BaT Auction: 21-Years-Owned 1988 BMW M3

This 1988 BMW M3 was reportedly sold new through a European Delivery program and was acquired in Wisconsin by the seller in 1999. The car is finished in Alpine White over Cardinal Red leather and is powered by a 2.3-liter S14 inline-four paired with a five-speed manual transmission. Factory equipment includes air conditioning, a sunroof, and power windows, while modifications include a Jim Conforti ECU chip, a CD changer, a short-throw shifter, a custom exhaust system, an aluminum radiator, an increased lock-up limited-slip differential, braided stainless-steel brake lines, a European-market lower airbox and front tow-hook covers, and M3 Sport Evolution–style brake-cooling ducts. The air conditioning was repaired in August 2020. This E30 M3 is now offered with manufacturer’s literature, records dating back to 1999, a set of 17″ Racing Dynamics wheels and Yokohama tires, a Carfax report, and a clean Wisconsin title in the seller’s name.

The exterior is finished in Alpine White (146) and features M3-specific aerodynamic elements. The seller states that the hood and the left side of the car were refinished during current ownership to correct a previous repair from a 1994 incident that is listed on the Carfax report as having caused “minor damage.” Additional paintwork performed by the seller included refinishing the rear wing, the front and rear bumpers, and the mirror housings. Paint-meter readings are provided in the photo gallery below.

Factory 15″ BBS basketweave wheels are wrapped in 225/50 Toyo Proxes RA1 tires showing 2010 date codes. The braking system features power-assisted four-wheel discs as well as braided stainless-steel lines and M3 Sport Evolution–style brake-cooling ducts in place of the factory driving lights.

The cabin features seats trimmed in Cardinal Red Buffalo leather with matching door panels and a black dashboard and gray carpeting. Amenities include an Autothority short-throw shifter, power windows, an electric sunroof, a factory AM/FM cassette player, and an aftermarket Pioneer CD changer. The seller states that the roof-mounted check panel is currently non-operational and the onboard computer is currently not backlit. The air conditioning was reportedly serviced in August 2020.

The three-spoke steering wheel bears M Sport coloring and sits ahead of factory VDO instrumentation. The six-digit odometer shows just under 164k miles, approximately 40k of which have been added by the seller.

The 2.3-liter S14 twin-cam inline-four was rated for 192 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque when new. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a Getrag 265 five-speed manual transmission and a 4.10:1 limited-slip differential. Modifications include a custom exhaust system, a Jim Conforti ECU chip, a Mishimoto aluminum radiator, and a European-market lower airbox. The engine was reportedly rebuilt approximately 30k miles ago by Little Car Shop Inc of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Images provided in the gallery show the results of a compression test, which yielded readings between 145 and 160 psi in the four cylinders.

The differential was rebuilt in 2003 by Performance Gearing of Tucson, Arizona, and lock-up was increased to 40%. Corrosion is noted behind the driver-side rear wheel, and the area is depicted in the image gallery below.

Documentation accompanying the car includes factory literature and service records dating back to 1999. A set of aftermarket 17″ Racing Dynamics RGR wheels mounted with Yokohama tires is also included in the sale and pictured in the gallery.

The September 2020 Carfax report notes the aforementioned damage in 1994 and shows emissions testing, registration, and service history in Florida and Wisconsin.

A narrated video is provided above with a tour of the engine compartment and showing the car being started cold. An in-car driving demonstration is below.

Comments