The BMW E30 M3 has become a car you buy as an investment, and not to drive. That really is a shame, but it’s the reality of where we are. This 1988 model is in some ways a survivor in that it hasn’t been modified, but it does have a decent amount of rust and will spend some time in the bodyshop before it’s investment-worthy. Find it here on eBay where bidding is approaching $25,000.

The seller notes that the driver’s side rear quarter panel “….has large rust spot and a thin spot in the middle.” Other rust is noted above and below the windshield frame as well as around the rear license plate lights and driver’s side strut tower. This is an unfortunate amount of rust, and the seller is smart to provide the disclaimer that there may be more underneath and buyers are advised to inspect the M3 in person.

The upside to this car is that it is highly original and runs and drives well. The seller has found no evidence of aftermarket parts, and notes that the M3 drives without issue on its monthly 20-mile jaunt. The interior presents quite nicely as well, even if the leather sport seats look tired and in need of rejuvenation. The desirable OEM steering wheel and shifter remain in place, and I see no evidence of common dash cracking.

Here you can see some of the rust blossoming below the windshield. The engine bay potentially shows the remains of an aftermarket part, as it looks like the car once has a strut brace between the towers. A big selling point would potentially be if the seller can show the M3 retains its VIN-matching body panels, as it would further emphasize its originality. I still think prices are completely nuts for these at the moment, but it’s mainly out of envy and wishing I had bought one ten years ago when they were cheap.