The second in a five-part series devoted to the seminal BMW M model looks at the successor to the E30: the E36 BMW M3.

Running from 1992 to 1999, the E36 upped the game over its predecessor with a 3.0-litre in-line six with 286bhp. By the time it ended its run in 1999, it had vastly expanded the lineup and ushered in some key BMW firsts; the E36 added sedan and convertible bodystyles on top of the existing coupe style, and featured BMW's Vanos variable cam timing system and the six-speed SMG sequential gearbox.

Check out the video above highlighting the second generation M3, and stay tuned for the rest of the five-part series.