Notes
The E30 M3 2.3L, introduced in 1986, is a motorsport legend and one of BMW's most iconic performance cars. It features a 2.3-liter naturally aspirated inline-four engine (S14) producing 192–215 hp, depending on the version. Designed for homologation in Group A racing, the E30 M3 boasts a high-revving powertrain, rear-wheel drive, and a close-ratio 5-speed manual transmission for a pure driving experience.
The car's aggressive styling, including flared fenders, a rear spoiler, and an aerodynamic body kit, reflects its racing pedigree. The chassis and suspension were extensively reworked for improved handling, offering razor-sharp dynamics on both road and track. The E30 M3 2.3L remains celebrated for its precision engineering, lightweight design, and its role as the foundation of BMW's M3 lineage.
OEM Specs
YEAR NOTES
Compare to
Popular BMW E30 M3 2.3l Mods by Level
From 4 documented buildsRace
2 buildsLap Times
| Time | Track | Car | Mod | Driver | Tire | Lap Date | Date Added | vs Predict | Pace |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2:12.2 | Red Star Raceway (Full Circuit) | Race | 16 May, 2022 | 13 Dec, 2025 | -7.62s | +5.90% | |||
| 1:26.0 | Guangdong International Circuit - GIC | Heavy | 11 Apr, 2017 | 12 Jan, 2026 | -2.53s | +2.96% | |||
| 2:18.3 | Sebring (CW) | Race | 23 May, 2021 | 15 Mar, 2022 | -3.57s | +2.52% | |||
| 1:33.8 | Road Atlanta | Race | 06 Dec, 2022 | 28 Aug, 2024 | -2s | +2.10% | |||
| 1:13.8 | Florida International Rally & Motorsport Park-FIRM (Main Course w/o Shoebox CW) | Race | 02 Apr, 2021 | 21 Dec, 2024 | -1.5s | +1.99% | |||
| 2:08.2 | Utah Motorsports Campus (Outer Circuit) | Medium | 12 Jun, 2023 | 07 Mar, 2024 | -2.39s | +1.89% | |||
| 2:06.6 | Hungaroring | Race | 20 Aug, 2016 | 18 Jan, 2026 | -2.31s | +1.86% | |||
| 2:51.8 | Spring Mountain Motor Resort (Mansell A 3.4 Mile) | Race | 07 May, 2021 | 14 Feb, 2026 | -2.69s | +1.63% | |||
| 3:25.0 | Thunderhill (5 Mile w/Double Bypass) | Race | 20 Nov, 2022 | 23 Nov, 2023 | -1.05s | +0.53% | |||
| 2:53.1 | Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps | Race | 25 Sep, 2018 | 09 Mar, 2025 | -0.23s | +0.14% | |||
| 2:54.0 | Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps | Race | 15 Oct, 2022 | 20 Jan, 2026 | +0.28s | -0.17% | |||
| 1:34.3 | Dijon Prenois (Grand Prix) | Heavy | 06 Oct, 2024 | 24 Oct, 2024 | +0.29s | -0.33% | |||
| 2:31.1 | Circuit Paul Ricard (Circuit 1C-V2) | Heavy | 14 May, 2014 | 20 Mar, 2022 | +1.4s | -0.97% | |||
| 1:10.8 | Tsukuba Circuit | Stock | 12 Nov, 2019 | 06 Feb, 2025 | +2.69s | -4.13% | |||
| 1:35.3 | Thunderhill (West) | Stock | 10 Jun, 2021 | 28 May, 2022 | +4.16s | -4.60% | |||
| 2:05.6 | Circuit Zandvoort | Medium | 22 Aug, 2015 | 30 Aug, 2021 | +5.57s | -4.63% | |||
| 2:46.0 | Suzuka Circuit | Race | 17 May, 2018 | 08 Mar, 2022 | +8.99s | -5.73% | |||
| 2:12.0 | Fuji International Speedway | Heavy | 15 Jun, 2016 | 07 Feb, 2026 | +7.78s | -6.25% | |||
| 9:33.0 | Nürburgring (BTG) | Stock | 01 Sep, 2009 | 12 Apr, 2022 | — | ||||
| 3:10.0 | Monticello Motor Club (South Course CW) | Light | 12 Apr, 2010 | 23 Jan, 2026 | — | — |
Top Modified E30 M3 2.3l
| Year | Driver Name | Mod | Horsepower | Tire | Tire Size | Vs Predict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 (Nemesis) | Rolling Artworks | Race | 300 | 40 R7 | 245/35/17 | -5.37s |
| 1988 (Gauteng//Race) | BMW Car Club Gauteng | Race | 200 | 40 R7 | 225/45/16 | -4.09s |
| 1989 (w/RE71R) | Chroniclcm | Heavy | — | 200 Potenza RE-71RS | — | -2.67s |
| 1986 | RudeBoy B | Medium | — | — | — | -0.85s |
| 1986 | Dana MP | Race | 321 | — | — | +0.03s |
| 1986 | Pedro Guimaraes, SOC | Race | — | — | — | +2.74s |
| 1987 (w/RS4) | Michael Detmers | Race | 200 | 200 Ventus RS4 | 225/45/15 | +3.31s |
| 1990 (NicoVerdonck|Race) | Nico Verdonck | Race | 200 | — | — | +4.33s |
| 1986 | Robbert Alblas | Race | 200 | — | — | +4.93s |
| 1987 | Christophe Cochet | Heavy | 303 | — | — | +5.57s |