M3
The four-cylinder origin of an M legend.
1986 European 200 PS specification · Factory source
Every figure, in one place.
Performance
- Power
- 200 PS · 197 hp · 147 kW
- Torque
- 240 Nm
- 0–100 km/h
- 6.7 s
- Top speed
- 235 km/h
- Power-to-weight
- 6.00 kg/PS
Engine and drivetrain
- Engine
- S14 · Inline-four
- Displacement
- 2,302 cm³
- Induction
- Naturally aspirated
- Gearbox
- 5-speed Getrag dogleg manual
- Drivetrain
- Rear-wheel drive
- Powertrain
- Petrol
Body and dimensions
- Production
- 1986–1991
- Body
- Coupé
- Length
- 4,345 mm
- Width
- 1,680 mm
- Height
- 1,370 mm
- Wheelbase
- 2,562 mm
- Kerb weight
- 1,200 kg
- Fuel tank
- 70 L
Where this car ranks across all 93 cars in the catalogue.
Know before you buy
- Rust in sills, floors and arches is the main concern
- Parts are scarce; originality affects value
- Specialist servicing and valve adjustment required
Commonly reported ownership points, not a guarantee of faults. Always get an independent inspection.
Four cylinders, a lasting identity.
The original M3 builds its identity around the S14 four-cylinder. It is a good reminder that the M badge has never depended on one fixed cylinder count.
Learning where the M3 story began.
Body condition and originality are central to evaluating an older example.
The original M3 has four cylinders, unlike the six- and eight-cylinder M3s that followed.
S14 · Inline-four
S14 in a 1988 E30 M3. Family reference; the Sport Evolution has a different displacement.
S14 · Petrol
The first M3’s 2,302 cm³ S14 has four cylinders and four valves per cylinder. Its compact, naturally aspirated design reflects the car’s touring-car homologation origins.
Natural aspiration
Intake air enters without a turbocharger. Engine breathing, valve timing and engine speed shape the way torque builds.
Rear-wheel drive
The road car uses a manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive. The displayed output is for the early 200 PS specification; catalyst models and Evolution editions differ.
1986 European 200 PS specification
Power and torque above describe engine output for this specific factory specification. PS means metric horsepower; hp is used for US-rated output. Other model years and markets can differ. Open the BMW factory source for the original specification.
The full specification.
Ownership and buying
- Buying tips
- Body condition and originality are central to evaluating an older example.
- Maintenance notes
- Match the engine code and VIN to the correct BMW service schedule. Ask for dated maintenance records and an independent inspection before buying.
Related cars
Photo credits
- BMW M3 E30 front 20090514.jpg — Rudolf Stricker · Attribution · Original