When discussing a performance vehicle like the BMW E30 M3, it’s important to note that despite many of them now living as trailer queens, these were cars you drove with reckless abandon when new. As a highly-strung, road-going version of a DTM vehicle, the urge to drive hard and fast often is always there, especially in a vehicle that lives in the higher RPMs. This 1988 BMW M3 here on eBay has suffered the consequences of such spirited driving, with bent valves caused by over-revving. It’s listed with an opening bid of $30K.
Based on the seller’s opening bid, it’s safe to say he is hoping to cash in on the rapid rise in value for BMW’s iconic M3. However, that rising tide has stabilized a bit, and I’ve noticed lately that the less desirable examples of the E30 chassis cars have been lingering for sale longer than they used to. With a car like this and a known history of mechanical drama – plus cosmetic flaws like the crack in the dash, the incorrect shift knob and the tacky M-badges above the glovebox – there’s far more work involved here beyond the engine rebuild.
Speaking of which, the seller notes that he rescued the M3 after it sat for five years in the previous owner’s garage, clearly the result of disillusionment following the grenaded-engine drama that apparently occurred within 40 miles after a total tear-down and rebuild. Yes, that would leave most of disenfranchised. In addition to the rebuild, the seller notes that some rust has begun bubbling up under the hood near a strut tower and in the trunk floor where the jack sits. Both areas have been “treated,” but still – rust, too, at a $30K opening bid?
The compression test reveals the engine’s poor health, and the seller notes all he did after towing it home was the bag and tag the various engine parts. The motor will need complete re-assembly and the seller further notes new exhaust valves are needed for cylinders two and three. Overall, there looks to be a good foundation here, but I question the opening bid number given a good, running E30 M3 that’s possibly a bit tired cosmetically can be had for just $10K more.
While they have some appeal, when the asking price for a blown motored example with paint needs is the same as the price for running and driving example, perhaps it is a good idea to avoid giving sellers like this extra publicity.
At this price, you will be 50K deep by the time you are done…and these are NOT WORTH 50K.
Rusty lugs? Split dash, road rashed wheels. No mention of transmission. This was beat to hell by someone…
I hate flippers , too much work and price he’s dreaming …did i mention i hate flippers?
Flippers hate you too Scott…..lol
Boys.. BOYS! Don’t make me get out the fire hose.
Aircraft ‘brokers’ trump car and boat flippers.
He’s already got two bids over 30k. He’s not dreaming. I wouldn’t be surprised to see this sell for over 40 grand.
You might be thinking of the E36 M3, which would sell for about 3 grand in this sorry state.
By the way, I’m an E36 M3 owner. I’m not saying this thing is worth it. I would give him about 3 grand for it myself, but I guess I don’t appreciate the sublime, superb, surreal and stupendous feeling you get during that 8.5 seconds it takes you to get to 60 miles an hour. I shudder at the deliciousness of the thought.
Check valve guides for cracks/distortion. A rev limiter bump is better than a valve bump.
I think that if the owner wants to sell this, he is going to (A) Lower his expectations, or (B) Put the time, effort and energy into making this car operational.
Obvious attempt to exploit greater fool theory is obvious.
The guy who overrevved this M3 should have to commute back and forth to work forever in that 4-google eyed ‘58 Packard.
Rumors for price of an engine rebuild to be more than 10k
Right. The rebuild will cost a lot more than $10K for the kind of engine rebuild this car needs = some expen$ive new parts, followed by the actual rebuild.
The 1st Gen M3 has an engine that’s 2/3rds of BMW’s 6 cylinder racing engine, and they are never cheap.
I’d like to know if over-rev was a missed upshift, or mechanical over-rev/ forced down shifts! I’ve seen what a Honda S2000 looks like after being spun up to 13,525 rpm after a 6th to 3rd down shift at 95+mph!! It had shrapnel in the intake manifold!! This IS a job for a Very knowledge BMW technical, not a weekend warrior! Too much $$$ for a project. Good luck to the new owner and seller.
Yeah, there’s a reason muffing a downshift into a forced over-rev is known as a “money shift”.