Right off the bat, it’s extremely cool that BMW and LEGO are marking the 40th anniversary of the legendary BMW M3 (E30) with a Speed Champions set. These kits offer enthusiasts young and old a chance to own a great car without having to pay the eye-watering sums for a larger, more accurate Technic kit. Are they perfect facsimiles? Nope, and I have made these with my kid, so I’ll forgive a lot.
I would definitely buy and build this kit exactly as is and be totally happy. The E30 is worthy of being remembered and lends itself quite well to being brickified. Just look at those lights and that grille! It’s dying to be a LEGO set.
There is one small issue with the car, though, and it’s something that seems like it should be too hard to fix if you’re in the mood for a little light brickwork.
The E30 M3 Will Never Stop Being Interesting
Photo: Silverstone Auctions
It’s probably a “famous last words” situation to imply that the E30 M3 will never stop being cool. I’m sure someone said the same of the Tri-5 Chevy, and yet… not everyone will play ball. Let me say this, at least, if you’re reading a car blog in 2026, you’ll probably be worm food by the time it stops being cool.
I’m particularly keen on the racing versions, which elevate the E30’s boxy profile with subtle flares and bodywork that make it nigh irresistible to a certain kind of person. I am definitely that kind of person.
Sam Smith, our pal, explains the appeal in the above video.
The Lego M3 Looks Pretty Cool
Photo: LEGO
From most angles, I’m a big fan of this application, and I love how the 40th anniversary paint job from the car translates to the vehicle itself.
This collaboration elevates the two companies’ successful partnership to a new level. The distinctive livery pays tribute to the car’s legendary heritage and draws inspiration from the BMW M Motorsport division. Besides the visually captivating forms and colours of the livery, it is unique in that it is applied not only to the scaled-down replica LEGO® Speed Champions BMW M3 E30 version, but also to the actual BMW M3 E30. Accordingly, the launch of the small-scale version will be accompanied by an authentic showcar.
The LEGO® Speed Champions BMW M3 is characterised by special attention to detail in its design, faithful to the original vehicle. Among the recreated design features are the BMW kidney grille, the rear spoiler and the front end with its four round headlights, characteristic of the first-generation BMW M3. The set contains 358 pieces and is 17 centimetres long and 7 centimetres wide. Builders will be able to enjoy endless racing fun, with functional wheels and a realistic driver minifigure wearing a BMW M T-shirt.
Oh, that’s fun. Also cool of them to cast Kristen Lee as the driver.
The Proportions Are Weird
Photo: BMW/LEGO
The greenhouse is short, right? Part of the visual appeal of the BMW E30 is the tall pillars and roughly equal proportion from the doors (Range Rovers do this same trick). This is like someone chopped the roof. Ok, here’s another way to visualize it.
Base images: LEGO
Doesn’t that look a little more E30-like? There’s even room for a helmet, which, on a racing version, you should probably have. I think this is an easily fixable problem. Just add another brick, and it looks a lot better and more E30 to me. Also, you don’t have to do that, and you can just have fun with the car!
Photo: LEGO
It’s ultimately a toy, which means that it’s less a perfect representation of a vehicle and more a vehicle for your own creativity. One of my favorite things to do with a LEGO kit is to make it as the designer intended. Wait a week. And then make it the way I’d make it. Either way, they’re about $30 on Amazon right now, which seems like a decent deal to me.
Photo: BMW
This woman is definitely contemplating the roof height and has decided that it, too, comes up a little short.
[Ed note: This post contains an affiliate link and we may get a small commission if you buy this kit – MH]