Cosmetically, the North American E30 M3 is nearly identical to the European-spec model. However, it can be easily identified by the black intake grilles near each front fog light in place of the European-spec model's body-color tow hook covers.There are also bumper-mounted side marker lights, slightly different headlight configurations and a high-mounted third brake light, all required by Federal law.

Except for unique instrumentation and a generally higher level of equipment, the interior of the North American-spec E30 M3 is essentially identical to the Euro-spec model. Standard equipment on all North American-spec M3s included Bison leather sport seats, cruise control, air conditioning, power windows and sunroof, on-board computer II and an eight-speaker am/fm stereo cassette sound system. U.S.

Except for a different air intake arrangement, the North American-spec E30 M3 carries essentially the same powerplant as the early catalyst-equipped European-spec model. It is rated at 192 hp (SAE) at 6,750 rpm, which translates to a European rating of about 195 hp (DIN). Torque is an identical 170 lb/ft at 4,750 rpm.

The South African-spec E36 M3 sedan is essentially identical to the European-spec right-hand drive model but utilizes a low-compression version of the S50 B32 engine designed for low-octane South African fuel that produces slightly less power and torque (see Drivetrain below).

The exterior of the M88-powered 745i is distinguished from other 7 Series models only by its 16-inch BBS Mahle alloy wheels. There are no M badges or any other special trim items on the exterior of the car.

The E30 M3 was introduced in North America as a 1988 model, though production began in March of 1987. Cars produced before September of 1987 were actually built to 1987 specification (despite being officially considered "1988" models). True 1988 production began in September of 1987, when ellispoid headlights were introduced, Henna Red (052) was replaced by Cinnabar Red (138), Pearl Beige leather was replaced by Natur leather, and Silver leather was offered for the first time.

Though there were no further mechanical changes to the North American-spec E36 M3 after the 1996 model year, a number of equipment revisions occurred before production ended in August 1999. These included: Magma and Mulberry Nappa leather upholsteries (previously offered only in combination with Luxury Package) reintroduced to U.S.

All of the updated M coupes sold worldwide are powered by the S54 engine, as used in the E46 M3. European-spec versions are rated at 325 hp (DIN), while North American versions produce 315 hp (SAE), which translates to about 320 hp (DIN). The small loss in power can be attributed to the more restrictive placement of the catalysts on North American-spec cars in order to improve cold-start emissions.

All of the updated M roadsters sold worldwide are powered by the S54 engine, as used in the E46 M3. European-spec versions are rated at 325 hp (DIN), while North American versions produce 315 hp (SAE), which translates to about 320 hp (DIN). The small loss in power can be attributed to the more restrictive placement of the catalysts on North American-spec cars in order to improve cold-start emissions.

The North American-spec E28 M5 uses the same government-mandated sealed-beam headlights (all four of the same diameter) and 5-mph bumpers with integrated side marker lights as all U.S. and Canadian versions of the E28 5 Series. However, the M5 adds a special front airdam designed specifically for the North American front bumper as well as the M-Technic rear spoiler fitted as an option to some European-spec examples.

BMW M developed two versions of the original M coupe, one for the European market (in both left- and right-hand-drive) and one for the North American market. The European-spec model is fitted with the 321-hp (DIN) S50 B32 powerplant, as used in the European version of the E36 M3. North American-spec M coupes utilize the 240-hp (SAE) S52 engine, as found in the North American iteration of the E36 M3.

BMW M developed two versions of the original M roadster, one for the European market (in both left- and right-hand-drive) and one for the North American market. The European-spec model is fitted with the 321-hp (DIN) S50 B32 powerplant, as used in the European version of the E36 M3. North American-spec M roadsters utilize the 240-hp (SAE) S52 engine, as found in the North American iteration of the E36 M3.

The main impetus for the E30 M3's existence was Group A racing, a production-based class that demanded that each race car share its core mechanical components with a road car, of which at least 5,000 examples had to be produced. Thus, BMW Motorsport designed the race car first, then applied the necessary changes to the road car in order to homologate the competition machine. The E30 M3 street version and E30 M3 competition version are therefore quite similar.

After a two-year hiatus, the E36 M3 returned to the Canadian market for the 1997 model year. Unlike the 45 European-spec E36 M3 coupes that were sold in Canada during 1994, the 3.2-liter version was powered by the same S52 motor as the U.S.-spec model and was offered as a coupe or sedan. However, it differed from the U.S. model in the following ways:

Aside from small items like metric instrumentation, Canadian E30 M3s are essentially identical to the U.S. versions, with a few minor exceptions: Heated seats are standard on all model years (these did not appear until the 1990 model year on U.S.-spec cars, and then only as an option) and cars built for the 1990 and 1991 model years do not have a driver’s side airbag or knee bolster.

Though lagely similar in specification and appearance, the U.S.-spec 850CSi was denied the following items, largely for cost reasons: However, U.S. models do include exterior door handles embossed with "BMW Motorsport" and Extended Yew wood interior trim, both items not normally found on the European-spec version.

In addition to the development of several special edition models, there were many major and minor improvements made to the standard European-spec E30 M3 during the five and a half years it was produced. The most noteworthy of these occurred when both the 200-hp (non-catalyst) and 195-hp (catalyst) engines were replaced by the more powerful, catalyst-equipped 215-hp engine in September of 1989.

Because the E30 M3's shape had to be homologated for racing, all exterior body panels except the hood are unique to this model. The fenders are flared. The front and rear fascias contain unique 2.5-mph bumpers. The rear window is re-angled and the glass, both front and rear, is bonded. The trunk lid sits over 1.5-inches higher than the normal E30 3 Series, has a wing-type rear spoiler and is met by an extended cap over the C-pillar, all of which lower the Cd to 0.33 from 0.38.

Two different Getrag 260 five-speed manual gearboxes were used; a close-ratio version with a direct top gear and a "dogleg" shift pattern for Euro-spec cars, and an overdrive unit (shared with the E30 325i) with a standard "H" layout for North American-spec cars. The ratios are as follows: North American-spec cars have a shorter 4.10:1 final drive (versus 3.25:1) to offset the taller ratios. Both gearboxes are mated to limited slip rear differentials with a maximum locking of 25 percent.

All E30 M3s have vented front disc brakes measuring 11.1-inches (280mm) and solid rear discs measuring 11.1-inches (282mm). ABS is standard.

The interior of all M coupes are essentially identical except for the instruments. In the main cluster, early Euro-spec cars have a 280 kph/170 mph speedometer and a tachometer that reflects the S50 engine's 7,200-rpm redline, while North American models have a 160-mph/260 kph speedometer and a tachometer with a redline graduated between 6,500 and 7,000 rpm to reflect the S52 engine's variable redline.

The interior of all M roadsters are essentially identical except for the instruments. In the main cluster, early Euro-spec cars have a 280 kph/170 mph speedometer and a tachometer that reflects the S50 engine's 7,200-rpm redline, while North American models have a 160-mph/260 kph speedometer and a tachometer with a redline graduated between 6,500 and 7,000 rpm to reflect the S52 engine's variable redline.

The M6 interior differs little from that of the M635CSi. Like the European model, North American examples have the unique instrument cluster with a 280 kph/170 mph speedometer and a special tachometer with the M logo. However, they also have a generally higher level of standard equipment, including leather sport seats with power controls and driver's side seat memory, power sunroof, cruise control, air conditioning, rear window sunshade and an eight-speaker am/fm cassette sound system. U.S.

The E30 M3 is the BMW Motorsport-developed version of the E30 3 Series. Its S14 four-cylinder powerplant is a further development of the M10 unit and was chosen because of its compact dimensions. The chassis is based on the basic E30 3 Series design but has been thoroughly reworked by BMW Motorsport in every significant area. The reshaped body shares few panels with other E30 3 Series models.

Because of the relatively high production numbers required to homologate the M3, production took place at the normal Munich-Milbertshofe factory instead of in the more limited Motorsport facility in Garching. However, unlike the normal E30 models, the M3's drivetrain was assembled by special teams, then mated to the chassis on the regular assembly line.

BMW Motorsport developed seven versions of the E30 M3 coupe, each with slight mechanical variations and all in left-hand drive. Four were regular production models: European-spec without catalyst, European-spec with catalyst in 195 hp (early) and 215 hp (later) forms, and North American-spec. The remaining three were limited editions known as the Evolution I, Evolution II and Sport Evolution. These were built to homologate updates to the engine and aerodynamics for racing purposes.

The European-spec versions of the E30 M3 were far less lavishly equipped than the North American-spec version. Optional equipment, depending on the market and production date, included: metallic paint, headlight washer/wipers, leather upholstery, heated seats, power windows, power sunroof, rear headrests, on-board computer II, air conditioning, Electronic Damper Control (EDC) and various audio systems.

The initial E30 M3 Evolution was created to homologate refinements to the E30 M3 designed to make it more competitive in its competition guise. The main mechanical alteration was a revised cylinder head, distinguishable by an "E" cast into it, though peak power remained unchanged from the standard non-catalyst M3 at 200 hp (DIN). The model is otherwise identical to a standard European-spec E30 M3 and lacks a numbered dash plaque or any other identifying feature to denote this special series.

BMW decided to celebrate the dominance of the E30 M3 in the 1988 Touring Car season with a limited run of 148 "Europameister" edition road cars built in October and November of that year. These were based on the regular production M3 with the 195-hp catalyst-equipped engine. All were painted Macao Blue metallic (250) with a Silver extended Nappa leather interior including the center console and special diagonally-pleated door panels. In addition, the Europameister was given the larger 7.

In order to celebrate the many competition victories of factory driver Johnny Cecotto, BMW produced a speical version of the E30 M3 during 1989 that was named in his honor. This model introduced the 215-hp version of the 2.3-liter S14, still rated at 170 lb/ft of torque, though now at a slightly lower 4,600rpm. This engine, which would become standardized on European-spec M3s beginiing in September of 1989, can be identified on the Cecotto by its body-color cam cover.