1991 BMW 3 Series

Production of the BMW 3 Series began in May of 1975 and has served as the successor to the popular 02 Series. The 1991 model year was part of the Second Generation E30 series which began in 1982 and would continue through 1994. Originally produced solely as a 2-door sedan, a four-door version was introduced in 1983, convertibles in 1985, and estate 'Touring' models followed in 1987. These were also the first 3 Series models to be equipped with a diesel engine, and all-wheel drive was introduced to the 3 Series range with the 325iX model.

In the United States, pricing for the 318i 4-door sedan began at just over $20,000 and rose to nearly $36,000 for the M3 and 325iC. The 318 models had a dual-overhead-cam four-cylinder, 16-valve 110 cubic-inch engine offering 134 horsepower. The M3 had a dual-overhead-cam four-cylinder with a 140 CID and nearly 200 horsepower. The 325i range had a 24-valve six-cylinder engine with a 152 CID and 17 horsepower. A five-speed manual was standard and a four-speed automatic was optional. Disc brakes were placed at all four corners and steering was by a rack-and-pinion unit. The 318i could go from zero-to-sixty mph in 8.5 seconds, and the 325i in 7.8 seconds.

The E30 M3 offered power, handling and the convenience of four seats. For buyers seeking more, BMW offered a DTM variant, produced in limited numbers to comply with 'Group A' Touring Car championship rules. The Evolution model (Evo II) was built in a similar fashion to the 'Group A' racing-car and was a significant development of the original M3. It was slightly more powerful thanks to a new camshaft, pistons and intake system. It had a lighter flywheel, boot lid, windows and bumpers. The later limited edition 'Sport Evolution' model (referred to as Evo III) increased engine displacement to 2.5-litres and had an adjustable multi-position front splitter and rear wing and enlarged front bumper openings. In place of the front fog lights, BMW installed brake cooling ducts.

The final incarnation Sport Evolution was very different with unique aerodynamically sculpted body panels, increased caster angle through major front suspension changes, and aluminum control arms. They were fitted with special brake calipers and rotors, a special brake master cylinder, and a 'Getrag 265' five-speed gearbox with a limited-slip differential.

Between 1989 and 1990, just 600 examples of the M3 Sport Evolution were built. They were available in black or red only.

by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2019