1990 BMW M3

Description

The BMW M3 E30, introduced in 1986, was a motorsport marvel that quickly became iconic. Unveiled at the 1985 International Motor Show in Frankfurt, it stunned audiences and excelled on race tracks worldwide. Designed as a street-legal version of a racing sedan, the M3 needed 5,000 units for Group A homologation—a goal BMW exceeded comfortably. BMW Motorsport GmbH, the precursor to BMW M, engineered the M3 with high-performance components from their racing arsenal. It featured advanced ABS brakes, race-tuned suspension, and a manual transmission with a racing layout. The M3 retained only the basic structure of the 3-Series, with most parts specially designed for performance. At its core was a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, derived from the 3-Series but upgraded with a four-valve head and increased displacement. Delivering 195 horsepower and accelerating to 60 miles per hour in just 6.7 seconds, the M3 combined a lightweight build with a top speed of 146 mph. Its performance and distinctive design, including widened boxed fenders and an iconic rear wing, keep it a firm favorite among automotive enthusiasts. 

Highlights 

• Powered by a 2.3-Liter “S14” inline four mated to a five-speed manual transmission 

• Refinished in Black in 2017 

• The ECU has been upgraded with a Conforti performance chip 

• 17 inch Apex ARC-8 wheels with 235/40 Yokohama S.drive tires 

• TC Kline coil overs with Koni shocks and a Racing Dynamics front strut tower brace 

• Recaro Speed bucket seats with Schroth four-point harnesses 

• The Alpine head has been unit paired with a Rockford Fosgate amplifier and Sound Ordnance subwoofer 

• A new water pump was installed in 2018, as reported by the owner 

• It was reported that a new alternator, tensioner, and radiator fan were installed in 2017 

• Both clutch cylinders are reported to have been replaced in 2015 

• In preparation for the sale, it is reported that a full paint correction and ceramic coating were performed 

• Clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report 

Features 

• Borla exhaust system 

• Sport Evolution-style rear wing with a carbon-fiber Gurney flap 

• Momo Tuner steering wheel with NRG quick-release hub 

• Momo Anatomico shift knob 

• Microsuede shift boot 

• Limited-slip differential 

• Power windows 

• Electric sunroof 

• Fog lights 

• Painted mirror caps 

• Power adjustable side view mirrors 

• Door mounted map pockets 

• Electrically heat rear window 

Known Imperfections 

• The air conditioning is reported to blow warm 

• The LED display for the on-board computer is dim 

Included 

• Owner's manual 

• Tool kit 

• Car cover 

• Original set of wheels and tires 

• Original steering wheel and airbag 

• Original ECU 

• Two boxes full of spare parts 

Ownership History 

The CARFAX Vehicle History Report for this 1990 BMW M3 begins in California on 21 September 1990 at 28 miles when a service contract was issued. The car was then sold in October 1996 and then kept by a single owner for 27 years. The current owner purchased the car in November 2023.