500,000 mile BMW E30 M3 sells for $47k on Cars & Bids! Highest mile BMW M3 ever?
A 500k mile BMW E30 M3 just sold over on Doug Demuros website Cars & Bids for $47k! Yes, 500k miles! What do you think? Check out all the details below.
Doug’s Take
I’ve always argued that cars are designed to be driven, and this M3’s current and past owners clearly agree: it has over half a million miles! This E30 BMW M3 also features a LONG list of modifications, as its 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine has been replaced by a 3.0-liter S50 straight-6, so it should be quicker than a stock E30 M3. It also boasts a clean, accident-free Carfax report for peace of mind – and it’s finished in an attractive color. It’s also offered with no reserve, so this should be an exciting auction to watch and participate in.
THIS… is a 1988 BMW M3, finished in Salmon Silver Metallic with a black interior.
- The attached Carfax history starts in 1989 and lists no accidents since, though it contains several gaps.
- This M3’s factory-fitted 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine was replaced by an S50 3.0-liter straight-6, according to the seller. Highlights from the extensive list of modifications reported by the seller include Eagle Specialty Products connecting rods, Wiseco pistons, an S52 engine-sourced cylinder head, an E36-generation M3-sourced ECU, a SSSQUID chip, an aluminum radiator, pink-top fuel injectors, an E36-generation M3-sourced ZF320 5-speed manual transmission, a VAC Motorsports short shifter, a 3.23-ratio limited-slip differential, an E90-generation 3 Series-sourced brake booster, and aftermarket front seats.
- Factory equipment includes an M3-specific body kit, fog lights, a sunroof, and an on-board computer.
- Celebrated as one of the best and most influential BMW M models of all time, the first-generation M3 entered production in 1986, though it didn’t reach American shores until the 1988 model year. It was initially released to satisfy touring car homologation requirements so it received a long list of parts derived from racing, including a naturally-aspirated 2.3-liter engine, a revised suspension system, and a specific body kit. It also weighed less than the standard E30 3 Series. Production ended after the 1991 model year, and most historians agree about 5,300 units of the original M3 were built for America.
- Power comes from a 3.0-liter straight-6 engine. It spins the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission.
Equipment
- M3-specific body kit
- Fog lights
- Sunroof
- Power-operated front windows
- Pop-out rear windows
- Air conditioning (inoperative)
- On-board computer
Modifications
Modifications reported by the seller include:
Engine:
- S50 3.0-liter straight-6 engine block
- Cylinders bored to 86.5 millimeters
- Eagle Specialty Products connecting rods
- Wiseco pistons (9:1 compressio ratio)
- S52 engine-sourced cylinder head
- 87-millimeter head gasket with cutting ring
- Automotive Racing Products cylinder head studs
- S52 engine-sourced camshafts
- E36-generation M3-sourced ECU
- SSSQUID chip
- E36-generation M3-sourced wiring harness
- E34-generation 5 Series-sourced alternator
- Aluminum radiator
- 1,850-cfm cooling fan
- M50 engine-sourced engine oil pan
- Turbocharger oil bung on the engine oil pan
- AKG Motorsport engine mounts
- Aftermarket parts in the intake system
- M50 engine-sourced intake manifold
- Walbro 255-lph fuel pump
- Gates Corporation fuel lines
- Pink-top injectors
- Long-tube exhaust headers
- Aftermarket exhaust system
- DTM-style muffler
Transmission and driveline:
- E36-generation M3-sourced ZF320 5-speed manual transmission
- VAC Motorsports short shifter
- 12-pound single-mass flywheel
- 6-puck clutch disc
- Sachs 765 pressure plate
- 3.23-ratio limited-slip differential
Wheels and brakes:
- 17-inch BBS wheels
- E90-generation 3 Series-sourced brake booster
- E90-generation 3 Series-sourced master cylinder
- 2002-sourced brake fluid reservoir
Exterior:
- Clear front turn signal lenses
Interior:
- Aftermarket front seats
- MOMO steering wheel
- MOMO steering wheel hub
- Updated gears in the odometer
- “Check engine” light wired to suspension light
- Voltmeter on the center stack
- Pioneer head unit
Known Flaws
- Some exterior chips
- Ding on the roof
- Flaking finish on the rear bumper’s black stripe
- 2014 date code on the tires
- Wear on the outer front seat bolsters, rear seats, and some of the interior touch points
- The engine oil temperature gauge isn’t wired.
- The air conditioning system doesn’t work (it reportedly needs custom-fabricated lines and a condenser fan).
- Sagging upholstery on the sunroof panel
- The rear sway bar links due for replacement
- Some rust on some of the underbody components
- The seller notes that the front bumper could use adjustment to sit more flush with the fenders.
Recent Service History
The seller states that the engine was recently rebuilt, and pictures reportedly showing the work being performed are included in the gallery. He adds that the list of parts replaced during the rebuild includes:
Engine and engine bay:
- Connecting rods, pistons, head gasket, timing chains, timing chain guides, timing chain tensioners, valve guides, water pump, thermostat, thermostat housing, radiator, main drive belt, upper VANOS chain tensioner, VANOS lines, spark plugs, fuel filter, oxygen sensor, and air conditioning compressor belt
Driveline:
- Flywheel, clutch, pressure plate, clutch line, slave cylinder, transmission mount, shifter bushings, flex disc, center support bearing, differential cover gasket, and differential seals
Suspension and steering:
- Front sway bar links and power steering lines
Fluids:
- Engine oil, transmission fluid, differential fluid, brake fluid, and power steering fluid
Interior:
- Blower motor and blower motor resistor
Other Items Included in Sale
- 2 keys
- Owner’s manuals
- Service records
- Factory front seats (need to be reupholstered)
- Air conditioning system condenser
Ownership History
The seller reportedly purchased this M3 in 2021 but did not title it until July 2022.
Seller Notes
- The seller states this M3 has been repainted. He adds that rust has been repaired on the rocker panels.
- Due to the modifications, this car may not pass emissions testing in some states. It’s the buyer’s responsibility to check whether this car can be registered in their home state prior to placing a bid.
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See the original listing here.
