Mark's 1989 BMW E30 M3

When it comes to choosing which M car from the BMW lineup suits you best, there are many factors to take into consideration. While they each have their own intention, style & performance always top the list.

In fact, this year BMW celebrates 50 years of BMW M division. That means Mark had over five generations & countless trim levels of the BMW M3 to choose from. A decision as hard as they come.

Words by Robert Mosca

Photography by Nick Miller & Robert Mosca

Finished in a two-stage BMW A32 Sepang Bronze Metallic paint job, this E30 M3 is complemented by a custom set of BBS RS wheels built by Paul at EWheelWorks out of North Carolina. Not deviating from its original trim, Mark has kept the appearance true to its 1989 form.

This M3 is lowered on a custom set of fully adjustable Ground Control coil overs to dial in the performance and aesthetics, but the upgrades don’t stop there. Upgraded brakes, Falken RT660 tires, and polyurethane bushings keep this M3 flat through the corners with full rotational control.

While the engine that originally came with the infamous BMW E30 M3, the S14B23, is nostalgic in its engineering and racing pedigree, it was swapped in favor of its predecessor’s drivetrain. The S52B32 mated to a ZF five speed transmission boasts two extra cylinders, nearly fifty more horsepower and almost a hundred more tq.

A custom pair of period correct Recaro SRD seats brighten up the otherwise all Schwarz interior.