1990 BMW (E30) M3 Sport Evolution

KEY FACTS

• This E30-generation BMW M3 Sport Evolution is one of 51 UK supplied cars and represents a very rare and highly desirable modern classic performance hero, which benefits from significant recent mechanical maintenance and refurbishments of the seats and headlining.
• Under the bonnet sits a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre ‘S14’ inline-four, delivering up to 238bhp to the rear wheels via a dog-leg five-speed manual transmission. 
• The HPI report indicates that the car has previously been registered overseas.
• This E30-era M3 Sport Evolution is one of only 600 examples built between 1989 and early 1990. 
• The odometer shows 78,075 miles from new. 

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• The E30-era M3 Sport Evolution, also known as the ‘Evolution III’, was a highly developed variant of the celebrated performance hero, which was designed to further homologate the model in Group A competition. 
• The model features an upgraded engine, a revised differential ratio, bespoke bodywork with more pronounced front wings, adjustable front and rear spoilers, brake cooling ducts in place of the front fog lights, 16-inch BBS alloy wheels, and thinner window glass.
• This example is finished in the timeless shade of Jet Black with contrasting red ‘pinstriping’ around the bumpers, over a black cabin featuring re-upholstered Anthracite M cloth upholstery with M-Sport tricolour patterned inserts on the seats and door cards, red seat belts, and a synthetic suede-trimmed steering wheel and gear knob. 
• It rides on a correct set of refurbished 16-inch BBS cross-spoke alloy wheels, shod in Nexen NFera SU1 tyres. 
• Equipment includes headlamp washers, a top-tinted windscreen, electric front windows, an on-board computer, heater and ventilation controls, a heated rear screen, an electric sunroof, and CD storage. 
• This example has been fitted with an aftermarket removable stereo, and Sony speakers. 
• The car comes with a spare wheel, tools, and a substantial history file detailing past maintenance and MOT tests. 

CONDITION

• Please refer to the photo gallery to assess the exterior and interior condition.
• The most recent MOT test was conducted on 3 October 2023 at 78,056 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with no advisories. 

SERVICE HISTORY

• The last mechanical maintenance was performed in February 2023 at 76,721 miles by Ren Sports Cars, which consisted of a full service, including all lights, levels and tyre pressures checked and adjusted, an engine oil and filter change, new anti-freeze, the gearbox oil changed, the differential oil renewed, a new air filter, the throttle housing cleaned, all new spark plugs, a new fuel filter, and the handbrake cable adjusted. 
• Further mechanical maintenance was carried out in February 2023 by Ren Sports Cars, which included engine tuning, the injectors cleaned, a compression and leakage test, new tappet shims, the valve clearances adjusted, new HT leads, the distributor cap and rotor arm replaced, new drive belts, the throttle linkages set up, a set-up carried out on the clutch, and a new rocker cover gasket. 
• Other notable maintenance includes all the alloy wheels being refurbished, a new battery cut-off switch, and an interior trim refurbishment in November 2022, new front and rear suspension dampers, the brake discs deglazed, the brake callipers and brake disc surrounds cleaned and painted, and the brake system bled and renewed in February 2023, the alternator rebuilt, and an underside surface rust treatment in March 2023, a full exterior machine polish in April 2023, and new coolant, crankshaft sensors, a fuel pressure regulator, and spark plugs fitted, as well as a rocker cover refurbishment, rust treatment, miscellaneous wiring, and new centre cap badges installed in October 2023. 

SUMMARY

This E30-generation BMW M3 Sport Evolution is a very rare and sought-after modern classic performance icon, which benefits from significant recent mechanical maintenance as well as interior re-trimming including re-upholstery of the seats, retrimming of the rear quarter panels, and re-fitting of the headlining. One of only 600 examples built between 1989 and 1990 and one of just 51 UK supplied cars, with desirable factory performance, aerodynamic and cosmetic upgrades, and boasting a potent inline-four, coupled to engaging dog-leg five-speed manual gearbox, it would make a notable addition to any assembly of performance heroes, and a highly rewarding companion for weekend drives.

The description of this consignment 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, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. Potential buyers should view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.  

Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible vehicles to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, either to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be undetectable even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork during its life. Furthermore, photographs may not reflect the true colour or full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to satisfy themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy. This includes by raising enquiries with the seller in the comments section.  

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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.