1990 BMW M3 Sport Evolution

The Final Evolution of The DTM-era E30, No.339 of 600 Homologation Specials in Its Original Glory

Offered at $0

Chassis No: WBSAK07030AC79339

Odometer: 28,983 Miles

Engine: 2.5 Litre S14B25 Naturally Aspirated DOHC 16-valve

Transmission: Getrag 5-Speed Manual

Performance: 235 bhp @ 7,000 rpm / 177 lb-ft > 0-60 mph 6.1 sec / 154 mph

Exterior: Jet Black (Schwartz II)

Interior: Anthracite M-Technic Cloth

About This Car

“Aiming for DTM glory in the late ’80s, German carmakers took their homologation specials very seriously. The M3 Sport Evo might be the finest of the bunch. When BMW had to build 5,000 M3s to homologate the car for Group A competition, the resulting road cars shared nothing but their hoods with the standard E30’s boxy body. Then, BMW needed a race car with a bigger four-cylinder and larger wheels, so it created the Sport Evo. Only 600 were made, just in 1990, and the M division’s list of modifications over a standard E30 M3 is fascinating”.

Thirty two years after its introduction, the E30 M3 is the car on which the famous M dynasty was built and in this ultimate Sport Evolution form, is regarded by many to be the finest M-Car of all.

The E30 M3 was a true homologation special. In order to meet the FIA’s qualification standards for Group A racing in the late 1980’s, BMW were required to build and sell within a 12 month period 5,000 road-going examples. In the early 1990’s, the FIA further allowed “Evolution” models to be homologated with a minimum of 500 cars, resulting in the limited production and now highly sought-after E30 M3 Evolution I, E30 M3 Evolution II and E30 M3 Sport Evolution (Evolution III) models.

Famously, the only exterior panels shared by the E30 M3 with the regular E30 models were the bonnet, roof panel, sunroof and door inner panels. The twelve remaining body panels were unique to the M3 and designed to improve aerodynamics. Box-flared wheel arches were used to accommodate a wider track width and larger wheels. Brake calipers, rotors and suspension were upgraded and the transmission was outfitted with a dogleg version with close ratios and a 1:1 ratio for fifth gear. A clutch type limited differential was added and at the heart of the car was the now-famous BMW S14 four-cylinder engine, a high revving and sophisticated four valve-head block known for its low weight, high torque and durability.

The result was a car which won more road races than any other model in history, including multiple World Touring Car Championships, European Touring Car Championships, and national Touring Car Championships in Germany (DTM), Britain (BTCC), France and Italy. The E30 M3 is therefore officially the world’s most successful race car.

The Sport Evolution shown here is the ultimate and most powerful version of the breed, with only 600 examples built between December 1989 and March 1990 and the only two color options available: Brilliant Red or Jet Black.

The displacement of the already legendary S14 motor was increased from 2.3 to 2.5 litres, resulting in a power output of 238hp at 7,000rpm and 177 lb-ft of torque at 4,750rpm. A new more aggressive crankshaft was added and the engine received larger inlet valves and sodium-filled exhaust valves, with a larger exhaust manifold, and extra oil nozzles to help cool the pistons. Finally BMW installed red spark plug cables to identify the block from its lesser siblings. In Europe, the M3’s gearbox remained the dogleg variant of Getrag’s 265 five-speed, with America and Japan getting a regular H-pattern.

The Sport Evo had thinner glass, a more open grille and extra cooling ducts replacing the fog lights. It also received an adjustable rear wing where the driver could choose between Monza, Normal and Nürburgring settings. Two tone 16” wheels, removal of the touring fuel tank, a longer 3.15-1 diff ratio, suede steering wheel and gear knob, red seat belts and Recaro front seats with harness holes further differentiated the Sport Evolution.

Finally the Sport Evolution sat 0.39 inches lower than the previous Evolution 2 model, on 16-inch wheels. Its front fenders were also made taller to accommodate 18-inch wheels for racing, and it sat on wider tracks with the front anti-roll bar linked to the struts, and a beefier one at the rear. BMW tripled the steering caster angle and installed stronger wheel bearings, stiffer springs and uprated shocks to complete the handling package.

The result was the finest E30 M3 of all, and arguably the finest and most desirable M3 of all, possessing a perfect blend of handling balance, road manners and power which continues to charm and amaze today.

Speedart Motorsports is excited to present one of its most thrilling exhibits and quite possibly the very best M3 Sport Evolution in the market today.

Chassis 339 was carefully enjoyed  by three previous custodians and it was  part of an esteemed private collection of a German BMW aficionado for several years, prior to its arrival in the Port of Miami and clearing customs on June of 2019. This impossibly perfect motorcar is accompanied by all the pertinent ownership documentation since almost new and after a thorough examination it appears to be unmolested and free of any incidents, with all original panels in place.

Furthermore, the entire exterior has just been subjected to a complete Quartz Nano Technology Ceramic treatment in order to protect the original enamel as well as to further enhance the truly spectacular bodywork.

The high-revving 2,500cc 16-valve motor, Getrag dogleg gearbox, independent Bilstein suspension and brakes are maintained and serviced in the highest order, guaranteed to provide its new proud owner the purest analog driving experience. All systems including electric and comfort components are functioning as intended by the manufacturer the day it left the Dingolfing plant.

At the time of this listing the odometer is indicating a genuine 46,895 kms substantiated by a service history since August 1995 to whom is believed to be the second caretaker of the motorcar  with the following service intervals recorded on the corresponding booklets:

  1. January 16, 2019 @ 46,120 kms
  2. May 24, 2018 @ 45,900 kms
  3. December 28, 2015 @ 45,441 kms
  4. December 17, 2013 @ 43,971 kms
  5. December 12, 2011 @ 42,309 kms
  6. December 25, 2009 @ 40,308 kms
  7. December 26, 2007 @ 38,596 kms
  8. December 22, 2005 @ 38,006 kms
  9. November 11, 2003 @ 37,340 kms
  10. January 11, 2001 @ 35,527 kms
  11. December 11, 1999 @ 33,330 kms
  12. November 11, 1997 @ 30,623 kms
  13. August 30, 1995 @ 27,773 kms

The completion date of Chassis No. 339 was February 5, 1990 and it was shipped to Autohaus Bäte KG in Hannover. The car was subsequently retailed to its first owner with an in-service date of April 18 of the same year.

According to its Kardex the M3 was factory fitted with the highly desirable lightweight interior, finished in Anthracite M-Technik Cloth and Red seat belts. With the exception of the unnecessarily added weight found in the cold weather package (headlight washer system & reservoir), all available options at the time of production were selected including air conditioning, electric sliding sunroof, power windows, on-board computer, BMW sound system with correct Bavaria IIC radio/cassette and roof mounted Hirschmann aerial. Two keys along all manuals, service booklets and the original Certificate of Authenticity from BMW Classic are included. The mandatory tool chest mounted on the boot lid with all tools intact are accounted for and the spare wheel with the corresponding jack are stowed under the luggage compartment.

At last, this spectacular homologation special is presented with the original set of 16×7.5 “Basket Weave” wheels, finished in Nogaro Silver painted spokes OEM Part No.36112226804 fashioning Z-rated Michelin Sport Pilots.

Although the attached photographic lot represents faithfully the condition of this Super Saloon  in explicit detail, we encourage the prospective buyer to witness up close and personal in our motorsports gallery, this Bavarian homologation masterpiece in its all original glory. With only 600 units ever produced and have already achieved cult status, the idea of even seeing one in person is an extreme rarity, never mind owning one.

Disclaimer

Whilst Speedart Motorsports, LLC. (“We”) make a sincere effort to contain information that is accurate and complete, we are aware that errors and omissions may occur. We are not able therefore, to guarantee the accuracy of that information and we do not accept liability for loss or damage arising from misleading information or for any reliance on which you may place on the information contained in this website. We highly recommend that you examine the vehicle to check the accuracy of the information supplied. If you have any queries with regard to any information on our website, please contact us at [email protected]. This disclaimer does not affect your statutory rights.