1988 BMW M3 (E30) Evo II

Unveiled at the 1985 Frankfurt Motor Show, the M3 was the latest creation from BMW’s legendary Motorsport division, a focused small performance saloon built to homologate the E30 3-Series for the European Touring Car Championship. Using what was essentially the 24-valve head from the M-Sport straight-six – minus two cylinders – mated to the block of the four-cylinder M10 engine, the M3’s engine developed an impressive 195 bhp from 2.3-litres. Throw in a Getrag close-ratio, 5-speed gearbox, firmer suspension and additional downforce from the aerodynamic aids and you have a car that rewards the driver in the best race bred tradition. The discreet front air dam, rear spoiler, flared guards, and fatter rubber sitting on wider, unique alloy wheels helped set the M3 apart from the ordinary 3-Series – indeed, the entire body was unique to the M-Sport version apart from the bonnet, roof panel, sunroof and doors. To homologate further updates, BMW released the Evolution II version of the road-going M3 in 1987, incorporating upgrades to the engine (new high-compression pistons, lightened flywheel and a remapped management system boosting power to 220bhp) along with improvements to the chassis and suspension. Boasting a deeper front air-dam and an additional boot lid spoiler, just 500 numbered examples were produced.

Regarded as one of the greatest drivers’ cars of the era, the E30 M3 enjoyed a fabulous motorsport career and, thanks to its motorsport heritage and place in M-Sport history, original E30 M3s have seen a stratospheric increase in value over the past decade, the best examples being eagerly snapped up by enthusiasts and collectors around the world.

Delivered new to Europe, and living the majority of its life in France, this matching numbers Evo II was imported to the UK in 2019 and shows no former UK keepers. Finished in its original colour scheme of Macao Blue metallic over a Silver Uberkaro cloth interior, the car presents exceptionally well. We understand that it was repainted and recommissioned around 2007-2009 with the respray and maintenance work clearly being conducted to a very high standard. Within the history file, there is a good selection of bills from its time in France, original service/dealer directory, owners handbook, owners manual (in French), and service book sporadically stamped up to 166,670km. There are three Autovision technical inspection reports that were conducted in 2007, 2009 and 2011, with the mileage in 2011 being recorded at 176,670km showing the car to have covered less than 600km in the last 11 years, now displaying 177,256km. A delightfully original car with the only modifications being a stainless-steel exhaust system and a new head unit.

With many E30 M3s being rightfully used as daily drivers back in the day, it's rare to find such an example with reasonable mileage, in such fabulous condition and with a very desirable specification. We welcome and encourage your inspection of this lovely M3.