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Intro

1988 BMW M3, Diamond Schwarz (Diamantschwarz) (paint code 181) over Silver Bison leather (code 0292), numbers matching engine and transmission, 154,000 miles, California car since new, three owner history, owned by the seller since spring 2000. This is a California-lifetime example in its original color with previous owner a well-known BMW ACA and BMW CCA club member. Period upgrades include an EVO air box, performance plug wires, front strut tower brace, Suspension Techniques sway bars, urethane suspension bushings, steel-braided brake lines, alarm system, and a custom short shifter. The car passed California smog in April 2026 and was relicensed the same month in preparation for sale. Two prior accidents are fully disclosed below. The car has a clear title and is in California. 

Exterior

The car retains its factory Diamond Schwarz paint except for the right front fender and right rear quarter panel that were repaired. The E30 M3's box flares, raised trunk deck, and unique panels are all present. The right front fender was replaced after a minor fender-bender in the mid-1990s with a factory DOT fender with its sticker still attached. Following a 2003 accident noted in Carfax, the right rear quarter panel and trailing arm were replaced, and seller states car shows no exterior evidence of the repair. It has the 15” “Basket Weave” alloy wheels wrapped in Yokohama tires P205/60 R15 with 2014 date codes. Seller states tires have less than 3,000 miles on them.

Interior

The all-original interior is upholstered in Silver Bison leather. The driver's seat seam has started to split from normal wear. The dash and door panels are free of cracks, the carpets and headliner show minimal wear, and both power mirrors work. The factory AM/FM and cassette radio works and the seller has the security code. In a period-perfect touch, the car retains its original factory cellphone, which still powers on with a dial tone, it has no network left to call. The instrument cluster was serviced with new batteries by Programa in early 2026.

Mechanicals

It has the original, numbers-retained S14B23 2.3-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder BMW Motorsport's race-derived four. It was built on the M1's twin-cam architecture producing 192 horsepower at 6,750 rpm mated to its original Getrag 5-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential (replaced in 2009). The clutch and pressure plate were replaced by the previous owner in the late 1990s. In late 2025, the ECU was refurbished to as-new condition by Programa in Florida. Routine maintenance throughout the seller's ownership has included oil and fluid changes (engine, transmission, differential), brakes and rotors, ignition components, battery, and tires. The fuel filter was replaced several months ago, and a new spare fuel pump and new O2 sensor come with the car.

Seller Disclosures

·      Unreported accident mid-1990s right front fender replaced (factory DOT fender).

·      2003 Carfax damage right rear quarter and trailing arm professionally repaired. 

·      Driver's seat seam has started to split from normal wear.

·      On-board computer's backlight needs replacement.

·      A/C functions, new receiver, new dryer, very small refrigerant leak at compressor.

·      Spare wheel in the trunk does not have a tire.

·      Minor oil seepage around lower timing chain cover by chain tensioner.

Seller Comments

I purchased the car in the spring of 2000 from a well-known BMW ACA and BMW CCA club member, and it has been in California since new. It retains its original paint, original interior, and original engine and transmission. Since purchase I have done all the routine maintenance. The car passed smog in April of this year and was relicensed in April 2026 in preparation for sale. The sale includes the original airbox and ignition components removed during the upgrades, a new uninstalled fuel pump, a new O2 sensor, and the radio security code. Partial service records are included in the sale.