feeling that an E30 BMW 325i with some choice mods would be just as enjoyable for a fraction of the price. I also had just as much fun driving the Mk1 Toyota MR2, and those fetch around £10,000 these days.

BMW E30 M3 review: my final verdict

I loved driving the E30 BMW M3, in the same way I enjoy driving a lot of classic cars. The story behind it is really cool, it looks great and it’s got a charming simplicity about it which modern cars simply can’t replicate.

It made me realise that I’d love to own an E30 BMW 3 Series at some point, but I just don’t think the M3 is worth the huge premium over a six-cylinder 325i if driving pleasure is your biggest priority.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

Click here to follow us on WhatsApp, where you can keep up-to-date with all the latest news, reviews, advice guides and videos.