The story of the BMW M3 in the U.S. was not one of immediate success. Despite the current values for the original E30 M3, they sat in showrooms when these cars were new and were not considered a hit. Sales were so weak that when BMW decided to build the second-generation M3, it did not originally intend to sell the car in the U.S. market at all due to lack of interest. Thankfully, BMW NA Vice President of Marketing, Carl Flesher, used data gathered from a survey that concluded American BMWCCA members deemed M cars essential to BMW’s identity as a high-performance marque. This allowed the German automaker to bring a M3 to the U.S. — though with a lesser engine. Despite this, U.S. buyers lined up to buy the new M3. Our Pick of the Day is not the lower-powered American-version M3, but rather the car we were denied: a 1994 Euro-Spec BMW M3 listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Milford, Michigan.
This car is the real deal, with the engine under the hood being the desirable 3.0-liter S50B30 inline-six, rated at 286 horsepower — 46 more than the U.S.-spec M3. It features the six handmade individual throttle bodies (one for each cylinder) and single VANOS variable valve timing. What that translates to is sharper throttle response and a higher-revving, more engaging driving experience. As you would expect from a Euro M3, this example is properly equipped with a manual gearbox.
Finisted in Titanium Silver metallic, this looks like a car that may well still be wearing its original paint. It has been modified with great period accessories, including a BMW dealer accessory M3 GT front splitter, BMW dealer accessory rear spoiler, AC Schnitzer carbon-fiber strut brace, and AC Schnitzer carbon-fiber radiator cover. It rides on correct BMW factory Style 24 forged wheels.
The interior is Euro awesomeness, featuring BMW “Vader” sport seats covered in BMW M Rain-pattern cloth with Alcantara inserts. The seats look good, although the leather on the sides appears as though it would benefit from some reconditioning. The BMW M sport steering wheel is correct. Overall, this interior is nice and likely largely original. I am guessing the door panels have had new cloth inserts added, as they do not match the rest of the interior. I would change those back and throw away the aftermarket stereo. Better to install a period-correct unit or, better still, one of the Bluetooth-enabled Blaupunkt Bremen head units, which keep more with the classic 1990s look but add modern functionality.
Under the hood is the legendary BMW S50B30 inline-six engine. The ad states that total mileage is only 107,000 kilometers, which translates to only 66,000 miles. Everything looks clean, with the only modifications being the period-correct AC Schnitzer bits.
The E36 M3 is the car that made the M brand as strong as it is today, and this version is the ultimate standard version of the E36 M3. To say these cars are rare in the U.S. is the height of understatement. This is a car that will draw a crowd at any Cars and Coffee or BMWCCA event, and likely be a big star during Monterey Car Week at Legends of the Autobahn.
The best part to me is the price. This 1994 Euro BMW M3 is listed for only $44,995, which is not too much more than a nice U.S.-spec E36 M3. Quite honestly, I almost did not choose to feature this car because, if I had the spare money right now, I would have bought it the second I discovered it on ClassicCars.com. Instead, I present it to you as a rare opportunity to own what I consider to be one of the ultimate BMW M cars — one that will continue to generate interest with collectors for years to come. You’re welcome.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
