Ever since its release, enthusiasts have lamented that the E36-chassis BMW M3 didn’t get the high-zoot, Euro-spec engine. No individual throttle bodies, no 300-horsepower engines, no 7400 rpm redlines.
According to Erik Wensberg, who served at the time as BMW
M Brand Manager, the reality of that U.S.-spec M3 was that despite the lamentations, it enjoyed tremendous sales numbers. And that showroom success helped justify an aggressive, factory-backed motorsports program featuring the M3.
Less Power, More Appeal
The E36-chassis M3 was released in Europe in 1992. The award-winning coupe would finally come stateside for the 1995 model year.
One small problem: BMW North America simply saw the Euro-spec M3 as too expensive, too complicated for the American market, Wensberg explains. BMW…
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