The BMW M3 was a well thought out car, as development of the car begun as far back as 1981, and continued for almost six years prior to its total production in 1986. The original concept of the BMW M3 was grounded in foundations from the E30 3Series car, a famous performance car with rich background. The E30 M3 later would spawn and encourage numerous other models within the 3 Series. BMW Motorsport, previously produced the E12 M535i Saloons, M635Csi, and the M1 supercar, and those cars were designed for superior racing performance, but those cars could only garner limited appeal. The main idea about the E30 M3 was to snag a wider audience both on and off the racetrack. When the decision was made by "FISA's Group A" confirmed homologation, which stated that "5000 road cars should be produced within 12 months, with minimal changes but allowed changes to be made to the engine, drive train, and body". The actual production of the M3 took place at BMW, Munich, and BMW easily marketed and sold their 5000 M3's in order to enter "Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft"(DTM).

BMW created many different versions of the M3 in order to keep the car absolutely competitive under the stated rules, resulting in quite a number of enhanced models being delivered to the general public over a timeframe. The E30 M3 was very different from the remainder of the E30 family all round, especially regarding to appearance and performance. The E30 M3 was equipped with an altered, solid, increased aerodynamics precisely on body with "box flared" fenders so it can hold a broader track with broader, taller wheels and tires. The cabin silhouette was modified with a bigger and a sheerer raked back screen in order to refine high-speed airflow. The features that were unique to the M3 were a prominent wing and an elevated back deck. The M3 and the original E30 models shared only the hood and the roof, plus it also contained 3 times the "caster angle" than any other model. The M3 also shared its single piston calipers, larger wheel bearings, stub axles with the "E28 5 Series" model, and the car was only constructed as a left-hand drive car. The one factor that gave the M3 its true genius was its faultless balance, outstanding handling and a pure realistic driving experience that none could match.

The basis of the E30 M3's engine was evolved from the "BMW M88 inline, 6 block", the fundamental architecture and the valve train from "BMW's M1", and the later science from the "M6 inline, 6 cylinder". The E30 M3 was first introduced with a "2.3 litre 16 valve, 4 cylinder" engine, with a max power of 192bhp (143kW) and immediate acceleration from 0-60mph in 6.7 seconds, along with a top speed of 143 mph (230km/h). The M3's suspension was the essential design concept of the traditional E30 along with "gas pressurized dual Boge dampers", improved springs, along with powerful anti-roll bars positioned at the front and the back. The braking system embodied "Bosch ABS system" working simultaneously with 280mm ventilated discs at the front, and 282mm solid discs at the rear. The E30 M3 had a couple fascinating attributes, which included "Siamese-like pistons", an additional oil cooler positioned behind the spoiler, "a cast alloy sump", a unusually long "stroke camshaft" with the stroke (84mm) and the bore (93.4mm), resulting in 2302cc, and unique steering help with "quick ratio steering rack".

The E30 M3 unfolded as and rebuttal to the "1983 2.3 litres, 16 valve Mercedes Benz W201", out of which the M3 was more successful despite its big price tag. The M3 kept its heritage on the track radically triumphant as it obtained 12 various touring car championships titles between 1986-1991, and 13 various racing titles between 1987-1993. Over 18,000 various M3s were produced up until when the last cabriolet was turned out in 1991. BMW has no other car within their roster that has ever achieved and done so much for their namesake, as the M3 is still regarded as the number one racetrack performance car of all time.