For those who didn't know, 7 variations of the E30 M3

[Rav335uk]

Special Versions

Were there any special editions of the E30 M3?
There were seven special editions of the E30 M3. Three were homologation specials known as the Evoultion I, Evolution II and Sport Evolution. The remaining four were based more closely on regular production models, but had special cosmetic features. These editions were called the Tour de Corse, Europa Meister 88, Johnny Cecotto and Roberto Ravaglia.

What distinguishes an E30 M3 Evolution I?
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. A total of 505 examples were produced with consecutive ViNs (2190283 through 2190787) during March and April of 1987.

What distinguishes an E30 M3 Evolution II?
The E30 M3 Evolution was followed by the E30 M3 Evolution II, 500 of which were built in the Spring of 1988. (NOTE: This model is officially known simply as the "M3 Evolution", since BMW M considers the 505 examples of the first M3 Evolution produced in 1987 as a slight variation on the regular M3 and not a separate edition in its own right.) Unlike the first Evolution, the E30 M3 Evolution II received significant mechanical upgrades to its S14 motor (identifiable by unique valve covers in white with tri-color Motorsport stripes). New pistons raised the compression to 11:1 (from 10.5:1), the air intake was improved, the flywheel lightened and the engine management revised. Power increased to 220 hp and 181 lb/ft of torque, both at the same rpm as the standard non-catalyst S14 motor. The close-ratio Getrag 5-speed manual gearbox carried over unchanged, though the final drive was reduced slightly from 3.25:1 to 3.15:1. Larger 7.5x16-inch alloy wheels with 225/45ZR16 tires, normally an extra-cost option on the standard M3, were fitted as standard to the Evolution II. However, there were no alterations to the suspension or brakes.

The exterior of the Evolution II can be easily identified by its deeper front airdam, additional rear lip spoiler on the trunk lid and front brake cooling ducts in place of foglights . In addition, thinner window glass, plus a lightened trunk lid and bumpers, reduced weight by 22 pounds. The E30 M3 Evolution II was offered only in three exclusive exterior colors: Misano Red (236), Macao Blue metallic (250) and Nogaro Silver metallic (243). The sole interior choice was Silver cloth with matching leather bolsters. Both the front and rear seats were fitted with the tri-color M lapels (as used on the E28 M535i/M5), plus an M foot rest and door sill plates with the "M3" insiginia were included. Finally, a special dashboard plaque denoting the specific number of each example out of 500 was fitted to every Evolution II. All features from the normal M3 option list were also offered on the M3 Evolution II at extra cost, with the exception of the green-tinted windshield stripe, which was standard equipment.

What distinguishes an E30 M3 Sport Evolution?
The E30 M3 Sport Evolution, produced in late 1989 and early 1990, was the most extensively modified of the three E30 M3 Evolution editions. The cylinder bore was increased to 95mm (from 84mm) and a long-stroke crank was added to boost displacement to 2,467cc (from 2,305). In addition, the valves were enlarged and a more aggressive cam was fitted. Special nozzles sprayed oil under the pistons to keep them cool. All Sport Evolution motors were equipped with catalysts. The end result was a power increase to 238 hp at 7,000 rpm, though peak torque decreased slightly (over the Evolution II) to 177 lb/ft at 4,750 rpm. These engines use the regular black cam cover but have red spark plug wires. The gearbox remained unchanged but the 3.15:1 final drive was fitted.

Like the Evolution II, the Sport Evolution has thinner glass, a lighter trunk and bumpers, and brake cooling ducts in place of foglights. In addition, it also has a smaller fuel tank. For homologation purposes, the Sport Evolution has unique front and rear spoilers with adjustable extensions for greater downforce, even wider front fenders, and reprofiled grille slats with sealed gaps for better aerodynamics, all of which have negligible effect on the street. The M3 Sport Evolution also sits 10mm lower than the normal E30 M3.

The Sport Evolution was only offered only in Jet Black (668) with red bumper stripes or Brilliant Red (308) with black bumper stripes. The wheels are the same 7.5x16-inch cross-spoke items used on other Evolution models, but the spokes are painted a darker Nogaro Silver. Comfort items such as power windows, a sunroof, on-board computer and air conditioning were all deleted in order to keep weight down, though they could be ordered as options. Even the interior map lights and grab handles were deleted. Recaro sport seats with integrated headrests were standard in Anthracite M cloth. Black leather with the M tri-color logo was an option. A suede-covered M Technic II steering wheel, shift knob and parking brake handle were included along with red seatbelts. Door sill plates with color "M3" insignias were added and a special plaque denoting each car as a Sport Evolution appears on the center console (though it does not include the unique number of each example out of the 600).

What distinguishes an E30 M3 Tour de Corse edition?
The Tour de Corse was a special edition of the E30 M3 created by BMW France exclusively for the French market to celebrate the win of French drivers Bernard Beguin and Jean-Jacques Lenne in the Tour de Corse rally. A total of 50 were produced, each based on the E30 M3 Evolution I and therefore equipped with the "E-stamped" cylinder head. Only one paint and upholstery combination was offered: Diamond Black metallic (181) with a Black leather interior (0203). In addition, each Tour de Course was equipped with a high level of factory equipment: central locking, power sunroof, power windows, headlight washer + wipers, interior headlight aim adjustment, on-board computer and velour floor mats. In addition, BMW France retrofitted each Tour de Course prior to delivery with 7.5x16-inch cross-spoke alloy wheels, an M footrest, door sill plates featuring the "M3" logo, and tri-color M stripe lapels on each of the four seats. Finally, each example was given two "Tour de Corse" exterior badges, one in place of the standard M3 badge on the grille and another on the left side of the trunk lid, plus a numbered plaque on the center console bearing the signatures of rally drivers Bernard Beguin and Jean-Jacques Lenne.

What distinguishes an E30 M3 Europameister edition?
BMW celebrated the dominance of its E30 M3 in the 1988 Touring Car season with a limited run of 148 "Europameister" edition road cars built from October through December of that year. Based on the regular production M3 with the 195-hp catalyst-equipped S14 engine, each was painted Macao Blue metallic (250) and most were equipped with a Silver extended Nappa leather interior with hide covering the center console and special diagonally-pleated door panels, plus M-stripe lapels on all four seats. A complete Silver Nappa leather interior (including the entire dashboard, glovebox door and steering wheel) was offered as a rare (and expensive) option. In addition, the Europameister interior included door sill plates with the "M3" insignia and an "M" foot rest for the driver. A special plaque on the center console read "Europameister 1988 auf BMW M3" and was signed by driver Roberto Ravaglia. Most examples of the Europeameister were heavily optioned, though additional standard equipment over the normal M3 included only the 7.5x16-inch alloy wheels, green-tinted windshield stripe and power windows.

What distinguishes an E30 M3 Cecotto edition?
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 catalyst-equipped 2.3-liter S14 motor, still rated at 170 lb/ft of torque
(though now peaking at a slightly lower 4,600 rpm). This engine, which would become standardized on European-spec M3s beginiing in September of 1989, can be identified in the Cecotto by its body-color valve cover. All other mechanical aspects of the Cecotto edition are identical to the standard E30 M3.

The M3 Cecotto was offered in the same three exterior color choices as the E30 M3 Evolution II: Misano Red (236), Macao Blue metallic (250) or Nogaro Silver metallic (243). It also featured the M3 Evolution II front and rear spoilers, and is further distinguished by its thinner rear window glass, chrome tailpipes, and 7.5x16-inch alloy wheels with unique metallic black centers. However, unlike the M3 Evolution II, the Cecotto does not include the front brake cooling ducts in place of fog lights.On the inside, the standard BMW sport seats were trimmed in a special Anthracite or Silver M-Technic cloth with Bison leather bolsters. As an alternative, Black Bison leather, Black extended Nappa leather or Silver extended Nappa leather could be specified at extra cost. Additional special interior features included door sill plates with a color "M3" insignia, an M footrest for the driver, an illuminated leather shift knob and a plaque on the center console that displays the signature of Johnny Cecotto, as well as the exclusive number of each car in the series out of 505. (In fact, 480 E30 M3 Cecottos were built in total, in addition to 25 nearly identical Ravaglia editions see below, for a grand total of 505 examples). All M3 Cecotto and Ravaglia editions were further equipeed with the green-tinted windshield stripe, power windows, internal headlight aim adjustment, on-board computer II and the cassette storage box, while all available equipment from the regular E30 M3 option list was offered at extra cost.

In addition to the initial 505 examples of the E30 M3 Cecotto and Ravaglia editions, the Swiss market later received its own special series of E30 M3 Cecotto models. These were produced in two batches, the first in October and November of 1989, and the second in April and May of 1990. A total of 80 examples were built, each identical in specification to the earlier M3 Cecotto edition, aside from being fitted with a special 211-hp (DIN) version of the S14 motor tailored for Swiss emissions regulations, as well as the later M-Technic II steering wheel that was introduced on all E30 M3s for the 1990 model year. Though equipped with a special center console plaque that bears the signature of Johnny Cecotto, the Swiss edition is not individually numbered.

What distinguishes an E30 M3 Roberto Ravaglia edition?
Instead of the E30 M3 Johnny Cecotto edition, the U.K. market received only the E30 M3 Roberto Ravaglia edition, which was essentially an identical car except for the signature of a different BMW factory race driver on the numbered plaque. A total of 25 examples were produced, 16 in Misano Red (236) with an Anthracite M cloth and Bison leather interior, 9 in Nogaro Silver metallic (243) with a Silver M cloth and Bison leather interior.

[Rav335uk]

http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=8

[polsta]

is there any man out there, that has 1 of each all together ?

[blondboy84]

too much reading - I am lazy today

[Kos]

you've left out the holy grail of all e30 M3's

The 4 white sport evo special edition cars

Also there was a one off cabrio evo and a couple of other off balls built along the way

[Rav335uk]

Well find the info then Kos, and add to this mate.

[polsta]

could add it to the wiki, every model with pics, spec and info ? would be nice

[dusty23]

not really an m3 as such but made in an m3 shell so worth adding is the Alpina B6S the daddy of them all(well maybe not a sports evo but all the others)

[Kos]

not really an m3 as such but made in an m3 shell so worth adding is the Alpina B6S the daddy of them all(well maybe not a sports evo but all the others)

Nope, the daddy of all M3 variants including tuners editions would be the Hartge H36

[dusty23]

not really an m3 as such but made in an m3 shell so worth adding is the Alpina B6S the daddy of them all(well maybe not a sports evo but all the others)

Nope, the daddy of all M3 variants including tuners editions would be the Hartge H36

I forgot about the Hargte, that is the nuts that car, i've only ever seen it in pictures though, does anyone on here have one?

[steve_k]

Also what about the 2 RHD(from the factory) japan evolution's??

[Kos]

not really an m3 as such but made in an m3 shell so worth adding is the Alpina B6S the daddy of them all(well maybe not a sports evo but all the others)

Nope, the daddy of all M3 variants including tuners editions would be the Hartge H36

I forgot about the Hargte, that is the nuts that car, i've only ever seen it in pictures though, does anyone on here have one?

"theo325" has the remains of one ( it was well known car until it was killed) theo is building up another e30 M3 into an h36

a close friend of mine has an original one

[Kos]

Also what about the 2 RHD(from the factory) japan evolution's??

yep, there is them as well. some people thought i was insane when i said RHD e30 M3's existed, then they appeared in the magazine

[baggimodo]

Niiiice.

[dusty23]

Nope, the daddy of all M3 variants including tuners editions would be the Hartge H36

I forgot about the Hargte, that is the nuts that car, i've only ever seen it in pictures though, does anyone on here have one?

"theo325" has the remains of one ( it was well known car until it was killed) theo is building up another e30 M3 into an h36

a close friend of mine has an original one

Correct me if i'm wrong but weren't only 6 of the h36's ever made?

[steve_k]

Anybody got a picture of the tri-colour rocker cover? Wouldnt mind doing mine the same instead of black

[Kos]

I forgot about the Hargte, that is the nuts that car, i've only ever seen it in pictures though, does anyone on here have one?

"theo325" has the remains of one ( it was well known car until it was killed) theo is building up another e30 M3 into an h36

a close friend of mine has an original one

Correct me if i'm wrong but weren't only 6 of the h36's ever made?

correct

1 is dead, 1 bastardised, 1 is my friends, 1 is still with herbert in germany, 2 others are missing

[dusty23]

[/quote]

correct

1 is dead, 1 bastardised, 1 is my friends, 1 is still with herbert in germany, 2 others are missing[/quote]

Better get looking in some mythical barns for the other two then!

[Grrrmachine]

could add it to the wiki, every model with pics, spec and info ? would be nice

All the info Rav posted has been in the Wiki for four years already.

Pics would be nice though.

[Kedge]

could add it to the wiki, every model with pics, spec and info ? would be nice

All the info Rav posted has been in the Wiki for four years already.

Pics would be nice though.

Shows how much effort some people put into researching things eh!

I'll hunt down some pics and add them over the weekend when I'm at work along with any other info there is for the super rare ones Kos has mentioned.

[bss325i]

Why did you just cut and paste some info from the BMW M registry site Rav?

[Rav335uk]

Why did you just cut and paste some info from the BMW M registry site Rav?

I didn't copy it form there Barry, i stole it from here.

http://www.e30owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20145