The E30 3-Series marked a significant evolution in BMW's compact sport sedan lineup. Its boxy yet elegant design would become emblematic of 1980s automotive styling. While European markets enjoyed a wide range of engine options, including the peppy 325i, U.S. models were often detuned to meet emissions requirements. The most notable disparity came with the M3. Introduced in Europe in 1986 as a homologation special for touring car racing, the E30 M3 didn't reach American shores until 1988, and even then with a slightly less powerful engine than its European counterpart.