Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 129
1988 BMW 'E30' M3 Evolution II VIN. WBSAK010002191882
Sold for US$112,000 inc. premium
Lot 129
1988 BMW 'E30' M3 Evolution II
The Audrain Concours Auction|4 October 2024, 17:00 EDT|Newport, Rhode Island, International Tennis Hall of Fame
1988 BMW 'E30' M3 Evolution II
VIN. WBSAK010002191882
VIN. WBSAK010002191882
2,302cc DOHC Inline Four-Cylinder Engine
Bosch Electronic Fuel Injection
220bhp at 6,750 rpm
5-Speed Dogleg Pattern Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*Number 339 of 501 made
*Hyper-desirable Group A homologation special
*The basis of the most successful touring car of all time
*One of the most coveted developments of the legendary E30 M3
*Factory uprated engine and aerodynamic aids
*Rare and striking Macau Blue over Silver cloth and leather
*159,559 Kilometers at the time of cataloguing
*Well preserved and presented in excellent condition
THE BMW 'E30' M3 EVOLUTION II
Introduced in 1986, the very first M3, based on the outstanding 'E30' chassis 3-series, was conceived solely to meet Group A homologation rules for competition in DTM touring car racing. By the end of its debut 1987 season, the M3 had powered Eric van de Poele to 1st place in championship points, and was proven an equally astute weapon of choice for drivers finishing 3rd, 4th, and 5th overall. Like Group B before it, Group A rules allowed manufacturers to develop Evolution models of their chosen cars, but only if they met the minimum production requirement. For the motoring enthusiast in the late 1980s, the fierce manufacturer competition in Group A touring car racing and rallying resulted in a wealth of incredible homologation specials, of which the E30 M3 remains one of the most widely beloved.
The E30 M3 received the 'Evo' treatment several times in its development. The Evolution came in 1987, sporting a handful of aerodynamic changes and a new cylinder head and other tweaks to improve torque and powerband from the brilliant 2.3-liter S14 engine. BMW built 505 Evolutions for the 1987 model year. Between March and May of 1988, BMW Motorsport rolled out the Evolution II, still with a 2.3-liter S14, but with myriad improvements including new engine management programming and camshafts to boost output to a robust 220bhp. The engine was immediately distinguished by its unique, white-painted cam cover and intake plenum complete with the signature 'M' tricolor stripes. The spoilers and air dam are of the same spec as the Evo I, but made of lighter materials. Those combined with lightweight side and rear glass and larger 16-inch wheels. The Evo II was available in just three colors, unique to the series – Macau Blue, Nogaro Silver, and Misano Red. Each car carried a numbered plaque denoting its production number of 500 – despite there actually being 501 cars.
Mirroring the brilliant performance of its full-blooded race car companions, the street M3 was near universally praised as a game-changing car, ushering in an entirely new baseline for how high-end sports saloons should drive, and simultaneously setting the stage for a legendary bloodline of M3's subsequent generations.
THE CAR OFFERED
This 1988 E30 M3 is car number 339 of 501 Evolution II models produced. It is finished in the stunning, Evo II-only shade of Macau Blue, complemented by silver leather seats with grey check cloth inserts. An excellent example, it shows 159,559 KM (99,145 miles) recorded at the time of cataloguing and has been very well maintained as part of a significant collection of European sports cars. The important Evo II bits appear to be in place, such as the deep front spoiler and 16-inch basketweave wheels. Under the hood, the cam cover and intake plenum are finished in white and adorned in the distinct 'M' tri-color stripes – a factory treatment unique to the Evo II. This car additionally benefits from a front strut tower brace and stainless-steel rear exhaust section.
The businesslike cabin is in excellent condition, only minor creasing is noted on the silver leather bolsters and the grey cloth inserts are superb, belying the mileage and showing this is clearly a cherished car. Options include an electric moonroof, electric front windows, Motorsport package (M-branded sill plates, seats, and footrest), code 0790 Evo Package, and the M3 Register notes it was originally destined for the Ireland/UK market (all E30 M3s were left-hand-drive). The car also retains original details like the molded under hood insulation pad and factory tool kit.
The E30 M3 is a rare example of a great racing car making a great road car, particularly in this improved Evo II spec. For enthusiastic drivers and BMW collectors alike, this M3 Evolution II presents an exceptional opportunity to experience firsthand one of the best Group A homologation specials of all time.
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