Dan Crouch BlogSports Car and Motorcycle Enthusiast, Web Consultant, and Niche Publisher.

Here's a perfect and bone stock 1988 BMW e30 M3 For Sale on eBay with only 38k miles. The car had only been listed for 2 hours and saw 10 bids immediate up to $18k, reserve not met. Has 6 days left.

quote from seller's eBay listing:

THIS IS REAL 38,000 MILES 1988 M3 ,GARAGE KEPT, RECENTLY SPENT ABOUT 10K ON ALL BMW BRAKES,TUNE UP,A/C, ECT. RUNS AND DRIVE LIKE NEW, NEVER WRECKED,CAR IS IN GREAT CONDITION

This one will be swinging for the fences. I'm guessing $25k-ish being low miles, red on black, garaged and having received a recent $10k service. Post your guesses below in the comments. Closest guess to the winning bid gets notoriety and fame that will live on forever in this post!

Update: Auction ended no sale at $20,100.00.

Now Relisted

dc

BringATrailer.com readers point out a dealer in Ohio who has 14 BMW e30 M3's in stock, many with low miles and solid maintenance. Pricing is as one would expect for a dealership, but how can you beat the selection?!

dc

This highly customized project car features e36 S50B32 euro motor (321 hp) w/ accompanying 6 speed transmission! The owner adds it will smoke e46 M3's all day. I don't doubt it!

1989 e30 BMW M3 For Sale on eBay Motors

quote from the eBay listing:

Here is my Pride and Joy. Reason for selling is because I have a New Born Baby and my priorities have changed. This car has less than 50k miles on the chassis, 44K on motor and tranny. Was fully disassembled to the frame and rebuilt to what I wanted in a truly Awesome E30 M3. Since Built I have put less than 800 miles on her.

The eBay listing shows a buy-it-now price of $40k. And there is no doubt it is an incredible piece of work. This car will need to find a new owner who is just as obsessed with a swap like this and can appreciate what it took to create this quality. But the rest of us would likely consider a nice e46 M3 AND a 911SC track day car for the same money

dc

Update: This listing has long since expired. Check out these other e30 M3's for sale right now:

BMW : 3-Series 2dr Sedan M3 1988 BMW M3 "E30, LOW MILEAGE, STUNNING!!!"

US $19,100.00 (17 Bids) End Date: Thursday May-24-2012 9:26:53 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

BMW : 3-Series 1991 318is w/ Vortech Supercharged 99 M3 Engine / S52 / e30 / Very clean.

US $15,500.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Wednesday May-23-2012 13:15:50 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

BMW : M3 M3 BMW E30 M3 Track Race Car - Motorsport, DTM, EVO, BBS, Good Condition

US $8,750.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Sunday May-20-2012 18:00:01 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

BMW E30 M3 DINAN S14 Turbo Engine swap

US $6,000.00 (1 Bid) End Date: Sunday May-27-2012 11:25:27 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

BMW 3.0L S50 Engine for E36 M3 ///M E30 Swap 1995 parts

US $4,500.00 End Date: Monday May-21-2012 16:03:02 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $4,500.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

BMW : 3-Series 2dr saloon 1989 BMW 325i E30, E36 M3 S50 24v swap. Great shape, clean car and swap.

US $4,050.00 (12 Bids) End Date: Wednesday May-23-2012 17:34:01 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

BMW E46 M3 S54 ENGINE 3.2L I-6 LOW MILES OEM E30 E36 325 328 MOTOR SWAP RACE CAR

US $3,999.00 End Date: Friday Jun-08-2012 23:09:01 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $3,999.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

Used BMW E46 M3 S54B32 (S54) Longblock Engine 3.2L Inline 6 - E30, E36, E46

US $3,700.00 End Date: Wednesday May-23-2012 1:34:49 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $3,700.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

V2 KW DAMPER COILOVER SUSPENSION BMW E30 M3 86-92

US $3,499.99 End Date: Tuesday Jun-12-2012 13:08:08 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $3,499.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list

KW Variant 2 Coilover Kit BMW E30 M3 ALL 86-92

US $3,499.99 End Date: Saturday Jun-16-2012 13:14:24 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $3,499.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list

82-92 BMW M3 E30 16" Ksport Rear Big Brake Kit

US $3,442.50 End Date: Sunday Jun-10-2012 18:44:16 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $3,442.50 Buy it now | Add to watch list

Ksport SuperComp BKBM011-961SO 8 Piston 16" Brake Kit 82-92 BMW M3 E30

US $3,414.45 End Date: Wednesday May-30-2012 0:18:18 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $3,414.45 Buy it now | Add to watch list

BMW M3 E30 SPORT EVO SEATS

US $3,000.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Saturday May-19-2012 19:36:08 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $4,000.00 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

V1 KW DAMPER COILOVER SUSPENSION BMW E30 M3 86-92

US $2,999.99 End Date: Tuesday Jun-12-2012 12:41:15 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $2,999.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list

BMW E24 635csi M6 E30 M3 E28/E34 535i M5 BI-TURBO ALPINA 17 WHEELS 17X8.5 17X9.5

US $2,995.00 End Date: Monday Jun-11-2012 19:04:03 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $2,995.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

82-92 BMW M3 E30 15" Ksport Rear Big Brake Kit

US $2,847.50 End Date: Sunday Jun-10-2012 18:44:10 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $2,847.50 Buy it now | Add to watch list

Ksport ProComp BKBM011-951SO 8 Piston 15" Brake Kit 82-92 BMW M3 E30

US $2,801.60 End Date: Wednesday May-30-2012 0:18:23 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $2,801.60 Buy it now | Add to watch list

BMW E30 M3 4.27 40% Lock LSD Differential Polished R&P

US $2,575.00 End Date: Saturday Jun-16-2012 19:29:47 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $2,575.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

BMW E30 M3 4.10 40% Lock LSD Differential Polished R&P

US $2,475.00 End Date: Saturday Jun-16-2012 19:31:42 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $2,475.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

BMW E30 M3 3.91 40% Lock LSD Differential Polished R&P

US $2,375.00 End Date: Wednesday Jun-13-2012 18:15:20 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $2,375.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

I'm shocked that there are no bids on this low mile car as of yet. Starting bid is $11k.

1988 BMW e30 M3 For Sale on eBay Motors (New Mexico)

quote from ebay post:

Up for sale is my 1988 BMW M3. This is a beautiful car. I have had the car for a little over two years now, in that two years I have only put 2000 miles on it. Over the last two years I have had the following things done to it, new wheels and tires(still have old ones if buyer wants them), had engine removed and resealed due to leaks,while engine was out it also received new timing chains and updated tensioner, spark plugs,filters,transmission mounts, driveshaft coupler, and new Sony cd player(still have old one if buyer wants it).

[...]

The pictures aren't very flattering, but the car itself looks relatively clean. With 4 days to go I'll be curious to see who the bidding progresses. Is there hope for under $20k?

dc

Update 6.25.08: I've updated the new link for this car, and curiously, the price has gone up to $18500.

Update II 6.25.08: According to this thread on S14.net (considered an e30 M3 authority), this car has had a salvage title in it's past.

dc

This car may have 100k+ miles, but it has extensive history and maintenance, including what the listing describes as the last 2.3-16 motor in MB inventory!

1987 Mercedes 190 2.3-16 on eBay (Wisconsin):

This rare model is in Excellent condition. First owner to 1997 78000 miles from Dallas TX. Second owner and winter stored,was from Greendale WI. Also second owner was a officer in the local Merceedes club and searched the country to find a near perfect 190E 16V before finding this car for sale in Dallas.

He spent close to $20,000 in his ownership to keep it like new and buy many spare NOS maintainence parts that are in boxes included in the sale along with a complete set of factory service manuals. The interior retains the original material and the paint is also as factory applied in 1987 and has been invited to and shown regurlarly ( from 2000 untill 2006 ) at local concours shows as it is still excellent with no inclement weather use.

This car is currently bid at $15k and the buy-it-now was $16k. Good money for this well looked after example and still a remarkable value compared to it's main competitor, the BMW e30 M3. Considering good examples are moving for $8-12k, this looks like a good buy for a car that will need nothing for years to come.

dc

Here's a gray market 323i that sold while I was gone. Very cool and original upgrades:

1985 EURO BMW E30 323i with Alpina / Zender C1 2.3 M3 on eBay (Dallas, Sold for $5200):

Offered here for sale is one very rare and collectible 1985 EURO BMW E30 323i with an Alpina / Zender C1 2.3 package, based on BMW's 323i (E30 body style)

This car was purchased new in Europe Germany at the time, and then imported it to the US. The car was federalized in the USA. The service was done not long ago as well (all fluids being changed, the sparks and wires replaced, new hoses, new exhaust, etc.). It is a Texas car with no rust, shinny paint and it is registered in Texas. German tags all around, never wreck. The car is registered in Texas as a 1985 323i. This Bimmer has new upholstery. Original German front plate. The plastic and moldings are complete and in great shape. I have owned MANY e30 and e30 M3 and I never seen a cleanest and tightest e30 like this car. The interior is extra clean as well as the bay engine. No weird noises, and is really strong and very responsive when driving

This car has the following Alpina or Schnitzer parts installed: 323i-based 6-cylinder engine, limited-slip finned-cover differential, super light weight BBS 7Jx15" wheels (two pieces) , Alpina wheels emblems, Zender front fiberglass spoiler, Zender rear spoiler, and Schnitzer Side skirts. Front and rear Alpina emblem, sport springs, shocks and struts. Alpina Racing gear box with close-ratio 5-speed transmission, fuel injection system, ZF slip diff, center muffler, twin rear mufflers, instrument cluster in km(106.300) not miles, wiper and washer headlight kit. Power windows, power mirrors, power sunroof. New light tint windows, yellow beams. It is equipped with sport suspension; German Bleinstein shocks and sport short springs. Alpina rare fender turn signals. Momo gear knob. Sony exploid stereo (I rather to have the original but I bought the cat with that stereo).

I've also noticed quite a few enticing BMW's on EnthusiastAuto.com that have been listed on RoadFly. They have not one, two, or three sweet e30 M3's, but several other cool BMW's as well. Here are a few pics:

dc

Thanks to Anthony for giving me the heads up on this really nicely looked after 1988 Alpine White e30 M3 For Sale in San Francisco:

1988 BMW e30 M3 For Sale on SF Craigstlist ($21k, 85k miles):

Up for sale is my beloved 1988 M3. She only has approximately 85k miles on it and it runs great (especially with the Dinan chip). The title is clear (meaning it is not salvage) and it has clean car fax.
I did not spare any cost from her so there are many new parts on my car. Some were part of necessary maintenance but some were changed just so I have peace of mind (plus I am little anal about my cars).

It's a shame that price doesn't include the AC Schnitzer rims shown in the photo's, but otherwise I really like the interior upgrades and overall condition.

And here's another nice looking example for sale right here in Portland:

1988 BMW e30 M3 in Red w/ 78k miles for $18.5k on Roadfly:

Selling red 1990 E30 M3 with tan interior. The car has 79K miles on the odometer, and comes with extensive maintenance records. The following has been done within the last 4K miles:
New suspension (Bilstein sport shocks and Ireland Stage 3 springs)
New aluminum shock mounts
Added rear and front strut bars
Added new fog lights
New steel brake lines
New brake pads
New oil baffle
Added E34 M5 polished rims
New Yokohama ES100 tires (235/40ZR-17)

These both look like really nice, enthusiast owned cars. Dare I say they look like good values considering the e30 M3 market?

dc

Here's an e30 M3 for sale in Atlanta on eBay:

I know e30 purists and collectors cringe when the S50 conversion is mentioned, but these cars might be the last affordable way into an e30 M3 - and they come with a nice performance boost! For someone who is going to drive and maybe even compete at auto-x's or track day's, this car is a no brainer. The last conversion I featured went for $15k!

Update 3.30.08: This one sold for $15k too!

dc

Update: Check out these other e30 M3's for sale right now:

BMW : 3-Series 2dr Sedan M3 1988 BMW M3 "E30, LOW MILEAGE, STUNNING!!!"

US $19,100.00 (17 Bids) End Date: Thursday May-24-2012 9:26:53 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

BMW : 3-Series 1991 318is w/ Vortech Supercharged 99 M3 Engine / S52 / e30 / Very clean.

US $15,500.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Wednesday May-23-2012 13:15:50 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

BMW : M3 M3 BMW E30 M3 Track Race Car - Motorsport, DTM, EVO, BBS, Good Condition

US $8,750.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Sunday May-20-2012 18:00:01 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

BMW E30 M3 DINAN S14 Turbo Engine swap

US $6,000.00 (1 Bid) End Date: Sunday May-27-2012 11:25:27 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

BMW 3.0L S50 Engine for E36 M3 ///M E30 Swap 1995 parts

US $4,500.00 End Date: Monday May-21-2012 16:03:02 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $4,500.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

BMW : 3-Series 2dr saloon 1989 BMW 325i E30, E36 M3 S50 24v swap. Great shape, clean car and swap.

US $4,050.00 (12 Bids) End Date: Wednesday May-23-2012 17:34:01 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

BMW E46 M3 S54 ENGINE 3.2L I-6 LOW MILES OEM E30 E36 325 328 MOTOR SWAP RACE CAR

US $3,999.00 End Date: Friday Jun-08-2012 23:09:01 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $3,999.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

Used BMW E46 M3 S54B32 (S54) Longblock Engine 3.2L Inline 6 - E30, E36, E46

US $3,700.00 End Date: Wednesday May-23-2012 1:34:49 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $3,700.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

V2 KW DAMPER COILOVER SUSPENSION BMW E30 M3 86-92

US $3,499.99 End Date: Tuesday Jun-12-2012 13:08:08 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $3,499.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list

KW Variant 2 Coilover Kit BMW E30 M3 ALL 86-92

US $3,499.99 End Date: Saturday Jun-16-2012 13:14:24 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $3,499.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list

82-92 BMW M3 E30 16" Ksport Rear Big Brake Kit

US $3,442.50 End Date: Sunday Jun-10-2012 18:44:16 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $3,442.50 Buy it now | Add to watch list

Ksport SuperComp BKBM011-961SO 8 Piston 16" Brake Kit 82-92 BMW M3 E30

US $3,414.45 End Date: Wednesday May-30-2012 0:18:18 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $3,414.45 Buy it now | Add to watch list

BMW M3 E30 SPORT EVO SEATS

US $3,000.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Saturday May-19-2012 19:36:08 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $4,000.00 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

V1 KW DAMPER COILOVER SUSPENSION BMW E30 M3 86-92

US $2,999.99 End Date: Tuesday Jun-12-2012 12:41:15 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $2,999.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list

BMW E24 635csi M6 E30 M3 E28/E34 535i M5 BI-TURBO ALPINA 17 WHEELS 17X8.5 17X9.5

US $2,995.00 End Date: Monday Jun-11-2012 19:04:03 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $2,995.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

82-92 BMW M3 E30 15" Ksport Rear Big Brake Kit

US $2,847.50 End Date: Sunday Jun-10-2012 18:44:10 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $2,847.50 Buy it now | Add to watch list

Ksport ProComp BKBM011-951SO 8 Piston 15" Brake Kit 82-92 BMW M3 E30

US $2,801.60 End Date: Wednesday May-30-2012 0:18:23 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $2,801.60 Buy it now | Add to watch list

BMW E30 M3 4.27 40% Lock LSD Differential Polished R&P

US $2,575.00 End Date: Saturday Jun-16-2012 19:29:47 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $2,575.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

BMW E30 M3 4.10 40% Lock LSD Differential Polished R&P

US $2,475.00 End Date: Saturday Jun-16-2012 19:31:42 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $2,475.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

BMW E30 M3 3.91 40% Lock LSD Differential Polished R&P

US $2,375.00 End Date: Wednesday Jun-13-2012 18:15:20 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $2,375.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

Some very serious coin has been spent on this shiny BMW e30 M3 for sale on eBay:

2.5 liter Turner Motorsports Engine Conversion Kit- Includes Evo 3 pistons, rods, air flow meter, fuel injectors, performance chip, main and rod bearings, oil pump, updated head gasket, oil pan baffle, crank bolt and spacer, 2.5 liter crankshaft, and many other things to much to list here.

---- K&N Cold Air Intake System

---- Korman Exhaust Valve Gear

---- Tri-Flow Exhaust

*The 2.5 liter conversion was performed by Tony Mann of MannMotorsports and the engine conversion has about every performance feature except a new cam shaft (Not done because car was going to be used as daily driver) and Evolution III throttle bodies.

This car has some respectable previous owners and a long list of expensive replacement and upgrade parts. But with 123k miles, cracked leather seats, and ASA wheels, is it really worth $39k buy-it-now?! I know that engine build ran well into the 'teens, but e30 M3 prices don't go that high unless the car is absolutely perfect. And even then, it's ridiculous jack to spend on any e30 in my opinion. Maybe he just has a sense of humor

Update 2.15.08:Reserve has been lowered, buy-it-now is now $30.9k, and current bid is at ~$17k. 1 day left.

dc