The seller of this 1989 BMW M3 claims it is a collector-grade example with just 87,377 miles. For the E30 chassis models of BMW’s famous performance coupe, the term collector-grade carries very real connotations these days as the true show-stoppers have been snatched up and sold for big money. The seller’s listing here on eBay paints a picture of this car being one of the best, and with a $69,899 price tag, one would hope its true condition is outstanding.
As anyone who has read these pages know, I’m a huge vintage BMW fan, and own a 1987 325is. The M3’s value has skyrocketed in recent years, but thankfully, all but the best examples are selling for more reasonable money. That being said, it’s hard to get into even a project-grade car for less than $20K if it’s a runner, but they are still out there if you can grab it before the flipper.
This particular M3 does look quite nice, with a gorgeous black leather interior and the correct three-spoke steering wheel and sport seats with horizontal stitching. The dash is uncracked and the carpets are clean. As far as E30s go, these are typical problem areas cosmetically, so this one was clearly preserved despite its average odometer reading of just under 90K.
The seller includes no details on mechanical upkeep or needs, which is essential at this point for demanding top-dollar for one of these cars. That, along with the fact that the asking price is typically reserved for examples with truly low mileage (like below 50K) makes me question the asking price – especially since the market has somewhat cooled on BMW’s venerable M car.
He didn’t write “True time capsule” enough. Once more and it’s worth another 5 grand.
Beautiful car, amazing engineering, at this age even if well maintained the issues are probably rubber and plastic.
Issue to me is if you are going to use this planets resources to produce something you want me to buy it dam well better be good, well designed, stylish and maintainable.
I have detirmined the best car buy ever is a used 5 to 8 year old BMW 3 or 5 series 6 banger, low mileage, garaged, well maintained, up to date service records works for me.
I’m on my 5th, yes you need to do your research on model issues and yes the maintenance is not cheap but oh what a great ride, heated seats and steering wheel, leather, walnut dash, quiet, responsive tight ass, rattle free driving machines.
The E36s and E39s 5 series defined styling, performance and comfort.
You can do this for forever for less than the price of a new POS.
When talking BMW maintenance records are paramount.
You vil do this at this mileage, period.
That said if I ever hit the lottery my first stop is here.
http://enthusiastauto.com
If you are a Beemer fan, especially an M fan this is the holy grail. They are near me and a couple of times a year I just have to go,
drool worthy.
Sorry, I just bought a exec drive GT350 with 2,100 miles out of Michigan for less than $48k. While these are neat, nope, wouldn’t pay near the ask for this.