Few cars define their class, but the BMW M3 is the daddy of all compact performance saloon cars.
Motors was invited to Mondello by BMW Ireland to help celebrate the iconic M3.
Twenty-five years ago the story began with the first boxy and hugely collectable E30 left hand drive only M3. At just 1.3 tonnes, it was a lightweight rocket and went on to win countless race series throughout the world.
BMW had a mint original 2.5-litre mark 1 'USA' spec M3 on display for us to drool over at Mondello. It had 200bhp, which by today's standards isn't a lot but back then it was plenty to be getting on with. The E30 M3 could get from zero to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds! A modern VW GTi has a similar output of 200bhp, so what has today's M3 got under the bonnet? Twice the cylinders for a start! The engine is now a massive four-litre V8 petrol unit that pushes out a very healthy 420bhp through the rear wheels!
BMW also donated two M3s to Ireland's premier race circuit to act as a course car and race safety car on the day. I took the safety car for a quick spin on the short 'National' circuit and despite leaving the 'M' button off had a blast - we were under strict orders not to damage the new track cars.
The V8 makes a beautiful meaty noise when you accelerate and the level of grip is very impressive when cornering. In a car this powerful the throttle can be as effective as the steering wheel when changing direction. When you need to the M3 can be as easy to drive as a Nissan Micra - albeit one that costs €100,000!
After the original 195bhp E30 came the E36 in 1992. It had a six-cylinder engine with 286bhp that started as a 3 litre but later grew by 200cc and gained 35bhp. Despite having more power than a Porsche 911 at its launch, this version is the least loved, as it was weighty and less dynamic than expected. Then again, it had big shoes to fill.
The Millennium year saw the arrival of the third evolution of the M3, the 338bhp E46. This version evolved further with the lightweight CSL edition. Motors drove this version on the Rockingham raceway in the UK and fell in love with it in an instant - the M3 was back at its best. The year 2007 saw the introduction of the V8 M3. Available as a Coupe, four-door saloon and convertible, it arrived just in time for the Recession!
The rear-wheel drive M3 has inspired many a clone over the years but none has really come close. Lexus perhaps has paid the most homage to the M3 by, ahem, acknowledging BMW's brilliant engineering by using a very similar set up and underpinnings in its ISF. Let's drool over the current car's performance figures: 0-100km/h takes 4.8 seconds, top speed is limited to 250km/h, 400nm of torque, 420bhp with an average fuel consumption of 11.9 litres per 100 kilometres travelled. The special edition GTS has even more power: 444bhp!
A new M3 may cost as much as a one-bedroom apartment but it is a stunning piece of engineering brilliance, and a massive thrill to drive.
We say Happy 25th Birthday, BMW M3.
Michael Sheridan
