Specifications
Highlights
• Very Original Looking Example
• Recent $33,000+ Rejuv by EAG
• BMW's Iconic First M3
EAG Impressions
The E30 3-Series marked a significant evolution in BMW's compact sport sedan lineup. Its boxy yet elegant design would become emblematic of 1980s automotive styling. While European markets enjoyed a wide range of engine options, including the peppy 325i, U.S. models were often detuned to meet emissions requirements. The most notable disparity came with the M3. Introduced in Europe in 1986 as a homologation special for touring car racing, the E30 M3 didn't reach American shores until 1988, and even then with a slightly less powerful engine than its European counterpart.
Overview
It’s no wonder why the E30 M3 has become such an icon. Starting life as a homologation car for BMW’s racing department, the M3 was many people’s first introduction to BMW Motorsport, and what an introduction it was. From its high-revving inline 4 under the hood, to the box flares and striking rear wing, the E30 M3 took what was already one of the most fun sport coupes on the market - the 325i - and turned it into a race bred backroad stormer.
Sold new in Highland Park, Illinois, this Alpine White 1988 E30 M3 currently shows 70,895 miles and benefits from over $30,000 in recommissioning under our care. Although the most obvious changes on the M3 variant of the E30 are the fenders and rear spoiler, nearly every part of the car was different from the standard variant, save for the lights and hood. This is a beautiful, largely stock example that embodies what people loved about these cars when new. Sitting on a set of 15-inch BBS basketweave wheels wrapped in new Yokohama Advan tires, this was a nice example to begin with, that EAG has taken to the next level.
On the interior, black leather covers the front Recaro-sourced bucket seats, as well as the rear two-bucket interior. So frequently, the front seats in these cars feature warped bolsters and torn leather, but this car has none of that - some minor creasing is present but to be expected for a car with more than 70,000 miles - but the overall condition is exceptional. Slide into the driver’s seat and you are met with a thin-rimmed MTech 1 3-spoke steering wheel that frames a 160 mph speedometer and an 8,000 rpm tachometer with a 7,250 rpm redline. The only upgrades to the interior are a Euro-style round-topped shift knob, and a modern VDO head unit that looks like it could be stock, but offers Bluetooth and USB capabilities.
Under the hood, the 2.3-liter S14 inline 4 really stands out thanks to the addition of an E30 M3 Evolution II style white and M-Tri Color paint job on the intake and cam-cover. The S14 is known for its rev-happy nature and incredible throttle response thanks to its four individual throttle bodies. From the factory, the car was rated at 192 horsepower which was enough to propel the car to nearly 150 mph at the top end. This is then connected to a 5-speed Getrag manual transmission which sends power to the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential.
History
Under our care at EAG, this car was treated to $33,474 in rejuvenation to prepare it for sale. After our multi-point inspection, we found a number of areas that needed attention to bring the car up to our standards, and ensure that it will provide dependable motoring for its new owner for years to come. Under the hood, engine work included a full intake reseal, replacement of timing chain tensioner, replacement of water pump and thermostat, a new alternator and new motor mounts, along with our comprehensive 10-year S14 service. The clutch master cylinder was replaced, the shifter linkage was rebuilt and the car also received new power steering lines. On the interior, the seat supports were replaced and the car had the gauge cluster reconditioned with new SIA boards and a proactive odometer gear replacement. The car also received minor paintwork and our full list of EAG Spa services, to make it look as good as it drives.
Gallery
Documentation
