1988 BMW M3

This 1988 BMW M3 is an largely unmodified two-door sports coupe that has driven 62,914 miles since new and is powered by its original 2.3-liter S14 inline-4 coupled with a factory equipped Getrag 5-speed manual transmission. Offering recent maintenance history, power convenience options, aluminum chassis-rigidity upgrades, and factory aerodynamic bodywork, this E30 is described as mechanically sound and cosmetically show-worthy. Finished in Alpine White over a black leather interior, this M3 is now offered with a clean CARFAX report, service records, original books, two keys, and a clear California title in the seller’s name.

Based on the E30-chassis 3-Series, the M3 model launched as a performance-tuned variant in coupe and convertible form beginning in 1986. Special treatment was applied to the body including the front air dam, side sills, trunk spoiler, and rear apron in the interest of optimized aerodynamics. This example from 1988 is painted Alpine White and is reported to wear a largely original finish, with panels displaying VIN tags wherever applicable. Characteristics include body-colored bumpers with black moldings, black door handles, and a dual-outlet polished exhaust system at the driver side rear.

Factory 15” “Style 5” wheels are wrapped in brand new 205/55-sized tires. Suspension architecture is comprised of aluminum control arms, revised strut tubes, and offset control arm bushings, with the braking setup consisting of four-wheel, power-assisted and ventilated discs.

The interior is upholstered with black leather bucket seats, matched to the door panels, headliner, carpeting, and a dash with no cracks. Amenities include a factory radio, air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, cruise control, and an electric sunroof. The trunk has an aluminum chassis brace as well.  

Factory VDO instrumentation includes a 160-mph speedometer an 8k-rpm tachometer, and accompanying gauges for fuel level, coolant temperature, and oil temperature. The six-digit mechanical odometer reads 62,914 miles, which the seller states is a true reading.

The DOHC 2.3-liter S14 inline-4 is housed underneath an aftermarket aluminum strut tower brace and carried ratings of 192 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque when new. The cooling system benefits from the addition of a newer aluminum radiator, and the engine received maintenance including repairs to the cooling system, air conditioning, and other vehicle systems in 2014 at BMW of Columbia, Missouri per the CARFAX report. More recent service was carried out in May 2021 at Mini of Santa Monica including an oil change. Power is fed to the rear wheels via a console-shifted Getrag 265 5-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential.

The CARFAX report classifies this M3 as free of accidents or damage, with records dating back to October 1995. The vehicle passed a California emissions inspection in May 2019, and the sale includes original books, service records, and two keys.