The result of
BMW's desire to compete in the
FIA's group A
racing class in the 80's. The catch being that the
car entered for competition had to have 5000 examples built over a 12 month period, for sale to the
public (as a requirement for racing in this class). More importantly, the cars for public sale were required to have the same basic
engine (
block,
head,
crankshaft and induction system),
aerodynamic aids and that race
tyres had to fit inside the
stock fenders. The resulting
automobile has taken up
cult status with
motorheads of a
continental bent, as well as being the winningest car BMW ever fielded in competiton. This version of the car, which utilized the
e30 chassis was the first, last and only of the
M3 series to be a
race car for sale to the public. The next M3, built on the e36 chassis was little more than sports cars to fill a
market niche. While the e36 was available in a lightweight version for track work, it never achieved the sublime balance for which the e30 was famous. Damn them for having lost the edge that was necessary for true competition in favor of
creature comforts. Damn them...
With the advent of the e46 m3, it would seem that the
pendulum has swung back towards the race bred end of the
spectrum. Unlike the e36 m3 (1995-1998) which was
GT in spirit, the e46 has handling that is more balanced, that welcomes more tweaking towards the limit. On the down side, weight is weight, and mass makes transient manuvers more
ham fisted. But at least they're headed back in right direction... And they're headed further still. A lightweight version of the e46 m3 has been introduced, known as the M3 CSL, which shaves 450 lbs from the car and adds another 20 or so horsepower. And it has been loosed upon the public. The debate about the best M3 ever has just become a bit more heated. Damn them all again...