Following the launch of the original M3 in 1986, the M division’s cheeky engineers created the M3 Pickup. Based on the E30 M3 Convertible’s body, which had part of the roof “chopped” off to create a flatbed, it made the task of hauling goods around the factory cooler and speedier.
The M division also pondered how to get younger customers to experience their ultimate driving machine. In 1996, they produced an M3 Compact. Based on the “baby” E36 3 Series Compact, a three-door liftback, the M3 Compact delivered scintillating performance. It had the same 321bhp engine as the M3 Coupe, but weighed 150kg less.
In 2000, the M division unveiled their version of a scorching station wagon – the E46 M3 Touring. But before petrolheads could get their hopes up and chequebooks out, BMW said that the car was merely created to prove that they could easily produce M3 Tourings alongside regular 3 Series Touring models.
The M division toyed with enthusiasts’ emotions again in 2011, when it showcased the M3 Pickup. It is based on the E93 M3 Convertible’s body, which had strengthening elements to make up for the lack of a roof. And just like the Coupe, Saloon and Convertible variants, the Pickup was also powered by a high-revving 4-litre V8.
After releasing spy shots of it being shaken down at the Nurburgring, the carmaker revealed that although it was road-legal (unlike its E30 predecessor), the M3 Pickup was only a one-off, and that any hint of the vehicle being put into production was merely an April Fools’ gag. BMW, that’s just cruel.
