Performance Auto Wholesalers

10859 NW 21st Street, Miami, FL 33172
4.6
4.6 out of 5 stars

Used 1988 BMW M3 Base

92,236 miles
For Sale:$89,997
Estimated payment:$2,041/mo.
$0 trade-in, 10% down payment, 48 months, Great credit score

Value ChartA visual chart indicating the fair price range is between $87,900 and $103,100, while the current price is $89,997.$87,900 - $103,100$89,997
  • Priced at $89,997, this vehicle is within the current market price range of $87,900 to $103,100.

  • It has 92,236 miles, which is 74,764 (45%) below the median mileage of 167,000.

Note: This is an estimate based on a variety of factors (experimental feature). It is intended to provide a fair market value range to help guide your buying decision.

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  • Car
  • Coupe
  • Luxury
  • Condition
    Used
  • Mileage
    92,236miles
  • Generation
    1(1986 - 1991)
  • Trim
    Base
  • Drivetrain
    Rear Wheel
  • Transmission
    5-Speed Manual
  • Exterior Color
    Red
  • Interior Color
    Tan
  • Upholstery
    Leather
  • Doors
    2
  • Max Seating
    5
  • Max Towing Capacity
    0lbs.
  • Final Assembly Point
    Munich, Germany
  • VIN
    WBSAK0301J2197091
  • Starting MSRP
    $35,125

Engine2.3L I4 Gasoline 192hp

  • Fuel Type:Gasoline
  • Max Horsepower:192 hp @ 6750 rpm
  • Power to Weight Ratio:14.92lbs/hp
  • Max Torque:170 ft.lbf @ 4750 rpm
  • Displacement:2.3liters
  • Block Type:I
  • Cylinders:4
  • Aspiration:Naturally Aspirated
  • Fuel Induction:Fuel Injection
  • Cam Type:DOHC
  • Valves:16

Message from the seller

1988 BMW M3, $1050 MONTHLY PAYMENT WITH 20% DOWN**, RED WITH TAN INTERIOR, TONS OF SERVICE RECORDS DATING BACK TO 1988, COMES WITH 2 KEYS AND OWNER'S MANUALS, POWER SUNROOF, POWER WINDOWS, POWER SIDE MIRRORS, EVERYTHING WORKS PROPERLY AND THE CAR IS IN EXCELLENT SHAPE ALL AROUND, RUNS WONDERFULLY, CALIFORNIA CAR SINCE DAY 1 AND MUCH MORE!!! Purchase this CLASSIC BMW M3 from Performance Auto. Contact us in Miami at 305-477-0517 or visit us online at www.performanceautows.com. Buy with confidence. God Bless America!! ***With approved credit The first BMW M3 was based on the E30 3 Series and was intended to be a homologation special to satisfy the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft and Group A Touring rules, which required a total of 5,000 cars to be built.[4] It was presented to the public at the 1985 Frankfurt Motor Show, and began production from March 1986 to June 1991.[5][6][7] The E30 M3 was mainly produced in the coupé body style, but limited volumes of convertibles were also produced.[8] The front splitter,[9] the rear apron, sill panels, as well as changes to the body in the area of the rear window (C-pillar) and the bootlid improved the aerodynamics.[10] For aerodynamic reasons, the rear window was flattened and the tailgate was made of light, glass-reinforced plastic raised by approximately 40 mm for better air flow.[4] The changes over the rear of the car resulted in lower lift forces and better straight-line stability. In addition, the windscreen was glued in – not, as with the other E30 models, framed with a window rubber and piping. As a result, the M3 achieved a relatively low drag coefficient of Cd=0.33 instead of Cd=0.38 as in the standard 3 Series. The only exterior body panels the regular 3 Series and the M3 shared were the bonnet, roof panel, sunroof. The brake calipers, discs and master cylinder were unique to the M3 model. The transmission was a Getrag 265 5-speed manual. European models were outfitted with a dogleg version with close ratios and a 1:1 ratio for fifth gear. North American models used a traditional shift pattern and had wider gear spacing with an overdriven fifth gear.[10] A clutch-type limited-slip differential was standard equipment. In 2004, Sports Car International named the E30 M3 number six on the list of Top Sports Cars of the 1980s. In 2007, Automobile Magazine included the E30 M3 in their "5 greatest drivers cars of all time" under their 25 Greatest Cars of All Time.

  • Entertainment:

    • Premium Audio
  • Exterior:

    • Heated Mirrors
    • Tinted Windows

  • Air Conditioning

    • Front air conditioning
  • Audio System

    • Cassette
    • Antenna type: power
    • Radio: AM/FM
    • Premium brand
  • Brakes

    • ABS: 4-wheel
    • Power brakes
  • Comfort Features

    • Steering wheel trim: leather
  • Convenience Features

    • Cruise control
    • Power steering
  • Exterior Features

    • Ground effects/lower spoilers
    • Rear spoiler
  • Instrumentation

    • Clock
    • Gauge: tachometer
  • Lights

    • Front fog lights
  • Mirrors

    • Side mirror adjustments: power
    • Side mirrors: heated
  • Seats

    • Front headrests: integrated
    • Front headrests: 2
    • Upholstery: leather
    • Front seat type: sport bucket
  • Security

    • Power door locks
  • Suspension

    • Tuned suspension: sport
  • Tires and Rims

    • Wheels: aluminum alloy
    • Wheel diameter: 15 inch
  • Windows

    • Front wipers: intermittent
    • Window defogger: rear
    • Power windows
    • Tinted glass

  • Seating:

    • Standard Seating:5
    • Max Seating:5
    • Head Room (front):37in.
    • Leg Room (front):39in.
  • Measurements:

    • Length:171in.
    • Width:66in.
    • Height:53in.
    • Wheelbase:101in.
  • Weight:

    • Curb Weight:2,865lbs
  • Wheels & Tires:

    • Wheel Diameter:15in.
    • Wheel Diameter (rear):15in.
  • Performance:

    • Power to Weight Ratio:14.92lbs/hp
    • Turning Circle:34ft.

The 1988 BMW M3: A Legend Reborn

The 1988 BMW M3, codenamed E30 M3, is a landmark vehicle in automotive history, often regarded as one of the greatest driver's cars ever produced. Born from BMW's desire to homologate a competitive racing car for Group A touring car racing, the E30 M3 is a far cry from its standard 3-Series brethren. It boasts unique bodywork, a specialized engine, and a chassis honed for unparalleled performance and handling. This homologation special quickly transcended its motorsport origins to become an icon of performance motoring.

Highlights

  • Engine: S14 Inline-Four The heart of the E30 M3 is its legendary S14 engine. This is not simply a souped-up standard BMW engine. It's a bespoke, high-revving 2.3-liter inline-four, featuring a DOHC 16-valve cylinder head derived from BMW's M1 V12 and Formula 1 engines. This engineering marvel produced a potent 192 horsepower (in US spec, slightly less than European versions) and a thrilling 170 lb-ft of torque. The S14 is renowned for its responsiveness, its characteristic "ring" at higher RPMs, and its robust build quality. It was a significant departure from the 6-cylinder engines typically found in other E30 models.

  • Safety Features: While safety features were less advanced than today's standards, the E30 M3 offered a solid foundation for its era:

    • Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): A pioneering feature for many performance cars at the time, ABS provided improved stability and control during hard braking maneuvers, preventing wheel lock-up and maintaining steering ability.
    • Independent Front and Rear Suspension: Crucial for handling, this setup allowed each wheel to react to road imperfections independently, providing a more controlled and communicative ride. The rear suspension featured a multi-link setup that was specifically tuned for the M3.
    • Reinforced Chassis: To handle the increased power and performance demands, the M3's chassis was strengthened, particularly around the suspension mounting points, contributing to its rigidity and predictable handling.
    • Driver and Passenger Airbags: While not standard on all vehicles in 1988, some E30 M3s were equipped with early forms of driver and passenger airbags, offering basic frontal impact protection.
  • Trim Summary: The 1988 BMW M3 primarily came in a single, highly focused trim.

    • M3: This designation itself signifies the ultimate performance version. It came equipped with the aforementioned S14 engine, sport-tuned suspension, aerodynamic body kit (including a revised front spoiler, side skirts, and rear trunk lid spoiler), and a limited-slip differential. Options at the time typically included air conditioning, a sunroof, and different audio systems. There were no significant "sub-trims" in the traditional sense; the M3 was the M3.
  • Other Notable Aspects:

    • Distinctive Aerodynamics: The E30 M3's flared wheel arches, more aggressive front and rear spoilers, and unique C-pillar design were not merely aesthetic. They were functional elements designed to improve aerodynamics, reduce drag, and increase downforce, all crucial for its racing pedigree and high-speed stability.
    • Purpose-Built Drivetrain: Beyond the engine, the M3 featured a closer-ratio Getrag 5-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential, ensuring that power was delivered effectively and that traction was optimized during spirited driving.
    • Driver-Focused Interior: The cabin, while still an E30 3 Series, featured sportier seats with better bolstering, a specific M steering wheel, and often an M-branded shift knob, reinforcing its performance identity.

What to Expect

Owning a 1988 BMW M3 is an experience in analog automotive purity. It's a car that demands driver engagement and rewards it with exceptional feedback and driving dynamics. Expect a firm ride, a communicative steering wheel that transmits road texture, and a willingness to rev the S14 engine to its powerband. The manual transmission is a joy to operate, with precise shifts and a satisfying clutch feel.

Maintenance: As a performance vehicle from the late 1980s, maintenance will be a significant consideration. The S14 engine, while robust, requires diligent attention. Expect to find specialized knowledge and parts for the M3, which can sometimes be more expensive and harder to source than for standard E30 models. Regular oil changes with high-quality oil are essential, as is checking valve clearances. Cooling system maintenance is also critical for these high-strung engines. Many owners opt for specialized BMW mechanics who are familiar with the M3's intricacies. DIY maintenance is possible, but requires a good understanding of automotive mechanics and access to specialized tools.

Insurance: Insurance for a classic performance car like the E30 M3 can vary widely. Insurers may view it as a specialty vehicle, potentially leading to higher premiums. Insuring it as a "classic" or "collector" car might offer better rates and specialized coverage, but this often comes with mileage restrictions and requirements for garaging. Enthusiast clubs can sometimes offer discounts on insurance.

Potential Considerations

  • Aging Components: Being a 30+ year-old vehicle, expect that various components will have aged and may require replacement or refurbishment. This can include rubber bushings, hoses, seals, suspension components, and electrical parts.
  • Rust: Like many cars of this era, rust can be a significant issue, particularly in areas where the car has been exposed to road salt or moisture. Thorough inspection for rust in the wheel arches, rocker panels, sills, and trunk floor is crucial.
  • Specialized Knowledge: The S14 engine and the M3's specific tuning mean that not every mechanic can properly service or repair it. Finding a qualified specialist is essential for proper upkeep.
  • Performance Expectations: While an incredible car for its time, its performance figures (e.g., horsepower, acceleration) might not impress drivers accustomed to modern hypercars. Its magic lies in its driving experience and feedback, not just raw numbers.
  • Interior Wear: Expect some wear and tear on the interior, especially on the driver's seat bolsters, steering wheel, and shift knob, which are common points of contact.

Overall Summary

The 1988 BMW M3 (E30) is a pure, unadulterated driving machine that remains highly sought after by enthusiasts. Its exceptional handling, responsive engine, and motorsport heritage have cemented its status as an automotive icon. While it requires dedicated care and attention due to its age and specialized nature, the rewards for ownership are immense for those who appreciate a car that prioritizes driver involvement and pure driving pleasure above all else. It's a testament to BMW's engineering prowess and a benchmark for what a compact sports sedan can achieve.

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Listed on February 23, 2025 (a year ago)
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