The BMW M4 didn’t exist until around 2013. That year, the brand decided to officially separate the two- and four-door 3 Series models. Sedans retained the 3 Series badge, while coupes and convertibles became the 4 Series. Of course, this split also spawned the confusing 4 Series Gran Coupe, which was ultimately a four-door version of a two-door version of a four-door sedan. But we digressed. The changes were also carried over to the brand’s M-series model range. The following model year, convertibles and coupes received the M4 name, while sedans retained the M3 title. Therefore, reading or hearing “E30 M4” can immediately cause confusion. But thanks to BMW M’s Instagram page, we now know (or remember) that it is – at least in some respects – very real.
The E30 M4, as BMW called it, is a heavily modified E30 M3. While one look at the exterior reveals that this is not a stock car, the real magic happens under the hood. As the name suggests, the S14 four-cylinder normally found under the hood has been replaced by the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six from the first-generation M4. Unfortunately, the beautiful carbon strut brace that adorns most S55-powered cars is missing, but it’s amazing that the engine fits at all – we won’t cherry-pick any details here. When it comes to handling, the E30 M4 also has things more than under control. This S55-swapped E30 M3 also features custom push-rod suspension.
Get to know the E30 M4
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They already have the S55 engine under the hood and a heavily customized chassis setup. So why not go the extra mile? The contractor, JP Performance, must have agreed because that is exactly what they did. For this reason, the E30 M4 has M4 chassis for the most part inside the vehicle. The factory instrument cluster, steering wheel, and even the dual-clutch transmission (and shifter) all made it. There are also some factory parts left from the E30 M3. Much of the interior, such as the door panels and headlight switch, have been retained, and the car’s bodywork is largely borrowed from the ’80s icon. Even the check control is visible in some videos. However, it is likely that it will not work as JP Performance replaced all the sensors from the F82 M4. Although there are some modifications – custom Recaro seats and cooling parts from CSF, for example – the car is largely a “best of” collection of the F82 M4 and E30 M3.
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This is not the first time that BMW has presented the E30 M4. And it must be said that this isn’t even the only E30 that’s been converted to the S55. But thanks to the extreme chassis tuning, it’s safe to say that this is one of the most extensive E30 M4 projects of all time. It is also one of the best documented. What better way to start the week than scrolling through pictures of the only car BMW has ever called the E30 M4?
First published by https://www.bmwblog.com
