1988 BMW M3

OVERVIEW

SBX Cars is proud to offer for sale this 1988 BMW M3 showing 90,064 km (55,963 mi) on the odometer at the time of cataloging. Finished in Henna Red over a Black cabin, this is the M3 that started it all. 

From the original E30 generation, this 1988 M3 is car enthusiast royalty. Developed as a homologation special for Group A racing in the 80s, BMW was effectively selling street-legal race cars with the original M3. Box flares, revised aero, and a screaming S14 inline-4 with individual throttle bodies are just some of the E30 M3 goodies. 

Today’s example, shimmering with a Hennarot repaint, stuns with forged BBS alloys, killer Recaro front buckets, and its largely original condition. Polar opposite to the computer-controlled supercars of today, this 1988 M3 is all about hardcore analog driving excitement. 

NOTABLE COMMENTARY

• “Taken separately, the M3's engine, handling, and wild sheetmetal are stellar. Together, their effect is intoxicating.” - Car and Driver

• “The E30 M3 is that rare, latter-day example of the historic ideal — a car fit for both road and track.” - Motor Trend

• “The very first M3, a car built for Group A homologation purposes, is The One.” - Car Magazine

SPECIFICATIONS & OPTIONS 

This 1988 BMW M3 is powered by a 2.3L S14 inline-4 rated for 192 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. A 5-speed manual routes power to the rear wheels with a limited-slip differential. Additional features below: 

Exterior

• Henna Red (Hennarot) finish
• 17” forged BBS wheels
• Kingboss tires measuring 215/45 with 2024 date codes
• M3-specific front and rear spoilers, fender flares, and side skirts
• M3 badging front and rear
• Sunroof
• Color-keyed side mirrors
• Tinted rear glass
• Rear spoiler
• Polished twin-tip exhaust with heat shield

Interior 

• Recaro textured black fabric front buckets
• Black leather door panels
• Leather-wrapped M-Tech II steering wheel
• Red seat belts
• VDO analog gauge set:
  • Combination 8,000-rpm tachometer with oil temperature
  • 260 km/h speedometer with inset odometer reading 90,064 km
  • Fuel level
  • Coolant temperature
• Power windows
• Air conditioning
• BMW Bavaria CII AM/FM radio with cassette deck
• Onboard computer
• M3 door sill plates
• Trunk-mounted amplifier

Mechanical

• Naturally aspirated 2.3L S14 inline-4
• Factory rated for 192 horsepower at 6,750 rpm and 170 lb-ft of torque at 4,750 rpm
• 5-speed manual
• Limited-slip differential
• Front and rear strut tower brace
• Cross-drilled and slotted front brakes
• Slotted rear brakes

OWNERSHIP HISTORY & PROVENANCE

The seller purchased the vehicle on March 13, 2019.

Please note that as this vehicle was built to EU specifications, it is not permissible for importation to the United States without being federalized.

VEHICLE INSPECTION

The vehicle was inspected on March 22, 2025. The report can be viewed HERE.

NOTED IMPERFECTIONS

As seen in the gallery, minor curb rash is present on the wheels. Per the inspection report, this 1988 M3 was previously repainted. 

INCLUDED IN THE SALE

• One key

SUMMARY

The start-up video in the gallery gives a taste of what the next owner of this spectacular 1998 BMW M3 is in for. That being a 7,250-rpm redline to go with lust worthy bodywork and throwback analog dynamics punctuated by the E30 M3’s light weight and race-tuned chassis. 

Automobile Magazine named the E30 M3 as one of the five best driver's cars of all time - heady praise indeed. For the serious driving enthusiast, today’s 1988 BMW M3 is not to be missed.

As part of the consignment process, SBX Cars requests a range of information from the seller pertaining to the subject of their offering. The auction listing description therefore is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. However, it is the responsibility of a potential buyer to satisfy themself as to the accuracy of the auction listing description. This includes conducting an in-person inspection, which may be arranged between the buyer and seller, as well as verifying the condition, authenticity, value, and title before committing to bid or buy. Please see our Terms of Service for full details.