The BMW E30 is still one of the most attractive models the German luxury brand ever produced. Its boxy 80's proportions have aged like fine wine. Although not the first ever 3 Series model, many BMW enthusiasts first built their relationship with the brand through the E30.

One of the reasons for this is that this was the first generation 3 Series to offer an M3 model. Now the brand's iconic mainstay, the M3 shocked enthusiasts across the world. We thought the base E30 looked good, but the M3 was the stuff of dreams.

BMW’s First M3

One of the reasons for this is that this was the first generation 3 Series to offer an M3 model. Now the brand's iconic mainstay, the M3 shocked enthusiasts across the world. We thought the base E30 looked good, but the M3 was the stuff of dreams.

The E30 M3 existed because of BMW's focus on motorsport. At the time, the brand wanted to take part in the premier German racing series, DTM. To meet homologation rules, the brand had to make a road-going M3 model. Total production numbers of E30 M3s was 17,970. Of those, only 5,300 made it to the U.S.

Now the E30 M3 is a more desirable collector's item than ever. The average selling price of the E30 M3 is $68,514 over the last 5 years. Considering the MSRP of a 1988 M3 was $34,800, these small German sports coupes are investments.

Redefining a classic

It's obvious that BMW fans cannot deny the charm of the E30 M3’s boxy dimensions. Combine that with motorsport heritage, it's a guaranteed classic. The square widebody flares that defined the E30 M3 remain a timeless design element.

What if you took this original motorsport design and turned it up to 11? This is the Basel Visions' widebody E30 M3 render. Emphasizing the boxy flares that made the M3 an icon, this render makes the DTM race car look bland in comparison. This render is more reminiscent of the BMW E9 3.0 CSL "Batmobile" in E30 style.

The rear wing and rear diffuser are units you couldn't even dream of seeing even on a race car. Safe to say if you could get bodywork and fitment like this on an E30, every single neck would break on sight. BMW purists believe no E30 M3 should ever see modification and should be like a museum relic: bone stock.

We aren't sure we agree. There is one thing we can say for certain. You have to spend almost $70,000 (about the price of a brand new 2023 BMW M3) for a 30+ year old sports sedan with a four-cylinder. At that point, we are doing whatever the hell we want with it. If this render becomes reality, why not?