8 Period Films Of BMW Absolutely Dominating The ’80s

BMW simply owned the ’80s. In hindsight, it’s as if the growing company could do little wrong; it began with the final M1 Procar Championship in 1980, saw the introduction of the E30 M3, its continued support of Formula 1, the M division was making its presence known, and engineers even found time to go rallying.

This selection of films, mostly from the BMW factory itself, is a glimpse at an era that helped cement our idea of the Ultimate Driving Machine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8S4Y_E2Dr9Q

Rallysport 1988 is simply announcer-free footage of the E30 M3 rally car hauling ass on various stages, with in-car and exterior footage.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCJRAhnQsfA

I’ve started seeking out technical training films in lieu of using a white noise machine, and they’re not terrible for the task. An exception is this BMW E30 M3 technical training film—in German, no less—which is strangely entertaining.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFQT4BCasa8

Just trust me, watch this one—you’ll want a BMW 635 CSI within the first 30 seconds.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mms2qFWoG1c

Of course, the E30’s factory promo film is as epic as the car.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-y1k-bG0t_Q

Synth music, BMW accessories, interpretive dance—it’s a bit much.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiP_f0zNOS0

Why include a promo film targeted, apparently, at yuppie golfers and sports enthusiasts? Because the E30 Touring is awesome. Showing random photos of it beside other things? Less awesome.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvIEtggFbvY

Narrated in Dutch (if you know of an English version around, please share it in the comments), it’s the best way to launch a new car: by having Nelson Piquet (who’s speaking English) do a quick lap in the M635CSi.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTS72uDx8rA

Patrick Snijers on the Manx Rally, driving an E30 M3—magic.

Are there any ’80s BMW clips that we missed?
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