BMW M3 by John Denny

A Dream on Wheels

For as long as I can remember, cars have been my passion, and 14-year-old John would never have dreamed to have owned as many M3s as I have, let alone have written a book on the subject, and few cars have captivated me quite like the BMW M3. From the iconic E30 to the modern F80, the M3 represents a blend of performance, design, and innovation that has fuelled my love for driving and collecting. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of owning or driving many of the models featured in the book, which has only deepened my appreciation for this legendary car.

When Amberley Publishing approached me to create a picture book about the BMW M3, it was a dream come true. It felt like the perfect opportunity to share my love for these cars with a wider audience. I’ve been a member of the BMW Owners Club for many years and have contributed articles to their magazine, so I’ve long enjoyed sharing my experiences and insights with other enthusiasts. But this project was something on a completely different level.

One of the things I loved most about creating this book was curating the images. I knew I could rely on my own collection for many of the photos, but tracking down rare images—like factory shots or lesser-seen motorsport versions—was a true adventure. The process allowed me to connect with BMW Classic Group, whose resources and expertise added a new dimension to the book. Working with their archives gave me access to incredible material that really brought the story of the M3 to life.

The book is much more than just a collection of pictures. Each chapter tells the story of a different generation of the M3, exploring how the model evolved while staying true to its roots as a driver-focused performance car. It details the specifications available for each model designation and delves into the motorsport offerings that helped make the M3 an icon on tracks around the world. For me, including the racing heritage was essential—it’s such a huge part of what makes the M3 so special.

That said, the writing process was definitely the most challenging part of the project. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not naturally artistic when it comes to words, and spelling has always been my downfall, even with the help of modern spell check, when the spell check has not cluse what you are trying to say, you know you are in trouble. Selecting the images and planning out how to visually illustrate the features of each car came naturally to me. But putting my thoughts into words, especially in a way that would connect with readers, required me to step out of my comfort zone. It was a challenge, but one that I’m incredibly proud to have taken on.

This journey has been as exhilarating as driving the cars themselves. I hope this book serves as a tribute to the engineering excellence and sheer joy that the M3 embodies. Whether you’re a lifelong BMW enthusiast or just curious about what makes the M3 so iconic, I’m thrilled to share this celebration of one of the world’s most legendary cars.

BMW M3 by John Denny is available for purchase now.