We've said it before, but one of the best things about our job is meeting die-hard enthusiasts. And we've found these guys are often attracted to certain types of cars - usually older models, often quirky and always difficult to find parts. Yet the struggle to keep the car on the road endears it more.
One such car is the E30 M3. Limited production, a lack of parts and climbing used prices mean they're for the dedicated few.
The original M3 is capable of stirring deep emotions. Its concoction of boxy good looks, pure performance and rich motorsport heritage place it in a small group with exotics like the Ur Audi quattro, Lancia Integrale, Ford RS Cosworth, etc.
The owners of both M3s here were smitten at first sight. Both cut their teeth on the E30 325i while hankering and saving for the M3. In the case of Mariano Garcia, who owns the Diamond black M3, his BMW infatuation was inculcated by his father from an early age. In fact, his first car was an '86 325i he got when he was 15. His father bought it new and Mariano has since installed an M50 2.5 liter engine. "I used to neglect it," he admitted, "but I've done so much to it I could never let it go. It's become my baby hauler.
"I'm fanatical about BMW thanks to my father," Mariano continued. "I always wanted an M3 but never thought I'd ever own one. I imagined robbing something to get one. I don't dream about Italian supercars. The E30 M3 is all I wanted my entire life."
The Lachs silver M3 belongs to Barry Robinson, who has a similar story. "I was introduced to E30s by my mother and wanted an M3 from the moment I saw my first one in a magazine. It was red and made a real impression on me," he said.
Unable to afford the car of his dreams, Barry got the next best thing - an '85 325i. When that was totaled, he used the insurance to finally buy an M3. "I got it for under $10k, but a similar car is now going for $20k. And low-mileage cars with good modifications are up to $40k. I couldn't afford to do this now, but I've owned it 10 years and won't be selling it," he said.
The friends met at a BMWCCA concourse event and continued to talk on various forums. They're part of a dedicated group of young SoCal E30 owners with a true love for the cars. "We used to meet on dtmpower," said Barry, "but now we tend to use the s14 forum."
"It's like a family," Mariano continued. "I haven't met all the guys, but we'll offer rooms to people who come down for shows. Everybody helps out, it's great."
A lack of space means we've neglected the usual Tech Spec boxes in favor of more photos of the cars, but most of the relevant information is included, and each owner wanted to particularly thank his family and fellow enthusiasts.
Once Mariano was in a position to buy an M3, it took him two weeks to find the right car. "I was looking for a white one but found this Diamond black car and bought it immediately," he said.
The car had a 2.5 engine conversion, roll-bar and suspension when he bought it. "Nothing was how I wanted it," he revealed, "so I re-did everything."
Starting with the engine, it suffered piston slap from its previous build. Converting the stock 192hp 2.3 liter 16v engine to the later M3 Sport Evolution's (Evo 3) 2.5 liter spec involved an increase in bore and stroke from 93.4x84mm to 95x87mm. Apparently, the previous work was below Mariano's expectations, so E30 specialists TNG Automotive in La Crescenta, CA were asked to rebuild it.
In addition, the motor has a two-piece M3 Evo header attached to a Supersprint exhaust and MagnaFlow muffler. Along with its carbon Group A racing intake manifold, the M3 sounds decidedly throaty when the Schnitzer pedal is pressed hard.
Unsure of the full engine spec because the previous owner fitted many of the parts, other mods include Evo cams and a Maxx Alpha N piggyback ECU. The result is a dyno-verified 245.2whp.