There's one model in BMW M's history that represents almost all the convertibles ever made - and that's the M3 E30 Convertible. Having been BMW's first-ever car with a fabric roof to be produced for the masses, it is a status symbol of sorts among high-performance luxury convertibles, that drove better than any other car in the '80s. What you're looking at, is the world's first-ever BMW M3 E30 Convertible to be made, making it rare and unique.

A car like the M3 E30 was never actually what BMW had in mind; the only reason it came into existence was because of a Group-A motorsport regulation, which meant that, if BMW had to homologate its M3 racecar for touring car championships, they had to at least make 5,000 units for the road.

Related: Legend Of The Racetrack: The 1986 BMW M3 E30

BMW M3 E30 Went From Racetracks To The Road

Blue 1988 BMW M3 E30 Convertible Side Profile
BMW

Just like the two-door version, the M3 E30 Convertible too has motorsport DNA - and that means performance combined with open-top driving like never before, because the M3 E30 was, in essence, the only DTM homologation model that was offered as a convertible as well.

The first BMW M3 was not only a track car but one that could actually be driven to drop off the kids at school - and this holds true to the current, modern-day line-up of M cars.

However, the M3 was missing something important: the ability to drive and let the wind through your hair while cruising along your favorite countryside road. The M3 E30 Convertible brought a refreshingly new feature to customers in 1988.

Engine Of The BMW M3 E30 Convertible

Blue 1988 BMW M3 E30 Convertible With Headlights Blaring
BMW

The E30's engine featured a wide, milled cylinder head, spark plug connectors arranged in-line and M Power lettering on stripes; that's the detail that went into the making of the E30 M3. The water-cooled, 4-cylinder in-line engine, along with a 16-valve light alloy head, two overhead camshafts, and a five-bearing crankshaft, made for a compact unit.

The 2.3-liter engine was derived from a Formula 1 engine that played a major part in making Nelson Piquet a world champion in 1983. At first, the M3 Convertible made 195 hp and managed a top speed of 141mph.

In 1989, BMW bumped-up the output by 20hp, which invariably lead to more speed at 148mph. For its time, it was considered the best performer in the four-seater convertible space. When the M3 E30 Convertible was introduced, it made 195 hp but weighed in at only 2998 lbs. That was an excellent power-to-weight ratio for a four-seater convertible, that too in 1988.

Motorsport-Inspired Gearbox For The BMW M3 E30 Convertible

Blue 1988 BMW M3 E30 Convertible Gearstick
BMW

The manner in which the gearshift of the M3 E30 Convertible worked, reflected its motorsport genes. The first gear is located on the lower left of the H gearstick, which resulted in shorter shifting distances between the second and fifth gear. This made it a fun car for the one behind the wheel.

Sporty Interior For The BMW M3 E30 Convertible

Blue 1988 BMW M3 E30 Convertible Interior And Headlights
BMW

Like all BMWs of the time, the interior was aligned to the driver, with the center console angled more towards them. The interior was designed keeping in mind the driver's control over the car. It came with an M Technic leather sports steering wheel, and supportive M Sport seats with adjustable thigh support with side bolster because it would have to hold you in place around sharp corners.

Anyone buying the car had the chance to choose between three interior colors: black, silver and natural, in either fabric or leather. The option of leather upholstery meant you could tweak the cabin, which included the center tunnel, doors, and side panels upholstered in Walk Nappa.

A Convertible But An M3 For Certain

Blue 1988 BMW M3 E30 Convertible Seats And Taillights
BMW

The M3 E30 Convertible did not look as extreme as its sedan sibling because it did not have a rear spoiler at the back. The rest of it was the same, with all the important motorsport-inspired bits, like the flared wheel arches. A standard E30 looked flattered on the sides.

The arches had to be pushed out a little, because of the wider wheels and a larger track width. Also, to keep the car as light as possible, plastic boot lids, spoilers, bumpers, and mudguards were added. The all-steel body is welded to the floor of the BMW M3 E30 Convertible, helping in terms of rigidity.

Related: 10 Reasons Why Every Gearhead Should Drive The BMW E30 M3

BMW M3 E30 Convertible Is A Rare Collectible

Blue 1988 BMW M3 E30 Convertible Rear Profile
BMW

BMW manufactured only 796 units of the M3 Convertible - and not only was it the most powerful production E30 convertible of its time, but also the rarest E30 you could buy then, and now. Having been the first-ever convertible by BMW M, it has made history and is now considered a special classic.

Source: BMW