BMW (E30) M3 Evo II (1988)

In 1983 Nelson Piquet won the Formula 1 championship in a Brabham powered by a BMW engine. The engine's designer Paul Rosche was told by BMW's CEO that 'we need a sporty engine for the 3 series.' This fabulous, four cylinder motor was to become the heart of the M3. The production of the celebrated E30 road car was to homologate the M3 for Group A Touring Car racing and was campaigned successfully by BMW as well as other teams including Prodrive and Schnitzer.

Built between 1987 and 1990, the M3 was supplied in various guises for both the European and US market. Equipped with 12 different and unique panels from the standard E30. Improved aerodynamics were afforded by an additional trim piece that reduced the angle of the rear windscreen and box-flared wheel arches on the front and rear to accommodate a wider track and wider wheels and tyres. Suspension was greatly improved too, and the brakes had special callipers and a revised master cylinder.

Once a manufacturer had constructed the 5000 base cars required for Group A homologation, further uprated Evolution variants could be produced once every twelve months. For each Evolution to be approved, 500 base cars to this latest specification had to be built.

The first Evolution was permitted as soon as Group A homologation had been approved. Accordingly, BMW had produced a batch of E30 M3 Evolution 1s with revised cylinder heads upon which the Group A racing variants for the M3’s debut season in 1987 were based.

Despite running in the Division 2 category for cars with engines of less than 2.5-litres, the M3 went on to have an extremely successful debut campaign even though its principal rival, the Ford Sierra Cosworth, ran an engine with a swept volume of nearly 2.8-litres when the 1.4 multiplier for turbocharged engines was taken into account.

Please note, this vehicle is no longer for sale.

Compared to the S14 motors fitted to other M3s of the period, the Evolution 2 (Evo 2) engine was easily identifiable on account of its white cam cover and intake plenum chamber, further decorated with a red and blue BMW Motorsport tricolour. The Evo 2 saw a 20bhp jump in power and a nominal increase in torque. Transmission was through a Getrag 265 close-ratio five-speed gearbox (with dogleg first), a hydraulic clutch and a limited-slip differential with 25% locking factor. For the Evolution 2, BMW installed a slightly reduced final drive ratio to provide a higher top speed (3.15:1 instead of 3.25:1). The 0-60 sprint saw a reduction of 0.3 seconds over standard, and the top speed rise to 152mph.

From the outside, the Evo 2 introduced a more aggressive chin spoiler and the deletion of front fog lights in favour of brake cooling ducts. The boot lid featured a rear spoiler complete with new trailing flap. Further weight was saved from revisions to the front and rear structures, with the side and rear windows being replaced with thinner elements.

The Evo 2 was offered in just three colours, each named after motorsport circuits and all three introduced for the first time in 1988 on the model; Macau Blue, Nogaro Silver and Misano Red. Inside, the Evolution 2 came with just one type of upholstery: silver grey checked cloth trim with matching leather seat bolsters. Uniquely, both the front and rear seat faces were accessorised with BMW Motorsport tricolour lapel flashes of the type used on the E28 M5. Other special equipment included an individually numbered plaque out of 500 located ahead of the gear lever and door sill plates with an M3 logo.

Supplied new to Ernst Sczesny of Augsberg through authorised BMW dealership Schaumberger BMW of Landsberg on 7th June 1988, this BMW Evo 2 was optioned new in Misano Red Metallic as one of just 500 examples built.

Accompanying this example is its original bookpack and most importantly, its original service book that details both the original owners’ name, and also the near annual services carried out by the supplying dealership over the course of the first 10 years.

The service book notes no fewer than 10 services with Schaumberger BMW, with the mileage documented at 71,835 kilometres at the time of its last German service in 1998.

This example was first registered in the UK in May 1998 by Mr Armstrong. It would change hands upon arrival in the UK, finding a long-term home with Mr Jenning shortly after arrival. This example would remain in his care until his decision to sell some 10 years later. The accompanying history file documents his frequent servicing of the car and together with the service book illustrates a wonderful precursory service ahead of a trip to France and then a service in France when due!

The car changed hands in 2008 to its third UK owner for the princely sum of £9,255! Mr Khan retained the car for two years, during which time it received extensive works to replace perished rubbers and hoses including fuel lines on the car.

This example was purchased by the current keeper in June 2010 and despite covering fewer than 10,000 miles in his ownership, they have ensured the car has been mechanically maintained to a very high standard. Since purchase and on behalf of the owner, DK Engineering have overseen a floorpan restoration, the interior was retrimmed in original fabric and the engine was fully rebuilt in house. Since its overhaul, this E30 has remained within our secure storage facility when not in use and has been subtly upgraded with AP Racing front brakes as well as a modern Pioneer head unit.

This stunning BMW M3 Evo 2 is available to view at our showrooms outside London immediately by appointment, accompanied by its original book pack, service book and accompanying history folio.