1990 BMW E30 M3 Convertible

Based on the 1986 model year E30 3-Series, the E30 M3 was powered by BMW's 2.3-litre S14 engine and was produced from 1985 to 1992. It differed from the rest of the E30 line-up in many ways and although using the same basic body shell as the standard E30, was fitted with twelve different and unique body panels to improve aerodynamics and aesthetics. The 'box flared' wheel-arches to accommodate a wider track with wider and taller wheels were the most distinctive of these but, in fact, the only exterior body panels shared were the bonnet, roof panel, sunroof, and doors.

Of the 16,202 E30 M3s produced only 786 were convertibles and of these only 476 (BB05) were fitted with the 215hp engine, as is this fabulous example here. Built at the Regensburg BMW factory on the 6/11/1990, but interestingly not registered until January 1993, it's finished in the sophisticated colour combination of triple black, with 'Diamontschwartz' metallic paint, a black interior, and a black soft-top. This gleaming metallic black really suits the M3, setting off the aggressive stance and wide rear wing to perfection. The factory fitted options include heated front seats, a warning triangle, and the boot lid mounted tool kit is present and correct.

This striking example was imported from Germany on 1st October 1997 and purchased by its previous owner, after an exhaustive search, on the 31st July 2011. Prior to his custodianship, the car was meticulously maintained, and the service book displays twenty-three service stamps. As the dealer principal of Trainer BMW of Swansea, he maintained the M3 in-house with no expense spared. The bills on the file amount to a shade under £8,000, with regular maintenance, oil changes, and safety checks made after each lengthy journey. The indicated mileage is now just over 97,000 kilometres (59,000 miles).

The current owner bought the car last year and sent it straight to BMW specialist "BM Technika" based in Luton who carried out a full inspection. Overall he spent around £3,000 getting the car to his exacting standards and it has since been dry stored with little use. There are invoices in the history file detailing the work carried out. The car will be presented to auction, complete with book pack, service book, V5c, most MOTs and SORN documents since being in the UK, and a history file bursting with five years of main dealer receipts.

To conclude, it is a pleasure to offer such a wonderful example of a model that is rarely seen on UK roads, an example that has been meticulously maintained and offers a truly unique driving experience.