1988 BMW (E30) 328i CUSTOM

This unique 1988 BMW has been the subject of extensive cosmetic and mechanical modification, combining sharp styling with enhanced performance and handling. While it left the factory in 318i guise, specified with the manual gearbox, this car is now powered by a 2.8-litre M52 straight-six, with the five-speed transmission from a 318is.

The specific build on offer here was in fact the result of the owner having previously put too much power into an E30 chassis. An earlier project had created a 370bhp car, which he simply found to be too unruly. This 318i was then sourced with the intention of creating a far more usable and well-balanced performance car. The seller has owned this BMW for the last three years, and having commissioned the substantial upgrades has covered around 1,000 miles on the road.

At the heart of this custom build is the engine. The M52 straight-six was sourced from an 81,000-mile E38 BMW 728i, and the manual gearbox has been enhanced with a lightened clutch and flywheel, driving the rear wheels through a limited slip differential. The power output, confirmed on a rolling road, stands at a reliable 237bhp.

Believed to be free from any prior accident damage, the bodywork has been fitted with a rare BMW M Technic 2 body kit, comprising revised front and rear bumpers, sill panels, and the boot lid spoiler. M Technic fog lights have also been installed, as well as electric heated door mirrors. The seller notes that the ‘Zinnoberrot’ paint finish has been resprayed at some point, but still has a smooth and glossy appearance all around the panels, with only a few blemishes including small stone chips around the front, and an 18mm patch of corrosion visible on the offside rear wheel arch.

Other changes to the car’s appearance include smoked lenses for the headlights, front indicators and side repeaters, while the signature kidney grille surrounds have also been changed from chrome to black for a more consistent look. The car rides on 17-inch replica BMW ‘Style 24’ alloy wheels, which are in great shape and with minimal wear, however the centre caps are not present.

Moving inside, this BMW’s seats are upholstered in E30 Sport black leather, which was refurbished last year by JC Autos Car Restoration of Knutsford, Cheshire. The interior trim remains in very smart condition throughout, with no rips or tears, and only minor wear. Its steering wheel and gear knob appear to be the correct original items, and are in good order. The seller had planned to replace the headlining with the darker material from a Sport model, and while the material is purchased and present, it has not yet been fitted. All of the buttons, switches and other electrical items are believed to work without fault.

This E30 is in superb mechanical order, having been upgraded to a discerning specification to ensure reliability and durability, and not just a higher power output. The new engine is paired with a 325i starter motor, an E36-era 325i air box, and the engine mounts from an E28 M5. A standalone ECU has also been installed and chipped to provide a 7,000rpm rev limit, and is accompanied by an M50 intake manifold. Further modifications in the engine bay include a manually switched 16-inch Mishimoto race fan, a bespoke exhaust manifold with stainless steel downpipes, and a full stainless steel Mongoose exhaust system.

Turning to the ride setup, new suspension arms have been fitted, as have Bilstein shock absorbers and Eibach Pro-Kit coil springs. The steering linkage was also been modified with the rack from the E46-era Clubsport model, as have the power steering pipes. Keeping everything in check, the car has also been fitted with new brake discs, calipers and pads, as well as HEL braided steel brake lines and a new brake servo. The car’s battery has also recently been replaced.

This E30’s last scheduled maintenance was carried out at 114,000 miles by JC Autos Car Restoration of Knutsford, with work including a full service and the aforementioned braking system upgrade. Prior to this, a full service was carried out in October 2017.

Its last annual MOT test was carried out on 19 June 2020 at 114,133 miles. The car secured a pass, with advisory notes for some corrosion to the front sub-frame and nearside front sub-frame mounting, but this neither was deemed excessive or significantly impacting rigidity. It was also noted that the power steering pump was seeping slightly, and that the nearside front wheel bearing was noisy – however the latter has since been replaced. The 205/45 R17 tyres are all reported to be in good condition, with around 5mm of tread remaining.

Accompanying the car is a history folder almost bursting with paperwork, including around 75 invoices and receipts for maintenance and upgrade work, as well as 14 previous MOT certificates.

This BMW E30 upgraded to 328i specification is a unique and tastefully modified modern classic, featuring significant power and handling upgrades, plus a number of carefully considered cosmetic changes. It was built with the aim of delivering a superb driver’s car, with a perfect balance of pace and poise, without overwhelming the chassis. The seller notes that it offers a wonderfully dynamic and analogue experience behind the wheel, and makes a compelling alternative to a significantly more expensive E30 M3.

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.