1990 BMW M3 (E30) SPORT EVOLUTION - EX-CHRIS HARRIS

A fine example of the most highly developed version of the already superb E30 M3, this 1990 BMW M3 Sport Evo (Evolution III) is a rare and coveted performance car. It is powered by a 2.5-litre version of the four-cylinder S14 engine, producing 238hp, driving the rear wheels via a dog-leg five-speed manual transmission. The odometer indicates 142,561 km (88,583 miles) from new.

Just 600 examples of the highly developed Sport Evolution model were built between late 1989 and early 1990, designed to further homologate the model in Group A competition. Beyond the engine upgrade, the car also featured a revised differential ratio, bespoke bodywork with more pronounced front wings, adjustable front and rear spoilers, brake cooling ducts in place of front fog lights, and 16-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels. This version, also known as the ‘Evolution III’, was available only in red or black, and also came with thinner window glass.

First registered in May 1990, this Sport Evo was delivered new to Italy before being imported to the UK in 2000. Since then, it has had four previous registered keepers, including motoring journalist and presenter, Chris Harris. The seller has owned the car for around five years, having purchased the car directly from Harris, and has enjoyed around 7,000 km behind the wheel.

The Jet Black bodywork is in excellent condition, with a deep gloss and crisp shut lines all around the car, as shown in the photo gallery below. Aside from some very slight deterioration to the M3 grille badge and slight marking to the adjustable rear spoiler, visible in the photos, the body trims present superbly. The original 16-inch two-tone BBS wheels are in excellent unmarked condition.

The interior specification of the Sport Evo adds further to the motorsport feel of the car, with Recaro front seats with harness holes, red seat belts and suede trim for the steering wheel and gear knob. The cabin is in very good condition throughout, and has not been reupholstered, with only slight wear reported on the driver’s side bolster. The carpeting is in great shape, the rear seats are in superb condition, and the interior plastics present excellently.

This Sport Evo has a good service history from both Italy and the UK, with preventative maintenance carried out throughout the seller’s ownership to keep the car on-the-button. The most recent service was carried out in March 2020 by E30 M3 specialist Amspeed Racing, comprising an oil service, and the two prior services to this were an Inspection II service in April 2019 and an oil service in February 2018. Other notable maintenance during the seller’s ownership includes an engine gasket and chain guide replacement in March 2019; coil, distributor cap and rotor arm replacement in August 2018; and a professional detail in June 2019.

The last MOT test was carried out on 28 August 2019 at 141,582 km, which resulted in a clean pass with no advisories. The 225/45 ZR16 Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres are in good condition with approximately 7mm of tread remaining. Accompanying the car is the original handbook, radio user guide, stamped service book, receipts and invoices for previous maintenance, and the original tool kit and spare wheel.

An exceptional example of the ultimate iteration of the E30 model, this BMW M3 Sport Evolution boasts excellent provenance and fastidious maintenance history, and would be a credit to any collection of modern classics or BMW performance cars.