When BMW found that they had to satisfy the homologation regulations of the DTM series they were competing in, the result was the E30 M3 which entered the scene in 1986. As the halo car of their hugely popular 3-Series compact executive car, there has been an M3 variant of every generation ever since the E30. The M3 has won accolade after accolade as a fine-handling machine with the appropriately powerful and tuneful engine to match. If you’re looking for a piece of German automotive history, as well as a savvy future investment that you can enjoy pure driving pleasure with, this 1989 BMW E30 M3 from New York fits the bill to a tee. It’s said to be a show/track car with zero rust and underwent a rebuild in 2004. The odometer shows 97,010 miles which is barely scratching the surface of how far these cars can go with proper maintenance.

Exterior and Interior

The E30 M3 was available as a two-door coupe or convertible, and this 1989 BMW E30 M3 is of the coupe configuration. It was repainted in 2004 and wears an appropriately menacing shade of Lachssilber Metallic paint, with 16x7 Speedline wheels, MFW smoked tail lamps, smoked corner markers and front markers, and the original fog lamps. A carbon fiber EVO3 Rep rear wing which is adjustable, carbon-fiber hood, and EVO2 body color and EVO3 Rep carbon Fiber chin spoilers mark this as no ordinary M3. A sunroof is present as well. Venture aboard the black-themed interior and you first notice the Vintage MOMO steering wheel and Recaro Pole Position seats with Simpson harnesses and Autopower bolt-in street roll bar. Take in the relatively simplistic dash with its clear and purposeful dials, and driver-angled center console. The original sport seats are available too and have been stored since 2004. For something that’s track-focused, you do retain some of the creature comforts, as the AC has been converted for R134 use, ensuring that you’re kept calm and cool, whilst an Alpine CD player allows you to listen to some tunes of your choice. The BMW On-Board Computer is present too. A replacement antenna has been installed too, for better radio reception.

Engine

Now we’re talking. This 1989 BMW E30 M3’s 2.3L S14 four-cylinder engine has received a rebuild at 86,000 miles at Mechanics in Mineola. All worn parts were either replaced or upgraded, with new hoses and seals throughout, crank polishing, rods rebalanced, new JE-coated pistons, new bearing shells and wrist pins, Schrick 282/274 Cams installed with new shims, isolator bushings on intake, new timing chain tensioner and chain guides, new adjustable cam gears installed and timed, and VSR chip with dyno sheet available. Other highlights include a new Southbend Stage 1 Clutch on resurfaced 11lb Flywheel, Turner Motorsports J-Stock Kit, front and rear Bimmerworld Strut Bars, fire suppression system and UUC MotorWerks Ultimate short shifter on the five-speed manual gearbox that drives the rear wheels. As stock, the power output was rated at 192hp, with a 7,250rpm redline.