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1987 BMW M3

1987 BMW M3 – 161,189 miles – photo 1 of 182
1987 BMW M3 – 161,189 miles – photo 2 of 182
Exterior
1987 BMW M3 – 161,189 miles – photo 91 of 182
Interior
1987 BMW M3 – 161,189 miles – photo 136 of 182
View All (182)
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Specs

Mileage
161,189
Transmission
Manual
Drive
LHD
Colour
BLACK
Engine Size
2302 cc
Location
Bedfordshire, UK
VIN
WBSAK01502191019
Buyer's Premium
6% of the winning bid or offer inc. VAT. Minimum of £500 and a maximum of £5,000.

Description

SB's Take

  • This E30-generation BMW M3 is an iconic 1980's performance hero
  • Powered by a 2.3-litre naturally aspirated ‘S14’ inline-four, delivering around 197bhp to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission
  • This example was originally delivered to Spain in December 1987, before being imported to the UK and registered with the DVLA in March 2022
  • Professionally resprayed in its original Diamond Black Metallic by Pennings in 2024, and treated to a £13,000 mechanical overhaul by Classic Bahnstormers (2022–2023), making this a true turn-key example
Presented here on SB is a 1987 BMW E30 M3, a motorsport-bred performance icon and one of the most celebrated homologation specials of the 1980s. Developed by BMW’s legendary M Division, the original M3 set the benchmark for driver-focused handling, high-revving dynamics, and everyday usability - qualities that continue to define the M brand today.

The E30 M3 featured extensive revisions over the standard 3 Series, including widened box-arched bodywork, a revised suspension setup, upgraded brakes, and a close-ratio 5-speed manual gearbox. Under the bonnet lies the high-revving 2.3-litre S14 inline-four, producing around 197bhp and delivering its power to the rear wheels for an analogue driving experience that is becoming increasingly sought after in the modern, digital, era.

This example was originally delivered to Spain in December 1987, before being imported to the UK and registered with the DVLA in March 2022. It is finished in Diamond Black Metallic and underwent a full body respray in 2024, professionally carried out by Pennings in Milton Keynes. Mechanically, the car has benefitted from a comprehensive overhaul by Classic Bahnstormers in Cirencester, completed between November 2022 and March 2023 and totalling nearly £13,000, making this a turn-key example!

With values of the E30 M3 continuing to rise and fewer well-preserved examples remaining, this car represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of the most iconic performance cars of the 20th century - tastefully refreshed, mechanically sorted and ready to go. As always, the seller is available to answer any questions via the Comments section below. Buyers should bid with complete confidence.

Key Equipment

  • On-board computer
  • Electric front windows
  • Electric sunroof
  • EVO front lower spoiler and lip
  • EVO rear spoiler with adjustable flap
  • H&R deep coilover suspension
  • Genuine BBS RS alloy wheels
  • Milltek cat-back stainless exhaust system
  • Full interior retrim with Recaro front seats using BMW M texture alcantara carried out by 'Dave the Trimmer'
  • M Tech 2 steering wheel
  • Evo gearknob
  • Full audio refresh featuring a Blaupunkt DAB head unit, Hertz component front speakers, Hertz 6x9 rear speakers, Hertz amplifier and subwoofer
  • Other notable items include new OEM headlamps, grille and badges, fog lights, door locks, headliner, floor mats, seatbelts, and a new alarm and immobiliser system with central locking

Condition

  • As with all listings on Shooting Brake, we encourage viewing all accompanying photos to assess the condition of the vehicle in detail
  • The exterior of this M3 presents in excellent condition, thanks to a professional respray in 2024 in its original Diamond Black Metallic by Pennings (Milton Keynes), resulting in a deep, even finish
  • The interior is equally impressive, having undergone a recent full retrim by renowned specialist 'Dave the Trimmer'
  • The dashboard, switchgear, and major controls remain intact and operational. No warning lights are present, and the car is reported to drive without any known faults.

Service History

  • This M3 had its most recent MOT in August 2024, with a fresh MOT to be arranged for the winning bidder
  • The car will be supplied with the owner’s handbook, warning triangle, two BMW-branded high-visibility jackets, jack, full-size spare wheel, and tool kit
  • The seller notes that while the original service book is not present, previous Spanish roadworthiness certificates are available
  • The car's most recent routine maintenence was carried out by Munich Motors in Woking, this consisted of an oil and filter change
  • Prior to this it was serviced by Chapmans in St Albans in August 2024
  • Other notable recent maintenance items include a new sump gasket and the installation of an uprated self-adjusting timing chain tensioner from an E36 Evo
  • Please review the Mechanical & Docs section in the Gallery for further service history

Summary

This 1987 BMW E30 M3 is a celebrated 1980s homologation special, renowned for its iconic looks and high-revving 2.3-litre S14 engine. Boasting a recent full respray in its original Diamond Black Metallic and a comprehensive mechanical overhaul, this is a well-preserved, turn-key example. With rising values and scarce condition, this M3 offers a rare chance to own an iconic performance classic.

Finally, all cars on Shooting Brake are run through an online HPI check. This particular vehicle throws up no insurance claims for damage or theft and has no outstanding finance owing. Nonetheless, we strongly encourage all bidders to undertake their own due diligence prior to placing any bid. It is entirely reasonable for any classic or enthusiast vehicle to have undergone cosmetic repairs that could otherwise go undetected from the provided photos or by any in-person inspection. Unless the seller explicitly states otherwise, assume that any vehicle or item listed may have undergone bodywork or paintwork at some point. Additionally, photographs may not accurately represent the vehicle’s true overall condition. It is the bidder’s responsibility to verify the condition, and any past repairs - including bodywork or paintwork - before placing a bid or making a purchase. If you have any questions or queries, please use the Comments section to firstly ask the Seller directly before placing any bids. Shooting Brake tries to portray the item listed as accurately as possible through detailed questions asked to the seller but would like to remind users that all vehicles are sold as seen and, as per all goods purchased at auction, there is a No Return policy. Please see our Terms and Conditions for more details.
Exterior Photos
1987 BMW M3 – 161,189 miles – photo 1 of 1821987 BMW M3 – 161,189 miles – photo 2 of 1821987 BMW M3 – 161,189 miles – photo 3 of 1821987 BMW M3 – 161,189 miles – photo 4 of 182
Interior Photos
1987 BMW M3 – 161,189 miles – photo 91 of 1821987 BMW M3 – 161,189 miles – photo 92 of 1821987 BMW M3 – 161,189 miles – photo 93 of 1821987 BMW M3 – 161,189 miles – photo 94 of 182
Mechanical & Docs
1987 BMW M3 – 161,189 miles – photo 136 of 1821987 BMW M3 – 161,189 miles – photo 137 of 1821987 BMW M3 – 161,189 miles – photo 138 of 1821987 BMW M3 – 161,189 miles – photo 139 of 182
Watch

Specs

Mileage
161,189
Transmission
Manual
Drive
LHD
Colour
BLACK
Engine Size
2302 cc
Location
Bedfordshire, UK
VIN
WBSAK01502191019
Sold
£75,000
Buyer's Premium
6% of the winning bid or offer inc. VAT. Minimum of £500 and a maximum of £5,000.
Sold
£75,000