BMW M3 is singing its swansong

BMW M3: more performance, less weight and a visual makeover

My, the BMW M3 has come a long way. The original, based on the ‘E30’ BMW 3 Series of 1985, was a boxy two-door coupé powered by a naturally aspirated 2.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine sending about 200hp to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox.

That car is revered by car enthusiasts and it’s an appreciating classic, as much for its upright period styling and ‘box-flared’ wheelarches as its handling prowess. It ...