The Joy of Driving - 5 Generations of M3 in ///M Town Calgary

[INDVDL///M]

     Featured on BIMMERPOST.com

As we gear up for the 6th generation of the BMW M3, a select group of M3 owners from throughout Alberta, Canada were invited on September 13, 2020 to a BMW Canada organized opportunity to celebrate the 5 previous generations of M3 in Kananaskis, Alberta dubbed BMW M Town Calgary.

The photographer for this memorable gathering was Lucas Scarfone from Ontario, Canada. Lucas is a world renowned photographer and publisher of Autostrada Magazine. He has a unique style and passion for automotive photography and is known for shooting at numerous race tracks, shows, and special events. (@scarfonephoto, scarfonephoto.com)

4K Film Production documented our day in ///MTown and is a Calgary based company that prides itself in producing award winning content that is visually stunning and stands the test of time. (@4kfilmpro, 4kfilmproduction.com)

The cars:
1990 E30 M3 Sport Evolution in Brilliantrot (Brilliant Red), European spec featuring the dogleg variant of Getrag’s 265 5-speed gearbox. This car originally was imported from Italy and was first imported into the USA for a total refresh and then re-imported into Calgary. It retains the Italian Club registration plate in the rear window tray and is 1 of only 600 Sport Evo cars built. The Sport Evo sits 0.39 inches lower than the standard E30 M3 and its front fenders were made taller to take 18-inch wheels for racing. BMW placed this car on wider tracks with the front anti-roll bar linked to the struts, and a beefier one at the rear, tripled the steering caster angle, throwing in stronger wheel bearings, stiffer springs, and uprated shocks to complete the handling package. The brakes are vented discs at the front and discs at the rear. The S14B25 four-cylinder iron block engine was stroked to 2.5L with a new crankshaft and the head is a shortened version of the of the M1's straight-six. It has larger inlet valves and sodium-filled exhaust valves with a larger exhaust manifold and more aggressive camshaft. Extra oil nozzles help cooling the pistons. The result is 238 horsepower at 7000 rpm, with a slight decrease in torque compared with the standard M3. BMW even used red spark plug cables, standing out if you popped the hood. The Sport Evo has thinner glass, a more open grille, and extra cooling ducts replacing the fog lights. The most notable feature however, is the adjustable rear wing. The few lucky dogs who have driven this car are amazed by its beautiful balance and awesome throttle response.

1994 E36 M3 in Avusblau (Avus Blue) on Anthracite M cloth/alcantara, 6 speed. The car is numbered as #11 of 45 with the Euro S50B30 286hp engine that were imported by BMW Canada during the 1994 model year. At the time of the second generation E36 M3’s debut, BMW Motorsport (now BMW M) did not have the same brand recognition and following that it now enjoys, and BMW’s USA team turned down the car, deeming it as too expensive for the market. Fortunately, through an agreement between Canada and several European countries, a car that was federalized in one nation could be legally sold in another, and the decision was made to import 45 examples to Canada. Calgary BMW was awarded three allocations. In 2019 the car had been listed as a private sale as a one owner, factory ordered car for all of 12 minutes when the current owner responded and had the car held for viewing and then bought on a handshake, with a deposit graciously declined. It was acquired by the current owner at 62,000 kms (presently 64,000 kms). The owner is working to restore the car to original equipment, as the car was purchased with modified wheels, brakes, suspension and exhaust as it was mainly used as a track car up until the closure of Race City in Calgary in 2010.

2002 E46 M3 in Phonixgelb (Phoenix Yellow Metallic) on kiwi nappa leather interior with piano black interior and a SMG, fully loaded, heated seats, running 245 35 19 fronts and 275 30 19 rears on OEM rims, Eonon head unit and AC Schnitzer Figure 8 exhaust, Megan catless headers and CS SMG tune, clutch fan delete with 2x12 inch electric fans, carbon splitters in the front and CS carbon rear diffuser, on stock suspension. Originally this E46 M3 was a British Columbia car and the current (third) owner acquired the car in 2017 at 172,000 kms (presently 193,000 kms) after a month-long pursuit bringing it into Alberta. The owner was originally searching for an Imola Red or Phoenix Yellow and nearly settled on a Carbon Black before this example came along.

2011 E90 M3 ZCP in Gefroren Grau (Frozen Grey Metallic) on black leather with carbon leather trim, 7 speed DCT, M Performance Exhaust, 18” Michelin Pilot Sport 4S on BBS FI (RKP) wheels, KW HAS Suspension, M Performance CF Mirror Caps, M Performance Alcantara Steering Wheel, M Performance Rear Spoiler, LUX 180 Angel Eyes. The car is completely wrapped in Lumar PPF to protect the factory frozen paint. This E90 was originally ordered by Calgary BMW and is 1 of 3 in North America (1 of 15 Worldwide) in this Individual colour and M3 variant. This car has always found ownership through Calgary BMW, and is now with its 3rd owner and was acquired at 50,000 km in 2016 (presently 79,000 kms) after an impromptu visit to the dealership to look at wheels for another car. The car has been used for both track duty at Castrol Raceway under various modifications and fair weather driving.

2016 F80 M3 in Ferrarirot (Ferrari Red) on full black leather with Fire Red stitching, 6 speed, M Performance Exhaust, 19” Michelin Pilot Sport 4S on Style 763m 19” wheels with ECS spacers, M Performance Suspension, M Performance (color matched) front lip, rear diffuser, deck lid, mirror caps, side gills, front splitters, kidneys, alcantara performance steering wheel, and Oneighty blacked out headlights. The car is fully protected in Xpel and Cquartz Professional Ceramic Coating. This F80 was a European Delivery through Calgary BMW in 2015 and is a single owner car sitting at 26,000 km.

ONE TOWN – MANY STORIES.

Aside from the obvious model lineage connection of these 5 cars and the reason for such a gathering, it is always fascinating and entertaining to hear each car's story from the thrill of the hunt during car acquisition to the history behind some of the mileage under the car’s odometer and the many BMW community experiences that the owners have participated in. Being brought together by BMW Canada, Calgary BMW, and the BMW Club of Southern Alberta for a day of spirited driving, BMW M3s, and the scenic backyard in the Alberta’s Rockies as part of BMW M Town, this was definitely not an opportunity to turn down. As we know, BMW M Town is the place where TOO MUCH is just right. Here, anything goes as long as it gets high performance car fans and enthusiasts excited. And the day did exactly that!

The routes and itinerary selected had us exploring Highways 22, 762 and the elusive 546 (closed in winter months) for the better part of the day amongst other adjacent routes. The roads were mainly quiet as we approached autumn and foliage colours contrasted alongside the wildlife and remnants of wildfire smoke. With plenty of switchbacks and elevation changes, this particular palette of M3s complimented the natural beauty of the surroundings perfectly for this BMW M3 enthusiast fall drive. The roads were splendid and offered the M3s an opportunity to showcase the BMW M driving experience, why we have chosen to have an M3, and the joy of driving.

It was most certainly a long day, but when you are amongst a group of people that share an interest so strongly, appreciating the history behind each generation of car, it is very easy to forget that a mere 24 hours prior you didn’t even know who was joining you for this special event. Everything came together just right and amidst the hundreds of photos documenting the day and hours of drone and video footage that was captured, memories and friendships were made and many smiles were shared as it was apparent that these cars are sheer driving pleasure.

Video footage that BMW Canada captured can be found here:

Some visuals of the day...

[Jbonly21]

Nice, what a great line up, thanks for sharing.

[GERMAN M3]

Wow!! Some fantastic examples of the last five generations of ///M cars. Looks like you guys had a great time INDVDL///M. Great pictures along with some amazing scenery! Thanks for sharing brother!

[swagon]

Great photos and cars!

And glad to see you've still got your F80. I vaguely remember reading your ED thread five years ago; time flies.

[GERMAN M3]

Originally Posted by swagon

Great photos and cars!

And glad to see you've still got your F80. I vaguely remember reading your ED thread five years ago; time flies.

Yeah, was a great thread and story!! Hard to believe it's been 5 years already. Long love the F80.

[INDVDL///M]

Originally Posted by swagon

Great photos and cars!

And glad to see you've still got your F80. I vaguely remember reading your ED thread five years ago; time flies.

Thanks for the comment.

Yes time sure flies and it was around 5 years ago that my ED story hit the front page when I took delivery of the F80. Good times indeed and many memories with that car.

Overall a great group of owners and a very fun day playing in the mountains and foothills with BMW Canada. That's precisely what it is all about!

[INDVDL///M]

Originally Posted by GERMAN M3

Yeah, was a great thread and story!! Hard to believe it's been 5 years already. Long love the F80.

Thanks for the appreciation and remembering the ED post.

Earlier this year we picked up an e91 6 speed M Sport so the F80 doesn't see the road much as we've been busy with that car and all things wagon!

[GERMAN M3]

Originally Posted by INDVDL///M

Thanks for the appreciation and remembering the ED post.

Earlier this year we picked up an e91 6 speed M Sport so the F80 doesn't see the road much as we've been busy with that car and all things wagon!

Oh, nice INDVDL///M . I was wondering why the KM’s were so low on the f80. Enjoy the e91 M Sport. Any pics of the e91?? Would love to have a wagon in the stable next to the f80.

[INDVDL///M]

Originally Posted by GERMAN M3

Oh, nice INDVDL///M . I was wondering why the KM's were so low on the f80. Enjoy the e91 M Sport. Any pics of the e91?? Would love to have a wagon in the stable next to the f80.

GERMAN M3 if you take a peak at my forum profile and look at my posts there are a few photos of the e91 posted in some of the e91 threads.

[FMLYSDN]

What a great day with some BMW enthusiasts. Thanks INDVDL///M for posting the story.

[cfm56d7b]

Stunning scenery - and these cars make it that much better. Thanks for sharing!

[W///]

Wow, some very special cars and stunning scenery. I've been toying with the idea of selling my E36 M3 and replacing it with an M2C to go with the E92 M3 and Z4M, but I just don't think I can make myself do it. Seeing all of the cars lined up like this makes me realize just how special every single one of them are. Thanks for sharing OP, hope this makes front page.

[INDVDL///M]

Originally Posted by W///

Wow, some very special cars and stunning scenery. I've been toying with the idea of selling my E36 M3 and replacing it with an M2C to go with the E92 M3 and Z4M, but I just don't think I can make myself do it. Seeing all of the cars lined up like this makes me realize just how special every single one of them are. Thanks for sharing OP, hope this makes front page.

Thanks for the reply!

It was pretty cool to have stunning examples of each generation all in one group. Talking with the owners of each and being able to listen and watch them being driven on some stunning Alberta roads solidified those deep ///M roots of the five generations.

It never ceases to amaze me with the stories behind the cars and the diversity of the owners. But we all most certainly share this passion!

[stein_325i]

Beautiful cars and fantastic photos!

[INDVDL///M]

Originally Posted by stein_325i

Beautiful cars and fantastic photos!

Thanks for the appreciation! Lucas really did an excellent job behind the lens capturing these cars for BMW Canada (and us)!

[Smooth 330i]

Originally Posted by INDVDL///M

Thanks for the appreciation! Lucas really did an excellent job behind the lens capturing these cars for BMW Canada (and us)!

I am saving these. Very cool!

[andykitty]

I'm from Calgary as well, hopefully can join such event in the future

[leon360x]

A lovely journey, wish I was there too, all great cars.

[ByeFelicia]

Great photography

[Habs]

The scenery is breathtaking, awesome job on the photos. I'm sure a lot of work goes into doing a photo shoot like this.

I wish I could drive any of those M3's on that road.

[spuntyb]

Love this so much! This is how a car should be designed.

[INDVDL///M]

Originally Posted by andykitty

I'm from Calgary as well, hopefully can join such event in the future

The Southern Alberta BMW Club hosts a number of drives and member events. This particular event was a Calgary BMW and Southern Club joint effort for BMW Canada with a very specific vision that they were looking for to celebrate the previous 5 generations of the M3.

We would encourage you to check the Southern Club out if you haven't already. With Rocky Mountain and Badlands Motorsports both opening up next year (hopefully), there is surely to be some epic events happening, and of course playing amongst this landscape is always an option with accessing this gorgeous backdrop and roads so easily!