BMW has always been a car of uniqueness, both in their engineering, design and its cult-like following of enthusiasts. Like most automobile companies, they have successfully strategized through the ups and downs and have always prevailed with an interesting contribution to both racing and sports car history. As it often works in the automotive world some of the best road cars ever produced can be attributed to having been developed solely to go racing and meet homologation rules.

The BMW M3 is one such car, and in doing so it started a legacy that has yet to end 25 years on. When the E30 M3 was launched in 1985 it was done so to keep BMW current and competitive with Mercedes-Benz who had just released the 190E 2.3-16 Cosworth; a hot sedan that was starting to take over Group A Touring Car Racing. BMWs answer was the all-new M3. As it made its way on the track in Touring Car Championships around the globe, it soon became a real contender and the benchmark for BMW Performance. Today, it has wins at world-renowned races such as the 24 Hours Nurburgring, World Touring Car Championship Driver’s Title in 1987, and countless wins across the globe on both tarmac circuits and rally settings.

By 1988 BMW finally started delivering U.S.-spec examples of the M3 to North America, both factory and privateer teams immediately put them to work on the track. A small enthusiast’s base was quickly growing for the new M Car, and would ultimately prove to be a love affair with the brand and the basis for BMW to keep making more units and making them better. The example on offer here, a 1988 BMW M3 (E30), Chassis #WBSAK050101894147 is one of only 360 E30 M3’s Allocated to Japan to be sold as new. This interesting Japanese Specification example offers the driveline from the US Spec car but sports the more popular European Spec Bumpers, in addition to the exclusion of side market lights on the front fenders. In every other way however this E30 is exactly as we know one to be. Japanese writing can be found throughout the engine bay and other misc. warning and information tags on the car; A very unique attribute, a rarity in the US, and certainly qualifications of interest for any collector.

While the original books are still present with the car as are its original tools, and other standard equipment we unfortunately do not have an exact history file from new. We know that it was imported into California in late 2013 before being offered by the current vendor. More recently the car has had new tires installed along with a total service by the BMW Specialists at Helix Motorsports of Philadelphia, PA. There it received a general service as well as a new clutch, flywheel and throw out bearing along with a general tune up. It is reported to run and drive very well with no known issues performing superbly with excellent road manners and quite fun.

The overall cosmetic condition is excellent and could easily be shown in its current condition. The interior appears to have been well cared for and is showing light use. The wheels have recently been refinished and the exterior in general is free of any major noted flaws.

As these BMW E30 M3’s continue their aggressive upward trend, good, clean, low mileage examples with interesting history will prove difficult to find and acquire. This is indeed an opportunity for any collector or enthusiast to seize a precious moment for a legendary car from the 1980’s.