Setting a benchmark for small, performance sedans in 1986 was the E30 BMW M3, and six-generations and four decades later the M3 continues to do so today.
Over the years the M3 badge has appeared on sedan, coupe and wagon bodies powered by a range of engines including four, six and eight cylinders, with some naturally aspirated and others turbocharged.
Australia’s significance in the success of the M3 is symbolised by the launch of the market-specific M3-R in 1995 and the world premiere of the M3 CS Touring in 2025.
Fans in Australia have taken to the M3 in vast numbers. Since it first arrived, via the second-generation E36 M3 coupe in 1994, 9830 BMW M3s have found new homes, meaning of the 23,675 BMW M cars sold in Australia since records began, the M3 accounts for a 41.4 per cent of sales.
Its pedigree has seen it a major force in top-level motorsport, notably in Australia. Although the E30 M3 wasn’t offered as a road car here, it carried Jim Richards to victory in the 1987 Australian Touring Car Championship (ATCC).
Everyone remembers the 2.3-litre Group A machine, finished in classic John Player Special black and gold livery, outshining more fancied competitors in the hands of storied steerer Richards, who won his first touring car title in another BMW, the 635 CSi.
Following its on track success, the M3 driven by Richards was later transformed into a stunning BMW Art Car by Sydney artist Ken Done.
The BMW M3 is widely considered the most successful touring car in motor-sport history, headlined by the iconic E30 M3, which secured over 1400 race wins and numerous championships in the late 1980s and early 1990s including five Nürburgring 24-hour wins, four Spa 24-hour wins, World Touring Car Championship victories, along with German, British, Italian and Australian touring car title wins.
This success on the track, linked seamlessly with the popularity of the car among enthusiasts, has guided the BMW M3 to iconic status in Australia.
The BMW M3 formula has remained consistent since the car’s inception: Brilliantly balanced chassis paired with highly responsive powertrains wrapped in styling that cleverly balances function, style and desirability. And a remarkable dual-purpose ability to thrill a driver on a racetrack but at the same time perform daily driving duties with comfort and refinement. This marrying of usability and towering performance can be traced back to the early days of its development and one area in particular: motor sport.
The first M3 was destined to compete in near-production touring car racing, specifically as a Group A race car, with international automobile sport regulations stipulating the manufacture of at least 5000 units within the space of 12 consecutive months. Therefore, the BMW M3 naturally had to be proficient as a practical road vehicle as well as one that could shame a supercar on a twisty back road.
It set the tone, and over the years the M3 evolved, developed and delivered storming performance in four distinct body styles.
