For many Malaysian motorists the BMW driving experience and ownership is something much desired. It can start from the basic E30 318i to the much desired M3 sportscar, however with high depreciation on most outgoing BMW models more Malaysians today have the opportunity to get a taste of BMW’s driving experience with lesser outlay.
It is all too easy to let the adjectives flow when describing a BMW. Sophisticated engineering, attractive and understated design, jewel-like finish quality and road behavior matched only by a select few competitors can’t help but make an impression on even the most jaded motoring test driver like us here at www.dsf.my. But all these only start with a new showroom car. After a few years on the road it starts showing its age faster than others in its segment.
The company’s 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation M3’s have long been favorites with automotive journalists and customers alike and having driven all of them we have to say that the E30 M3 is still our favorite. From the beginning they have blended performance and luxury in a most appealing way.
The first generation BMW M3 was based on the 1986 BMW 3-Series E30, and although looking very similar shared very little body panels only the hood and roof. It was powered by a specially developed 2.3 liter inline 4-cylinder engine producing 195hp fitted with a 5-speed manual gearbox.
This remarkable peace of engineering allowed the BMW M3 E30 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 235 km/h.
