Lets not forget that the original e30 M3 was also a
"limited production" car of 500 units. But BMW kept making more & more of the Evo models bc of demand.
e30 M3 Production figures
Model Power (kW) Coupe and Sedan Convertible
Euro model 143.5 kW (195 PS; 192 hp) / 147 kW (200 PS; 197 hp)
8,661
US model 143.5 kW (195 PS; 192 hp)
4,996
Evo 1 147 kW (200 PS; 197 hp)
505
Europa late model 158 kW (215 PS; 212 hp)
1,519
Evo 2 162 kW (220 PS; 217 hp)
500
Convertible 143.5 kW (195 PS; 192 hp) / 158 kW (215 PS; 212 hp)
786
Sport Evolution 175 kW (238 PS; 235 hp)
600
Sport Evolution Convertible 175 kW (238 PS; 235 hp)
1
Europameister
(all signed by Roberto Ravaglia) 143.5 kW (195 PS; 192 hp)
148
Cecotto
25 as special edition Ravaglia
50 as Cecotto Switzerland (throttled to 155 kW)
158 kW (215 PS; 212 hp)
505
Total ~18,000
source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bmw_m3