1988 BMW (E30) M3 'EUROPAMEISTER'

KEY FACTS

• An incredibly rare limited-run special edition of the iconic performance car, presented in superb condition.
• Under the bonnet is the venerable 195bhp 2.3-litre S14 inline-four, which drives the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission.
• This M3 is number 48 of only 148 ‘Europameister’ models built to celebrate BMW’s success in the 1988 Touring Car season.
• First registered in Germany, it was imported to the UK and re-registered in November 1998.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• As with every Europameister, this example is finished in Macau Blue metallic, with a Silver Nappa leather interior and a plaque on the centre console featuring the signature of touring car driver Roberto Ravaglia.
• Furthermore, the Europameister features electric windows and 16-inch alloys, with this example riding on a pristine set of new old-stock wheels.
• This E30 has been fitted with a new Blaupunkt Bremen stereo which provides modern functionality in a retro-styled exterior. All of the speakers have also been upgraded, and the originals will be supplied with the car.
• Aside from this, the car is almost entirely unmodified, save for its aftermarket Scorpion exhaust system.
• This M3 will be accompanied by extensive documentation of its service history - from both Germany and the UK - as well as its original service book, handbooks and import certificates.

CONDITION

• There is no damage to the bodywork, which has also never been welded underneath, and is believed to remain fully original. It has been verified by a BMW specialist as one of the cleanest and most original E30 M3s they have seen.
• The Macau Blue paintwork is in almost perfect shape, with the car’s front end and door mirror covers having been resprayed to correct some stone chips.
• Inside, the cabin presents particularly well for its age. The Silver Nappa leather upholstery is in very good order, though there are some small marks and scuffs on the door cards and minor wear on the steering wheel rim and handbrake grip. The seller notes that the carpets have OEM replacements recently arrived from Germany, and the front seat bolsters have been re-trimmed.
• There are no known electrical or mechanical faults.
• The car’s last MOT test was conducted on 14 December 2020 at 145,869 km, resulting in a first-time pass without a single warning or advisory. Indeed, the entire UK MOT history shows every MOT passed at the first attempt and with no advisories.

SERVICE HISTORY

• This E30’s most recent routine maintenance was a major service and gasket change, which was carried out in December 2020 by independent BMW specialist BMR Performance. The car’s mechanical components were also fully inspected, and any issues were rectified.
• During the seller’s five years of ownership (spread across two stints), the car has been serviced around every 1,000 miles, and any minor issues have been corrected as required.

SUMMARY

As one of only 148 built over a three-month period, this 1988 BMW M3 Europameister is a rare and highly sought-after example of the exciting modern classic. Presented in remarkably good condition and doted on by its current owner, it will make a fine centrepiece in any collection of Munich’s finest, and will delight die-hard marque enthusiasts and keen drivers alike.

Bidders should note that this car is only for sale after the current owner’s spinal condition and recent neurosurgery has resulted in difficulty in driving manual cars, and he is selling all cars in his collection which are not automatic. This car would not be for sale otherwise. The vendor reports that this car is as good in person as it is in the photos, and that the new owner will be “absolutely blown away” by this incredible, rare E30 M3.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.