1988 BMW M3

Vehicle Overview

Ended on Bring a Trailer Auctions : 1988 BMW M3


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This 1988 BMW M3 is powered by a 2.3-liter S14 inline-four paired with a five-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential, and it is finished in Cinnabar Red over black leather. Equipment includes 16? BBS basketweave wheels, a strut-tower brace, a sunroof, an extended rear spoiler, fog lights, front sport seats, a CD stereo, air conditioning, and an onboard computer. The car was first registered in Oklahoma, and it also spent time in Georgia and Minnesota prior to its acquisition in August 2014 by the seller, who relocated it to California. This E30 M3 shows 198k miles and is now offered on dealer consignment with literature and a California title.

The car is finished in Cinnabar Red (138) and features an electric sunroof, an extended rear spoiler, fog lights, painted mirror caps, and twin exhaust outlets. The Carfax report indicates that the car was stolen in November 1990 and was recovered the following month. An additional vehicle theft report and recovery are shown in June 2008, and the car was subsequently declared a total loss. The selling dealer notes evidence of paintwork on the hood and fenders, and the rear-window defroster does not work.

The 16? BBS basketweave wheels feature BMW center caps and are mounted with 245/45 Bridgestone Potenza RE-11 tires. The MacPherson strut/semi-trailing arm suspension was revised for the M3 with a thicker rear anti-roll bar as well as shorter and stiffer springs.

The cabin features manually adjustable front sport seats upholstered in black leather along with a matching dashboard and gray carpets. Amenities include an onboard computer, a CD stereo with an M-logo badge, air conditioning, cruise control, and power windows, mirrors, and locks. The driver’s seat shows signs of wear.

The three-spoke M-Tech II steering wheel fronts VDO instrumentation including a 160-mph speedometer and an 8k-rpm tachometer as well as gauges for oil temperature, coolant temperature, and fuel level. The six-digit odometer shows 198k miles.

The 2.3-liter S14 inline-four features red-finished valve covers and was factory rated at 192 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. A Sparco strut-tower brace has been installed along with Evo II-specification ignition wires.

Power is sent to the rear wheels through a Getrag five-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential. Additional underside photographs are shown in the gallery below.

The Carfax report shows the aforementioned vehicle theft reports, theft recoveries, and total loss declaration. A salvage title was issued in Georgia in February 2009, and the Carfax report lists a subsequent title-washing warning associated with a Minnesota title issued in May 2010. The report also lists registration history in Oklahoma, Georgia, Minnesota, and California. A redacted version of the current California title is shown in the gallery below.


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