The collector car market, in your inbox
Classic car news, hand-picked vehicles, and auction coverage. Choose what lands in your inbox.
Few cars wear a race livery as convincingly as the E30 BMW M3, and this 1988 example, currently listed on Cars & Bids, has been built to look and work the part. Finished in Diamond Black Metallic under a white wrap with BMW Motorsport-style stripes, it pairs a purpose-built S14 four-cylinder with a 5-speed manual and the safety gear you would expect from a serious track car.
The M3 earned its reputation as one of the most influential BMWs ever built because it was a homologation special first and a road car second. The first-generation model entered production in 1986 and reached American buyers for the 1988 model year, bringing racing-derived hardware, a revised suspension and a unique body kit to a lightweight coupe. In U.S. trim, the 2.3-liter S14 was rated at about 192 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. This one has gone considerably further down the motorsport path.
Built for the Track
Under the hood is a 2.5-liter S14 with CP rods, pistons and crank, Schrick 272 cams, M3 Evo 48mm throttle bodies and a carbon fiber air intake, all managed by a Motec M4 standalone ECU. A Supersprint exhaust, an upgraded baffled extended oil pan and a Quaife Torsen limited-slip differential round out the drivetrain, while KW Club Sport coilovers and Brembo front brakes with slotted rotors handle the chassis.
Inside, the car is all business. An FIA-regulation roll cage, Recaro SPG seat, Racepak digital gauge cluster, fire suppression system, cool suit plumbing, window and passenger nets, shift and gear indicator lights and a fuel safe make it clear this M3 was set up to be driven hard. Outside, EVO DTM-style carbon fiber mirrors, an Evo-style spoiler flap, fiberglass doors and 17-inch wheels complete the look.
What Comes With It
The sale includes two red keys, a Dell laptop loaded with Motec software and the USB cable needed to connect it to the ECU, so the next owner can start tuning right away. The seller reports acquiring the car in December 2025. It is being offered by a private party in Studio City, California, with a clean California title.
The listing is upfront about condition, noting chips, scuffs and some peeling vinyl edges, weathered exterior trim, wear on the shift lever and a crack in the dashboard. The factory odometer has been replaced by the Racepak cluster, so the car is listed as no odometer, TMU. The seller also cautions that the modifications may keep it from passing emissions or visual inspection in some areas, so prospective bidders should check local requirements first.
Bidding Details
The auction is a reserve listing and ends Monday, October 5 at 1:30 p.m. EDT. The high bid sat at $25,000 at the time of writing, with plenty of attention already on the car.
For anyone shopping for an E30 M3 with real racing credentials, this one offers a compelling mix of period-correct looks and modern track hardware. If you enjoy this kind of car, see our coverage of a low-mileage 1989 BMW M3 headed to auction and a 1989 BMW M3 with an upgraded 2.5-liter stroker engine.
