1987 BMW M3 E30

• NO RESERVE!
• Originally equipped with a 220 PS engine used only in the Evolution model!
• The first and most wanted BMW M3 version
• One of the 3.000 first series AK01 European only examples
• With the desirable dogleg transmission
• Period correct Alpine White over original Black Bison leather
• Other features: possibility of assisting with transport, storage and Trusted Checkout payment

In the mid-1980s, BMW tasked its Motorsport Division with homologating the E30 3-Series for DTM and Group A racing in Europe. Group A specs allowed minimal changes from cars produced in production runs of 5.000 units built for street use, so BMW’s M division reengineered almost every aspect of the 3-Series platform for a large production run.

What emerged was the radically styled box-fendered M3 in 1986, with the hood and roof being the only bodywork shared with the standard 3-Series coupe. It was produced from March 1986 to June 1991.

Underneath the M3’s flared fenders was a thoroughly reworked front suspension as well as new BBS wheels, larger brakes, and larger tires. The rotors and master cylinder were also unique to the M3 model. The E30 M3 used the 2.3-liter S14 four-cylinder engine, a high-revving DOHC design with a 7.250 rpm redline. It added a 16-valve head to produce 200 PS. This free-revving powerplant motivated the M3 complemented its neutral and confidence-inspiring handling.

The transmission was a Getrag 265 5-speed manual. European models were outfitted with a dogleg version with close ratios and a 1:1 ratio for fifth gear. A clutch-type limited-slip differential was standard equipment.

Almost 15.000 first generation M3’s were built from 1986-1992, with 5.300 going to the U.S. Throughout the production run there were a myriad of changes to interior and exterior colours.

Other than valve adjustments and occasional leaks in valve cover and oil pan seals, first-generation BMW M3s demand very little of their owners. Collectors should look for the Euro-spec cars that can be identified by their differing transmission and shift pattern that includes a dogleg first gear. Various special editions were available only in Europe that included Evo I, Evo II, and Lightweight cars that were not offered in the U.S.

This example comes in a very good condition confirming the current mileage of 147.000 kilometres. Although it was repainted from Hanna Red to period correct Alpine White, it still has the original interior. It is one of the first AK01 series. These first 3.000 cars were only for the European market built examples.

What is most interesting fact for this example is that it was one of the last first series cars built on the 21st of January 1987 just a few days before the EVO 1 was produced from February 1987. And this example has a confirmed 220 PS engine (=162 kW, see the car documents in the gallery and the vin decoder), so 20 PS more than the standard M30 E30. The 220 PS engine was used in the Evolution model! The car comes from an interesting private collection with a current Czech historic registration.

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