Collectr

Intro

1988 BMW M3, Cinnabar Red (code 138) over black Bison leather interior, 71,962 miles. The E30 M3 was developed as a homologation model for Group A touring car racing and became the winningest touring car of its era. Clean, original, examples like this one have become the benchmark collectible of the modern BMW world. The provenance here is exceptional: the previous owner (15 years) has owned three E30 M3s and kept this one as the long-term keeper, serves on the Executive Board of the BMW Car Club of America, is a Chief Instructor for HPDE, and is the person who originated the Legends of the Autobahn, the premier U.S. BMW concours held annually during Monterey Car Week where this very car took 1st Place in the E30 M3 class. Despite the seller's instructor credentials, this M3 has never been used for track events. It has been stored in a clean, dry California environment, maintained, and run periodically. The current seller purchased it in July 2026 and is reluctantly selling it. The original factory wheels and center caps are included with the sale. It has a clean Carfax, a clear title and is in California.

Exterior

The car is finished in factory Cinnabar Red and presents with an original, shiny patina. The seller believes the paint to be original throughout, with the sole exception of the rear wing, which has been refinished. All body panels are intact, correct, and retain their factory VIN tags, with consistent panel fit and body lines, and all E30 M3-specific exterior components such as the box flares, raised trunk deck, and unique glass and panels that separate the M3 from a standard E30 are present. The car currently wears Style 5 BBS wheels, with the original factory wheels and center caps included in the sale. The suspension has been upgraded with H&R springs and Bilstein shock absorbers.

Interior

The interior remains well preserved and consistent with the mileage. The car is fitted with a new BMW original steering wheel that has been custom leather-wrapped in Germany by a well-known leather expert; the original vinyl-wrapped steering wheel is included with the sale. Upholstery, trim, and interior surfaces present well, and all primary instrumentation and controls are present and functional.

Mechanicals

It has the S14B23 2.3-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder, BMW Motorsport's four-cylinder built on the M1 and M635CSi's twin-cam architecture producing 192 horsepower at 6,750 rpm in U.S. specification, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels through a limited-slip differential. The car runs and drives properly. Maintenance has been handled by two well-known personal mechanics in California with deep familiarity with the E30 M3 platform. Recent service includes a transmission service, differential service, oil service, and replacement of the brake master cylinder.

Seller Comments

The previous owner had this car for over 15 years and maintained it throughout that time. Aside from the noted wheel and suspension updates, the car remains highly original, retaining its original paint except for the refinished rear wing. It is presented in excellent condition and is well known within the BMW Car Club of America community. He has owned three E30 M3s, and this example was kept as the long-term keeper. The car has been retired from being shown since earning its awards, and has been stored in a clean, dry California environment, maintained, and run periodically.

Additional Seller Comments

Awards include 1st Place, E30 M3 Class, at Legends of the Autobahn, and the People's Choice Award at SoCal Vintage. This E30 M3 is offered with long-term ownership, known maintenance history, limited mileage, strong originality, tasteful upgrades with the original components included, and documented enthusiast recognition.