1988 BMW E30 M3 Coupe

Equipped with a 2.3-liter inline 4-cylinder DOHC S14 engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission with a limited-slip differential, the original BMW M3 was born to satisfy homologation requirements for the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM) racing series. This Alpine White 1988 example was acquired from a previous owner in California and shipped to New York at the end of 2021, where it has been stored in a temperature-controlled garage. This meticulously maintained E30 is now being offered for auction with approximately 64k miles on the odometer.

This M3 is finished in Alpine White (300), and the seller notes all original VIN tags to remain in place. The E30 M3 is distinguishable by its boxed fenders, model-specific bumpers and rocker panels, and fixed rear wing. Compared to a standard E30, all body parts are unique to the M3 with the exception of the hood and roof panels. The factory 15” basketweave wheels are dressed in Yokohama Advan Fleva tires. The seller notes the paint meter readings indicate the hood was refinished under previous ownership, minor signs of road wear are present at the front end, and the fog lights have been removed. Detailed images are provided in the gallery along with a clean CARFAX report.

The cabin is appointed with black leather upholstery and features manually adjustable front sport seats, a rear bench, and a color-coordinated dashboard with matching door panels and carpets. The interior is said to remain in very good condition with all gauges and accessories remaining fully functional including the air conditioning, power windows, and sunroof. 

The 2.3-liter inline 4-cylinder DOHC S14 engine was originally rated at 192 HP and 170 lb.-ft of torque.  The rear wheels are driven through a Getrag 5-speed manual transmission with a limited-slip differential. Modifications include an upgraded radiator, Bilstein shocks, Eibach springs, strut braces, larger sway bars, upgraded brakes, and an Eisenmann cat-back exhaust. The seller adds that spark plugs, fluids, and filters have been replaced within the last year.

This sale will include a clean title, owner’s manuals, and a toolkit.

Auction Results

  • Sold for: $84,250
  • Auction End: 2023-02-08 20:26:19+00:00
  • Number of Bids: 18
viewed 3,802 times saved 99 times

Comments (37)

  • Nj993c2 1 month, 2 weeksago

    Sold for $84,250

  • Nj993c2 (registered bidder) 1 month, 2 weeksago

    Is it normal for the auction to end and be stuck in a "processing" state for several minutes after the hammer has dropped?

  • Nj993c2 1 month, 2 weeksago

    Bid in the amount of $84,250

  • Newguyhere 1 month, 2 weeksago

    Bid in the amount of $84,000

  • Nj993c2 1 month, 2 weeksago

    Bid in the amount of $83,750

  • Newguyhere 1 month, 2 weeksago

    Bid in the amount of $83,500

  • Nj993c2 1 month, 2 weeksago

    Bid in the amount of $82,250

  • Newguyhere 1 month, 2 weeksago

    Bid in the amount of $82,000

  • Nj993c2 1 month, 2 weeksago

    Bid in the amount of $80,250

  • Newguyhere 1 month, 2 weeksago

    Bid in the amount of $80,000

  • Nj993c2 1 month, 2 weeksago

    Bid in the amount of $78,250

  • southrnscape 1 month, 2 weeksago

    Bid in the amount of $78,000

  • 88M3 (seller) 1 month, 2 weeksago

    Before the bidding ends, I would like to thank everyone for having taken the time to view my auction. May you all continue to prosper in excellent health and great fortune.

  • Nj993c2 1 month, 2 weeksago

    Bid in the amount of $77,250

  • southrnscape 1 month, 2 weeksago

    Bid in the amount of $77,000

  • 88M3 (seller) 1 month, 3 weeksago

    @Nj993c2 All panels on vehicle are original, including the hood.

  • 88M3 (seller) 1 month, 3 weeksago

    @Nj993c2 Single digit readings measure in mils. My paint meter happened to read in microns, which displays in 3 digit measurements.

  • Nj993c2 (registered bidder) 1 month, 3 weeksago

    What unit of measure are the paint meter readings? Aren’t they usually expressed in single digit values?

    Can anyone opine on how these readings translate to factory paint thickness?

  • Nj993c2 1 month, 3 weeksago

    Bid in the amount of $75,250

  • Jcarta4591 1 month, 3 weeksago

    Bid in the amount of $75,000

  • Nj993c2 1 month, 3 weeksago

    Bid in the amount of $70,000

  • Jcarta4591 1 month, 3 weeksago

    Bid in the amount of $65,000

  • 88M3 (seller) 1 month, 3 weeksago

    @autotechnicllc I believe they're simple coilovers and bracing. She rides smooth and handles NYC bumps very well.

  • autotechnicllc (registered bidder) 1 month, 3 weeksago

    Are those modified front strut housings 'converted' to coilovers and bracing? Or, is the whole front set up not OEM at all?

  • rmw (registered bidder) 1 month, 3 weeksago

    these are cool but I feel e36 now getting more hype

  • 88M3 (seller) 1 month, 3 weeksago

    Additional content has been added to the gallery for this listing.

  • 88M3 (seller) 1 month, 3 weeksago

    @Wabear Paint meter readings have been uploaded. Thank you.

  • 88M3 (seller) 1 month, 3 weeksago

    @Nj993c2 I have service record of Eisenmann muffler install and fuel filter replacement conducted at Eurosport of Westfield in NJ. I'm meticulous and I performed all other preventative maintenance service myself and I have purchase receipts for the oils and parts.

  • 88M3 (seller) 1 month, 3 weeksago

    Additional content has been added to the gallery for this listing.

  • Nj993c2 (registered bidder) 1 month, 3 weeksago

    Thanks. Do you have records of anything done during your ownership?

  • 88M3 (seller) 1 month, 3 weeksago

    @Nj993c2 Sorry. No service records were provided when vehicle was purchased from previous owner in California.

  • Nj993c2 (registered bidder) 1 month, 3 weeksago

    Any documented service history come with the car?

  • 88M3 (seller) 1 month, 3 weeksago

    @Wabear I'll take paint meter readings today and upload them shortly.

  • Wabear (registered bidder) 1 month, 3 weeksago

    You have paint meter readings?

  • Nj993c2 1 month, 3 weeksago

    Bid in the amount of $50,000

  • bevenson37 1 month, 3 weeksago

    Bid in the amount of $5,000

  • 88M3 (seller) 1 month, 3 weeksago

    Hello, my name is Sam and welcome to my auction. I'll be here to answer any questions you may have and I'll be checking in frequently. Best of luck bidding and thank you all.

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1988 BMW E30 M3 Coupe
Final bid: $84,250 This auction has ended.
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