This rare E30 BMW M3 could be yours

When did you last see one of these?

This is no ordinary E30 BMW – it’s a rarity sought after by enthusiasts.

Why? Because this is a BMW M3 Evolution II, one of just 500 to roll off the production line at BMW’s Regensburg factory in Germany.

What’s more, if you like the look of it, you’re in luck! It’s being sold on The Market in an online auction between 29 June and 6 July.

And there’s more…

Not only is this Bavarian legend going under the hammer, it’s being sold with no reserve.

That said, The Market predicts it will achieve £50-70,000, so you’re likely to need to dig deep, but auctions sometimes throw up surprises, too.

The proof

And here it is, the plaque affixed to this M3’s interior that proves it is the 114th of 500 E30 Evo IIs built.

But the special features of this roadgoing homologation special extend much further than this commemorative badge.

Tasty two-door

The Evo II was offered in Misano Red, Nogaro Silver and Macau Blue.

As you can see, this 1988 left-hand-drive example is finished in the latter – it has also been with the same owner for the last 20 years.

The throbbing heart

Here is the M3 Evo II’s biggest party piece, its 220bhp, four-cylinder ‘S14’ engine, developed by BMW’s Motorsport Division and evocatively decorated.

Tweaks to the Bosch engine management system, a lighter flywheel and new pistons were among the changes that take this unit a step further than that in the original Evo.

Back to best

The good news for this car’s winning bidder is that in 2010 the engine was rebuilt by Moseley Motorsport, at a cost of more than £3500.

That was when the car showed 122,747 miles – and it’s done just 3000 more since then.

Kept ticking over

That’s because this car has been in storage for the last eight years.

However, this BMW’s owner didn’t leave his M3 untouched, heat cycles put through it on a regular basis to keep it in the turn-key condition it is today.

All in the details

Inside, the ‘M’ steering wheel and gearknob are still present. The next owner might want to swap the aftermarket Kenwood radio for an OE head unit, to play his or her favourite tunes through the upgraded speakers, but that’s about it.

There’s also a sunblind for the rear window and the roof-mounted computer is still labelled in German.

Wheely special

The Evo II also has bigger wheels and tyres than its predecessors  – 7.5 x 16” and 225/45ZR16 respectively.

And in this case, those wheels are these really very attractive, split-rim BBS alloys.

While not stock, they are a genuine TÜV-approved factory option, and are accompanied by the original certificate as proof of this.

Like new

What’s more the wheels have recently been refurbished.

During this process, the centres were colour-matched to the BMW’s bodywork and new centre caps were fitted.

Gearbox goals

Heading back inside, there’s a five-speed dog-leg manual Getrag gearbox for this E30 BMW.

Oh, and because it’s the Evo II, it has a lower final drive ratio.

Country specific

One other deviation from standard any potential bidder might like to consider is the speedometer.

This car started life in Germany so its current owner, here in the UK, has fitted a speedo that reads in miles per hour, at the same time setting the odometer to approximately the correct mileage, too.

Sitting comfortably

As you might expect, given the condition of the rest of the car, the Buffalo Silver half-leather interior appears to present very well.

The Market says the seats are still firm and supportive, too.

Comfort all round

And it’s the same for rear-seat passengers, who also enjoy the prestige of that hallowed ‘M’ badge, too.

As you might expect by now, the auction house reports that the car’s door cards, carpets and headlining are in lovely condition, too.

A powerful profile

It does look pretty mean, doesn’t it?

You can tell these Evo IIs by their deeper front spoilers as well as air ducts in place of the standard M3’s front fog lights, plus there is a model-specific rear spoiler.

Trimming the fat

There were some much more subtle changes, too – great for the geeks like us!

Well, you’re really going to have to know your stuff to spot the thinner glass and lighter bumpers.

Super spoiler

And here is that special spoiler in all its glory.

The vendor concedes that it has a few minor blemishes, but that doesn’t detract much and is an opportunity for the next owner to add value.

Fab five?

As we’ve said, this M3 started life in Germany where it was enjoyed by three owners. It then came to the UK in the mid-’90s, since when it’s had two further owners.

The vendor is actually the head chap at The Market who found it when looking for an E30 M3 – at the time, these limited-run models carried no premium.

Points of note

There are a few more improvements the winner bidder might like to make.

Close to the sunroof and on the nearside rear bumper you’ll find some small blemishes, plus there is a parking dink above the left rear wheelarch. Small, yes, but they’ll need sorting at some point.

The show and the go

This really is quite a tasty-looking Bavarian classic that may not be a low-mile lovely, but has nonetheless been cherished.

It is also worth noting that it wears new, matching Nankang tyres – it’s raring to go!

Fresh up front

Seeing one of these rear-wheel-drive homologation specials in the UK is a rarity – having the chance to buy it even more so.

With its neat shutlines and panel gaps, plus a dent-free body, this appears to be a special example. That it recently benefited from a front-end repsray to rid it of stone chips doesn’t hurt, either – at which point it also received a brand-new bonnet badge.

Time to say goodbye

A true enthusiast’s classic, all this E30 BMW M3 Evo II needs now is a new home – and we hope it gets the owner it deserves.

The online auction on The Market will run from Monday 29 June until Monday 6 July and, remember, it is being offered with no reserve. Find out more here.