The first in a five-part series devoted to the seminal BMW M model looks at the coupe that gave the letter 'M' its global recognition: the E30 M3.

Built from 1985 to 1991, the E30 M3 was built as a homologation requirement for the race car competing in the German Touring Car Championship. The first models featured a 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine with 195bhp. By the time the first generation production run ended, tjhe M3 Sport Evolution's engine saw displacement rise to 2.5-litres and output to 238bhp.

Check out the video above chronicling the iconic M3, and stay tuned for the rest of the five-part series.