Gregor Wenner
Specialist Consultant
LOT 22
1988 BMW M3 E30 Chassis no. WBSAK050301894473
Sold for €81,650 inc. premium
1988 BMW M3 E30
Chassis no. WBSAK050301894473
Chassis no. WBSAK050301894473
• Sold new in Japan
• Brought to Italy circa two years ago
• Recent bodywork refurbishment and high quality repaint
• Factory sunroof
• Venduta nuova in Giappone
• Importata in Italia circa due anni fa
• Restauro recente della carrozzeria e riverniciatura di alta qualità
• Tetto apribile originale
• Brought to Italy circa two years ago
• Recent bodywork refurbishment and high quality repaint
• Factory sunroof
• Venduta nuova in Giappone
• Importata in Italia circa due anni fa
• Restauro recente della carrozzeria e riverniciatura di alta qualità
• Tetto apribile originale
Footnotes
There had been expensive, limited edition M-Series models before the M3 but it was the latter's arrival that brought BMW's premier performance brand within the reach of less wealthy enthusiasts. For that we have to thank BMW's need for a car suitable for Group A racing, the rules stipulating that 5,000 units should be made in the first year of production. By this time (the early 1980s) BMW's single-overhead-cam slant-four engine would have been hopelessly outclassed on the racetrack so the required power increase was achieved by bolting on a 16-valve cylinder head, the basic architecture of which had already been seen in the six-cylinder M1 and M635. Bored out to 93.4mm, the Bosch fuel-injected M3 motor displaced 2,302cc and produced a class-leading 200bhp.
Although it looked pretty much like a standard E30 3-Series from a distance, the M3 shared only the bonnet with its less-exotic sibling. Most obvious difference was the wider front and rear wings while only the most observant would have noticed the more steeply raked rear window and raised boot, changes made in the interests of aerodynamic efficiency. Necessary chassis improvements included lowered and stiffened suspension, wider wheels, five-stud hubs, ventilated front brake discs, ABS and a limited-slip differential as standard. The gearbox was a five-speed close-ratio Getrag.
The M3 debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1985 with deliveries of this exclusively left-hand drive model commencing a little over one year later. Magazine road tests were soon reporting top speeds of circa 140mph (225km/h) and a 0-60mph (0-97km/h) time of around 7 seconds, highly respectable figures even by today's standards.
Built in 1988, this 'First Generation' M3 was sold new in Japan before coming to Italy a couple of years ago (before Covid). It should be noted that on its arrival in Italy the car was declared first registered in 1989, this being the year the model was homologated in Italy. Since its arrival in Italy the BMW has undergone extensive cosmetic refurbishment, including a repaint to a very high standard (photographs on file). Now considered a modern classic, this beautiful M3 is offered with an Italian registration document; Automotoclub Storico Italiano Cerfificato; BMW specification sheet; Certificato di Revisione; and its original service book and instruction manuals (in Japanese).
Saleroom notices
Please note that this vehicle does not come with the Factory Sunroof and this was listed incorrectly in the printed and online catalogue. Please note the original service book and instruction manual have not arrived and will not come with this lot.
Additional information
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