The built-in support of the M3 Convertible makes it ideal for pickup modifications.

When you hear BMW and pickup together, most of us will be at a loss in one sentence. But once, there was a BMW pickup truck instead of a BMW M3 pickup truck, and it had more than one singularity. But before we enter the BMW M3 pickup, let's talk about BMW as a company.

BMW says its name means driving pleasure, but when it comes to the actual initials, they stand for Bayerische Motoren Werke GmbH, which means Bavarian Engine Works Company in English. The origin of BMW can be traced back to the manufacture of aircraft engines. But after World War II, after the fall of Germany, BMW could no longer manufacture aircraft engines. So they turned to training brakes and engines, and even briefly changed the name to BFW before becoming BMW again. March 7, 1916 is considered BMW's official birthday.

In 1923, BMW built the first motorcycle R32. But it has been several years before the first car was built. The BMW 3/15 was the company's first car. It was first sold under the Dixi name from 1927 to 1929, and finally named after the BMW brand in 1929. But the BMW 303 manufactured in 1933 introduced a kidney-shaped grille synonymous with the brand today.

The BMW M3 finally came out in 1986, almost 60 years after BMW built their first car. Then BMW decided to also produce M3 pickup trucks. But let's take a look at the BMW M3 first.

In the 1980s, BMW wanted a track car that could reduce DTM, and it had to comply with FIA Group A regulations. This means that they can't just produce a one-off car, but produce 5,000 to meet the certification requirements. So they made the first M3 based on the E30, and a legend was born.

Although the M3 is built on the E30 chassis, most of the car's content has changed. It becomes more aerodynamic, and a special body panel replaces the panel on the E30 to increase speed. The real charm is under the hood. The M3 is equipped with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine called the BMW S14. It is based on the M1 engine but has a four-cylinder block from the M10. Subtracting the catalytic converter, the BMW M3 launched in 1986 produced 197 horses and accelerated 0-60 MPH at a maximum speed of 146 MPH in 7 seconds.

This is the popularity of this beautiful sports car, so much so that the name of the BMW M3 is still active today, because there are too many decorations and special editions that cannot be tracked. In between, there is a BMW M3 pickup truck manufactured by BMW for personal use.

Related: This is everything you should know about the BMW G20

When the BMW E30 M3 was manufactured, BMW was impressed with itself and the BMW M department. The M3 is so sturdy and durable that many smart people who make it think it can also be a perfect part mover. When they repaired the M3, someone thought of a good idea to make an M3 pickup. For this reason, a BMW 3 series body was used.

Jakob Polschak, Head of Vehicle Prototyping and Workshop of BMW M Division, explained: "There are two reasons for choosing a convertible body as the basis. First, we happen to have such a model available for us and in perfect condition. Second, the built-in support of the convertible. Make it an ideal choice for pickup truck modification."

Therefore, in 1986, the BMW M3 pickup truck was born. If the BMW M3 pickup looks narrower than the M3 at the time, it is because it was equipped with a narrower 3-series body and was originally equipped with a smaller engine capable of producing 192 horses. Later, it was installed with a 200-horsepower 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine. BMW M3 pickups work in the M branch and can transport M3 parts back and forth ably.

The BMW M3 pickup truck, which was born in 1986, has been honed for 26 years and finally retired in 2012. BMW refused to call the M3 pickup a gimmick. On the contrary, it believes that this high-performance version made for a certain purpose turns the concept of BMW M into reality. In addition, they are a great way to train new employees and trainees.

Related: This is why the old BMW M3 can now make a lot of money

After 26 years of quality service, the BMW M3 pickup truck has come to the end. Therefore, it is time for a successor. Again, the same formula is applied. The interior of the M3 was integrated with the body of the 3 series at the time, but this time, there was a turning point. As April 1st is approaching, BMW decided to play tricks and market the car as a prank, which is an April Fool's Day joke. Spy photos of the truck at the Nürburgring North Circuit were leaked to the public.

The media took the bait and announced that the BMW M3 pickup is the "fourth variant" after the sedan, coupe and convertible. But BMW's press release did reveal in the last paragraph that this model is a one-off, exclusively for factory use, just like its predecessor. In other words, the press release must be read to the end, so as not to miss the detailed rules. Or in this case, a joke. But apart from April Fools' Day, the BMW M3 pickup, whether it is a variant of 1986 or 2011, is a strange concept, and we dismiss it. And hope to be in our lane.

The E92 BMW M3 is guaranteed to be a collector’s item soon, so buy one while you can.

Arun Singh Pundir has been engaged in media work for a long time, mostly in sales and marketing. In 2018, he officially moved to editorial work. He lives with his wife and two rogue sons, and is a car and motorcycle fan in his free time. It's not that he has too much free time. He currently writes news, features and lists for HotCars about any number or type of wheels. He is still writing pop culture, lifestyle and all the rich stuff for TheRichest. Currently, he believes that his Isuzu D-Max V-Cross, Suzuki Ciaz and Royal Enfield Classic 500 are the three flames in his life. His dream is to drive around the world; even if it takes more than eighty days.