25,759 Original Miles
Manual Transmission
2.3L 4 Cyl
192 hp @ 6750 rpm*
169 lb/ft torque @ 4750 rpm*
Capable 0-60 MPH: 6.7 seconds
Top Speed: 146 MPH
*Base Price in 1988: $34,880
*Seller Asking:
$95,000
Fast Facts:
- During aerodynamic testing, it was found that the stock C pillar of the E30 restricted airflow to the rear wing. BMW’s solution was to smooth out the edge of the pillar and angle it toward the wing, fixing the problem. The improved airflow towards the rear spoiler resulted in a raised boot lid
- The legendary S14 engine featured a 10.5:1 compression ratio, four ITBs, a forged crankshaft, and an 8,000 RPM redline. European models came with a dogleg close ratio 5spd featuring a 1:1 ratio for 5th gear, while U.S models made do with a traditional 5spd from the 325i, wider spaced ratios, and an overdrive 5th gear. The wider ratios were offset by a shorter 4.10:1 axle ratio
- BMW originally wanted to power the M3 with the M88 6 cyl engine from their M1 supercar (the M5, which would also use the M88, hadn’t been released yet). The E30 engine bay required extensive surgery to make the M88 fit, but regardless, BMW built a running prototype. However, the project was cut short as the 6 cyl added too much weight to the front end. The amount of suspension development work needed to offset this weight penalty would cost too much, so BMW instead focused on developing a 4 valve head based on the 2.0L M10 4 cyl found in the 318i
- The lightweight 4 cyl meant less development work on suspension. Also, the cost of a 6 cyl M3 would be substantially higher than a 4 cyl model, and this was not a risk BMW could take as Group A racing rules required that 5,000 street cars be sold within 12 months
- Paul Roche, the man behind the M3’s engine, came up with the genius idea of enlarging the bores of the 4 cyl to match that of the 6 cyl engine, while also installing a forged crank with the same 84mm stroke as the 6 cyl. This meant the 4 cyl could utilize the same combustion chamber and 4 valve set up as the M88 (known as the S38 in the States). BMW literally took an M88 head and chopped off 2 combustion chambers to form the cylinder head. The newly created engine was code named “S14”
Key Model Year Changes:
- While 1988 was technically the first model year of the E30 M3 in the U.S, the first 107 cars were actually built to 1987 specifications
- This meant the early ’87 spec cars didn’t receive the ellipsoid headlights of the ’88 models
- No notable changes for the following year (1989). The M3 didn’t receive the same updates as the regular E30, such as airbags
- 1990 received the first major changes in the U.S, such as the steel front control arms upgraded to aluminum, with new bushings. ’90 cars also received the intake airbox from the euro-only Evo II model, an updated M-Technic II steering wheel, new shift knob, new halogen headlights, fixed rear quarter windows, and a vehicle check control
Seller Notes:
- One owner. Original paint
- Time capsule condition
- Was parked in 2002, and brought out in Feb 2020
- Has been thoroughly gone through and serviced, with an $8,240 service bill
- Completely original
- U.S cars came standard with A/C, sunroof, electric windows, OB Computer II, cruise, and sound system
- Original owners manual, service booklet, etc
- Location: Medina, Ohio – (more photos below)
- Update: car has sold
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*SAE rated from factory. May not reflect current output.
*Performance numbers pulled from either the factory brochure or reputable automotive road tests.
*Base price when new does not reflect original MSRP of this particular car, nor does it reflect what the original owner paid for it.
*Advertised price at time of posting. Sellers can raise or lower prices on their original ad at any time. Click on the original ad to view current price/availability.
*Performance numbers pulled from either the factory brochure or reputable automotive road tests.
*Base price when new does not reflect original MSRP of this particular car, nor does it reflect what the original owner paid for it.
*Advertised price at time of posting. Sellers can raise or lower prices on their original ad at any time. Click on the original ad to view current price/availability.
Mileage Disclaimer: NOC has not confirmed if the mileage stated by the seller is true and accurate. It is up to the buyer to verify these claims. Vehicle history reports, service records stating mileage, and even inspections of odometer tampering are recommended.
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