1986 BMW (E30) M3 - COMPETITION UPGRADES

This E30-generation BMW M3 is a stunning homage to the DTM racers run by Schnitzer Motorsport in the 1980s, and has been well cared-for by UK specialists over the last seven years. Under the bonnet is a 2.3-litre S14 inline-four, which has been modified with 278-degree Schrick cams, the cylinder head from a later 215PS car - including 48mm throttle bodies - and an M3 Sport Evo exhaust manifold. A carbon-fibre air box is also fitted, along with the Maxx Automotive Alpha-N engine management upgrade. It is coupled to the original E30 M3 dog-leg five-speed manual transmission.

There are documents in the history file going back to 1999, and it was the previous owner who was responsible for converting the car from standard road trim into this superb touring car recreation. A 2009 dynamometer report in the file from Belgian specialist Power Plus Engineering records a maximum engine output of around 273bhp.

Road-legal but not currently under a valid MOT certificate, this BMW M3 has been owned by the seller since it arrived in the UK in 2013, and where it was subsequently re-registered in October 2014 as ‘G669 OAW’.

In addition to the engine modifications mentioned above, the car is also fitted with a 3.73:1 final drive, though the standard 3.25:1 unit is included in the sale. A Brembo big brake kit is installed at the front, and the car rides on lowered KW Variant 3 competition suspension. The race wheels that come with the car are a set of 18-inch BBS DTM items, which were purchased directly from BBS Japan.

Today, the bodywork presents in good order, and there is no evidence of any prior panel damage. The seller reports that the roof has been changed to a non-sunroof BMW OEM item, and has two small dimples present, but otherwise the main body is believed to be original. It features aerodynamic upgrades, including the deep front splitter, adjustable rear wing, and the AC Schnitzer wing mirrors.

Its white, red and blue livery generally presents well, though the vinyl is peeling in a few places, and there are the normal chips and marks you would expect to find on an exciting road and track car that has been enjoyed as intended. This M3 also has a DTM-style mono wiper kit for the windscreen. Its road wheels are white BBS items, which are in great shape as the photos show.

The interior has been entirely stripped out, with only the main part of the original dashboard remaining. The doors are fitted with carbon panels, and there are a pair of Recaro Pole Position bucket seats installed, equipped with Sabelt harnesses. The original gearbox has a short-shift kit fitted, and there is a TechEdge air:fuel ratio monitor housed in one of the original air vent sockets. Ahead of the driver is an Alcantara-trimmed Oreca steering wheel with a yellow top centre marker.

In October 2013, after it was imported to the UK, the car was sent to BMW specialist Simpson Motorsport In Gloucestershire. It received a new Lifeline fire extinguisher system, new master switch and pull cable, repairs to the wiring loom, and new battery terminals. A new crank sensor and oil pressure switch were installed, the valve clearances were checked, and the geometry was set. Inside, the roll cage was removed so that mounts could be welded, before it was refitted and painted. Seat belt mounts were also installed along with new eyelet plates.

In June 2018, the car was given an overhaul at BMR Motorsport in Surrey, which included an Inspection II service, as well as a complete new Supersprint exhaust system, propshaft heat shield, new front-to-rear brake pipes, brake hoses, new fuel lines, and a new fuel tank. The upper and lower sump gaskets were renewed, and the gear selector shaft seal and knuckle were also replaced. A new alloy radiator and thermostat were fitted, along with new rear brake discs and pads.

The most recent MOT test was on 19 June 2018 at 154,677 km, when it achieved a first-time pass with no advisories. The car will need a fresh certificate if the intention is to use it on the road in the UK.

Its road wheels are shod in BFGoodrich tyres with around 5-6mm of tread remaining, while the set of race wheels wear brand-new Yokohama AD05 slicks with a medium compound, which were fitted during the 2018 service and have not yet been used.

This BMW M3 is an attention-grabbing tribute to one of the most iconic touring cars of all time. Far from being simply a cosmetic recreation, this E30 also features a raft of high-quality mechanical upgrades and competition-focused enhancements to make it a truly thrilling road or track car. For someone who wants a taste of the glory days of the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters, there can be few more compelling cars to add to their collection.

All cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.

Car Overview

  • 154,691km (96,120 miles)
  • manual
  • LHD
  • White / Racing Livery
  • 2.3L


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Lot Overview

  • Lot #01102
  • private Sale
  • West Sussex, United Kingdom

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