This was more than enough for spirited driving, but the real star of the show was the Z3 M Coupe, which initially featured the same 3.2-liter found in the E36 M3.

These are just a few somewhat obvious favorites in a list that includes the E90 M3 with a big V8 up front, the F87 generation M2 with its small but mighty platform, and cars like the Z3 M Coupe.

The 317bhp, straight-six motor was pulled from the E36 M3 Evolution and lowered into a Z3 M shell, stiffened and canned with a new fixed roof. Much like a fine wine, the M Coupe needed time to ...