Driving Review: BMW M3 E30 - The Original M Car

The original BMW M3 E30 remains the purest expression of BMW's M Division philosophy. Behind the wheel, the naturally aspirated S14 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine delivers its 195 horsepower with surgical precision. The engine loves to rev, with peak power arriving at 6,750 rpm and a redline at 7,000 rpm. The five-speed manual transmission shifts with mechanical precision, while the limited-slip differential puts power down effectively. The steering is perfectly weighted, offering exceptional feedback through the Nardi wheel. On track, the E30 M3 reveals its racing DNA with neutral handling that rewards smooth inputs. This isn't a car for casual driving - it demands attention and rewards skill. Rating: 9/10 for driving purity, 7/10 for daily usability.