This BMW E30 M3 got away, but there are more like it here.

This 1989 BMW M3 was fitted with a 3.2-liter S50 inline-six and a six-speed manual transmission sourced from a European-market BMW E36 M3 as part of a build that was completed circa 2008. It has been repainted in yellow and further modified with a limited-slip differential, a UUC flywheel and clutch assembly, a custom exhaust system, H&R lowering springs, Bilstein shocks, Ireland Engineering sway bars, and Brembo brake calipers paired with cross-drilled rotors. The car rides on black-finished 17″ Forgestar wheels and exterior details include a Euro-style front bumper cover, HID headlights, an adjustable rear wing, a power sunroof, and smoked light lenses. Recaro bucket seats have been installed and fitted with Takata harnesses, and the interior is further appointed with a roll bar, air conditioning, a Clarion head unit, and MB Quart speakers and amplifiers. The current owner acquired the car out of California on BaT in October 2020, and work in preparation for the sale involved changing the fluids and replacing the battery and spark plugs. This S50-powered E30 M3 is now offered on dealer consignment in Florida with a record of the recent service, magazine articles featuring the car, a Carfax report, and a Texas title.

S50-Powered 1989 BMW M3

The two-door body left the factory finished in Salmon Silver, and it was twice repainted in yellow, most recently in 2018. Exterior details include a black-finished grille, a Euro-style front bumper cover, a power sunroof, and HID headlights and turn signals with smoked lenses as well as an adjustable rear wing, color-keyed mirror caps, and tinted glass.

S50-Powered 1989 BMW M3

Staggered-width 17″ Forgestar wheels are finished in black and are mounted with Hankook Ventus V12 EVO² tires. Stopping power is provided by red-finished Brembo calipers with braided stainless steel hoses mounted over cross-drilled rotors at each wheel. Suspension modifications include a Racing Dynamics front strut tower brace, H&R lowering springs, Bilstein dampers, Ireland Engineering sway bars, and Treehouse Racing “Eyeball Arm” control arm bushings.

S50-Powered 1989 BMW M3

The interior has been outfitted with a body-colored roll bar that is situated behind a pair of black leather Recaro bucket seats fitted with Takata harnesses and Schroth harness pads. A Clarion head unit is connected to MB Quart amplifiers and speakers, which are housed in a custom enclosure that takes the place of the rear seats. Sound-deadening insulation is said to have been installed, and further amenities include air conditioning, M-branded carpeted floor mats, and power-operated windows, mirrors, and locks.

S50-Powered 1989 BMW M3

The three-spoke M-Tech II steering is wrapped in leather and joined by an M-branded shift knob and an Alcantara shifter boot. Carbon fiber surrounds a replacement instrument cluster that consists of a tachometer with a 7k-rpm redline as well as a 160-mph speedometer and gauges for fuel level, instant fuel economy, and coolant temperature. The six-digit mechanical odometer shows 9k miles, less than 1k of which were added under current ownership. True mileage is unknown, and the Carfax report contains a 2013 entry noting a mileage inconsistency as well as entries from 1994, 1997, 2003, 2005, 2010, and 2021 stating that Not Actual Mileage titles were issued.

S50-Powered 1989 BMW M3

The 3.2-liter S50 inline-six was sourced from a European-market E36 M3 and installed circa 2008. It features a painted valve cover, a Fluidyne aluminum radiator, an open-element air cleaner, ceramic-coated exhaust headers, and a custom exhaust system. Service in preparation for the sale involved changing the oil, flushing the coolant, and replacing the battery and spark plugs.

S50-Powered 1989 BMW M3

Power is delivered to the rear wheels through an E36 M3-sourced six-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential with 3.73:1 gearing and a finned cover. A UUC flywheel and clutch assembly were reportedly installed along with the transmission.

The Carfax report begins with a March 1993 entry stating that the car was reported stolen in New York, and an August 1993 entry notes a successful theft recovery. The report is otherwise free of accidents or other damage and contains the aforementioned entries noting a mileage inconsistency and the issuance of Not Actual Mileage titles.

The Texas title lists “Not Actual Mileage” under the “Remarks” heading.

Filed under: 3 series, 3-series, e30, e30 m3, s14

Road Tests

Auction Result

Winning Bid USD $58,000 by LanEvo7RSII
Auction Ended April 4, 2024 at 2:49PM PT
Bids 35
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BaT Essentials

Location: Lauderhill, Florida 33312
Listing Details
  • Chassis: WBSAK0309KAE33089
  • 9k Miles Shown, TMU
  • 3.2-Liter S50 Inline-Six
  • Custom Exhaust System
  • Six-Speed Manual Transmission
  • UUC Flywheel & Clutch
  • Limited-Slip Differential
  • Repainted Yellow
  • Black Leather Upholstery
  • Black-Finished 17″ Forgestar Wheels
  • Brembo Calipers & Cross-Drilled Rotors
  • H&R Lowering Springs
  • Bilstein Shocks
  • HID Headlights w/Smoked Lenses
  • Euro-Style Front Bumper Cover
  • Power Sunroof
  • Adjustable Rear Wing
  • Roll Bar
  • Air Conditioning
  • Recaro Bucket Seats w/Takata Harnesses
  • Clarion Head Unit
  • MB Quart Speakers & Amplifiers
Private Party or Dealer: Dealer
Additional charges from this dealer: USD $0
Lot #142167