Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 97 Ω
1988 BMW M3 Coupe VIN. WBSAU050601894550 Engine no. 60814476
Sold for US$123,200 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 97Ω
1988 BMW E30 M3 Coupe
1988 BMW M3 Coupe
VIN. WBSAU050601894550
Engine no. 60814476
VIN. WBSAU050601894550
Engine no. 60814476
2,302cc DOHC Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
Bosch Fuel Injection
231bhp at 6,750rpm (see text)
5-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Double Wishbone Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Vacuum Assisted Vented Disc Brakes
*Fully restored to 'like-new' condition
*Only 76,000 kilometers from new
*Comprehensive service records from the last two decades
*Delivered new to Germany
THE CAR OFFERED
Produced in November 1988, this BMW M3 was used by the Director of BMW Munich during its first year and remained with its first German owner until 1998 when he sold it to a UK-based buyer. In 2001 a Prodrive technician purchased the car with the aim of restoring it to 'as-new' condition for himself. The project would occupy him for the next several years.
As a Prodrive technician he was familiar with these cars since Prodrive built them for the BTCC (British Touring Car Championship) in the late 1980s and early 1990s. A World Rally Championship technician at Prodrive, he travelled all over the world and also worked as a service team mechanic looking after Escort Cosworth, Mitsubishi Evo, and Subaru Impreza cars in Group A, Group N, and WRC specifications, all of which explains why it took so long to complete his M3 project.
This M3 was its owner's personal pride and joy: a car that he was determined would reflect all his years' experience and knowledge. It took until 2008 to complete the full 'last nut and bolt' rebuild, which was carried out meticulously with no expense spared. The original 2,302cc S14 engine has been completely overhauled and fitted with an improved timing chain and tensioner; a Motorsport carbon airbox; new tuned fuel injectors; and a Group A wiring harness with an Alpha-N engine management system, the latter controlled by a Prodrive ECU tuned for road use. Maximum power is 231bhp and a dyne sheet can be found in the cars file. A complete stainless steel Miltek exhaust system was installed also. In addition, the gearbox has been overhauled and fitted with a Prodrive shifter, while a revised differential was installed, the latter boasting a Motorsport cover with cooling fins. Replacing the damaged original, the new oil pan has been fitted with a protector. The suspension and springs have been improved, and a complete new set of original BMW replacement bushings fitted.
The body was completely stripped and repainted in Brilliant Red (308). Only new genuine BMW screws, clips, fasteners and door seals were used in assembly, while new BMW carpets and leather upholstery (original BMW) were purchased in order to completely renew the interior. New seat belts were chosen in BMW 'Evo Red'. All work on the car was done by the former Prodrive technician himself, except for the paintwork and upholstery. Not surprisingly, the finished car won the 'Best in Class' award at its first show and was greatly admired whenever it was driven out of the garage. Outings were few, as its creator's desire was to keep his 'Dream M3' in pristine condition, however, he managed to enjoy just under 2,000 kilometers in 13 years. In the meantime, he had set up his own workshop. After Covid-19 arrived, the decision was made to part with the car, but not before the fuel pump had been replaced.
The seller describes this BMW M3 as being in incomparable condition, incorporating many small improvements that make the car the ultimate driving machine. It also has the racing versions' unique sound (courtesy of the special airbox), which is so evocative of the golden era of the DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters).
The low odometer of circa 76,000 kilometers is supported by the accompanying history, which includes a folder containing all the invoices for BMW parts. The tires have just been replaced due to age, and the car is freshly serviced. You will struggle to find a BMW M3 as good as this one!
Saleroom notices
Due to CA emissions laws, please note that this vehicle may only be sold to an out-of-state resident for use outside of CA or to a licensed automotive dealership.
Additional information
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| Ω | Import Duty |
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