Overview

Finished in white with a grey interior, this 1988 BMW M3 E30 represents one of the most iconic performance cars ever built. Showing 29,500 km / 18,330 miles and presented in exceptionally strong visual condition, this example stands out immediately despite carrying an auction grade R.

From the images and notes, the car presents far better than the grade suggests, and examples like this are now incredibly difficult to source, particularly with such low mileage and original appeal.

Auction Details

Auction Date 30th April 2026

Bids must be in on 29th April before 9pm

Auction Location Tokyo

Auction Start Price £40,000

Autoselecta Suggested Winning Bid £45,000 to £55,000

Key Facts

• Engine 2.3L Inline-4 (S14)
• Fuel Type Petrol
• Transmission Manual
• Drivetrain RWD
• Overall Grade R
• Interior Grade C
• Mileage 29,500 km / 18,330 miles

Features and Specification

• E30 M3 Coupe
• Manual transmission
• Air conditioning
• BBS 16-inch alloy wheels
• Sunroof
• Aftermarket tachometer
• Power windows
• Left-hand drive

Condition Overview

Structural Recorded as R grade, indicating repair history

Exterior Presents very well with strong paint finish and clean overall appearance

Interior Shows some wear consistent with age but remains tidy

Inspector Notes

• Repair history noted on auction sheet
• Right front inner panel repair
• Steering wear
• Dashboard cracks
• Trim discolouration
• Headliner sagging
• Resprayed exterior panels
• Small scratches and marks around the vehicle

Maintenance and Provenance

• Engine noted as S14 with serial recorded
• Meter replacement history unknown
• Records referenced within auction sheet

Why the E30 M3 Is So Special

• Built as a homologation special for Group A touring car racing
• Dominated motorsport globally, including DTM and touring car championships
• Lightweight, high-revving S14 engine delivering a raw and engaging drive
• Widened arches, aggressive stance, and purposeful design set it apart from standard E30 models
• Considered by many as the greatest M car ever built due to its purity and motorsport DNA
• Values have risen significantly over recent years as collectors recognise its importance
• Low-mileage examples are exceptionally rare, particularly in this visual condition

Summary

A highly desirable and increasingly rare E30 M3 that presents far stronger than its auction grade suggests. With very low mileage and strong visual appeal, this example is likely to attract significant attention and competitive bidding.

Buying direct from Japan through Autoselecta offers access to cars like this ahead of the UK and European markets, often saving thousands.

Autoselecta Sourcing Service

Let Autoselecta find your next classic icon. We source directly from Japanese auctions and handle the entire process from bidding to delivery worldwide.