1988 BMW E30 M3 2.5L Race Car

High bid:$31,000
Categories: Non-Porsche
Auction type: Reserve
12 bids, 13 comments

Vehicle Details


  • Year: 1988
  • Make: BMW
  • Model: M3
  • VIN: WBSAK0308J2197928
  • Mileage Shown: 100mi (TMU)
  • Transmission: Manual
  • Title Status: Bill of Sale
  • Color: White
  • Seller Type: Dealer
  • Dealer Fees: None
  • Location: Rochester, NY 14606
  • Country: United States of America
  • Lot #: V-0056819

Among the most legendary sports cars of all time, the first-generation BMW M3 debuted as a purpose-built homologation car offered to satisfy Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM) production requirements. This 1988 example is one of approximately 5,300 produced for the North American market between 1987 and 1990. Finished in white with tri-color stripes and Warsteiner livery, the car has been converted into a highly capable racecar. It is powered by its original S14 engine rebuilt by VSR Performance with a 2.5-liter displacement mated to a 5-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential. Represented by The Little Speed Shop in New York, this vintage racecar is now being offered for auction accompanied by a collection of spare parts.

This example has been refinished in white with DTM-style and Warsteiner graphics. Compared to a standard E30 3-series, all body parts are unique to the M3 apart from the hood and roof panels, with the M3 further distinguishable by its boxed fenders, model-specific bumpers and rocker panels, and fixed rear wing. Modifications include a carbon fiber hood with AeroCatch latches, yellow-tinted headlights, a lightweight fiberglass front bumper, an EVO-style fiberglass rear wing, and aftermarket 15” wheels wrapped in Hoosier tires. Paint imperfections are noted on the front fenders, passenger’s side mirror, and driver’s side rear quarter panel. An additional set of wheels and tires will accompany the sale, along with an extra hood, bumper, and more. Detailed images are provided in the gallery.

Stripped for lightweight, the custom race-oriented cabin features a Sparco QRT-R driver’s seat, a Sparco harness, a MOMO steering wheel, an AAF adjustable chassis-mounted shifter, and STACK instrumentation. Equipment also includes a G-Force window net and center net, a cockpit-mounted AP Racing brake bias valve, a Coolshirt system, Lifeline fire suppression, and a radio communication system.

The original S14 engine has been enlarged to 2.5-liters by VSR Performance and race-prepped with a CNC-ported cylinder head, oversized valves, and BMW Motorsport 324/304 camshafts. Mahle long rod pistons paired with matching 2.5L long rods optimize rod-to-stroke ratio, while compression is set at 11.5:1 using a stock EVO head gasket. A carbon fiber motorsport intake, 49.5mm carbon airbox, ceramic-coated 50/50 replica DTM headers, and FIC 525cc injectors feed the engine, managed by an Emtron Australia SL-4 standalone ECU and custom harness. Supporting upgrades include a DTM oil pan, CSF oil cooler, BMW Motorsport water pump and alternator, and a CNC-modified oil pump housing designed to maintain pressure under lateral loads. Equipment also includes S14 stiffening plate, EVO-spec main and thrust bearings, and MilSpecWiring sensors with Hall-effect covers for cam and crank position.

The rear wheels are driven through a 5-speed manual transmission and Diffsonline-built 4.45:1 limited-slip differential. Chassis and suspension enhancements include Ohlins suspension customized for this example, a DTM front suspension conversion for improved geometry, reinforced front subframe and rear shock mounts, and a cockpit-adjustable AP Racing brake bias valve. A KRONTEC air jack system and an ATL 12 to 14-gallon fuel cell complete the setup. Dyno test results revealed 258 HP @ 8,000 rpm on 100-octane fuel and clocking a 2:12.1 lap at Watkins Glen International, and the car has seen two races since its rebuild between 2020 and 2022. The seller notes maintenance, upgrades, and repairs performed since 2019 included the following:

  • New battery
  • New idle control valve
  • New plugs
  • Corrected fuel rail mounting
  • New MAF sensor
  • Replaced fuel purge valve
  • New brake booster
  • Adjusted throttle body
  • Fixed driver’s side window mechanism clips
  • Multiple vacuum leak tests
  • Replaced intake o-rings
  • Repaired exhaust leaks
  • New fuel filter
  • Went over the whole PVC system and replaced hoses and clamps where needed
  • Catch can installation
  • AEM wideband, oil pressure and oil temperature gauges and sensors, with pillar mount
  • FuelTech FT 550 install, with carbon fiber mount and PNP harness
  • AEM gauges integrated into FuelTech system
  • Added fuel pressure sensor
  • New cam sensor
  • New coolant temp sensor
  • Custom Stainless-steel manifold-back exhaust built with custom Y-pipe, all tig welded.
  • Rebuilt CV joints with new grease boots and clamps
  • Replaced leaking output shaft seal
  • Transmission and rear-end service
  • 90 mm Chromoly wheel studs
  • New updated rotors to prevent cracking from heat
  • Replaced leaking shift shaft seal

This M3 is offered with a bill of sale and a host of spare parts.

The seller would like you to know: “I’m Jill, co-owner of The Little Speed Shop in Rochester, NY. Alongside my husband Kevin, we’ve built a place where cars aren’t just machines—they’re part of a community. We opened TLSS in 2010 with a simple goal: to offer the kind of service and passion for cars that we’d want for ourselves. Over the years, that vision has grown into a full-service shop, race facility, dealership, and trusted destination for enthusiasts. I handle the day-to-day at the shop, from curating our consignment inventory to making sure every car that leaves our doors is ready for its next chapter. We specialize in German cars. Our inventory is handpicked and inspected by our in-house team, and if it’s not up to our standards, it doesn’t make the cut. At TLSS, I personally manage our consignment program, working closely with each client to understand the full story behind their car—its history, condition, and what makes it truly special. That attention to detail, combined with our factory-trained and race-seasoned techs, ensures every car we present is dialed in and represented with complete transparency. We’re all about quality over quantity. Whether it’s a classic 911 or a modern M car, our goal is always the same: to match the right car with the right buyer and make the experience as smooth and honest as possible. Outside of the day-to-day, I help run our Cars & Coffee events, support our race team, and stay deeply connected to the local car community. If you’re looking to consign or just want to talk cars, I’m here.”

Attachments


3,899 views87 saves

Comments (25)

Leave a comment

  • Thelittlespeedshop (seller) 1 hour, 24 minutesago

    @GinnmillRacing I know I just saw that too. I will check it out in person today I don’t remember it being that bad that it was super noticeable or anything but it does appear that way in the picture. It hasn’t been repaired though since the picture

  • Clamhead60 4 hours, 19 minutesago

    Bid in the amount of $31,000

  • AlexCBAJ 13 hours, 29 minutesago

    Bid in the amount of $30,500

  • Adrijas2 13 hours, 32 minutesago

    Bid in the amount of $20,000

  • Ronmanbtl (registered bidder) 14 hours, 2 minutesago

    Any idea how many miles are on the chassis and who built the cage??

  • Clamhead60 17 hours, 40 minutesago

    Bid in the amount of $19,000

  • AlexCBAJ 20 hours, 40 minutesago

    Bid in the amount of $16,000

  • GinnmillRacing (registered bidder) 20 hours, 40 minutesago

    In picture 149 it looks like the RF rocker was damaged...maybe by a misplaced jack? Has that be repaired? It doesn't seem noticeable in the other pictures.

  • Thelittlespeedshop (seller) 23 hours, 42 minutesago

    @AlexCBAJ I dont have one but there is a vin and ownership line so depending on your state you may be able to get one, I just don't know the ins and outs of it.

  • Clamhead60 1 dayago

    Bid in the amount of $15,500

  • AlexCBAJ 1 day, 1 hourago

    Bid in the amount of $15,000

  • AlexCBAJ (registered bidder) 1 day, 1 hourago

    is there any ability to obtain a title for this?

  • Clamhead60 1 day, 3 hoursago

    Bid in the amount of $14,000

  • 911cup 1 day, 16 hoursago

    Bid in the amount of $13,000

  • Thelittlespeedshop (seller) 1 day, 19 hoursago

    @Dekka good question I will have them change that. They were not performed in 1999, all the repairs/upgrades listed were performed since 2019. Sorry for the error!

  • Dekka (registered bidder) 1 day, 19 hoursago

    Lovely car. In the description preceding the bulleted list of repairs, upgrades, it says performed in 1999. Is that date correct?

  • wantafanta (registered bidder) 1 day, 20 hoursago

    @Thelittlespeedshop can you provide a few photos of the trunk area? I did not see any in the gallery. Thanks

  • phbatpcm 2 days, 1 hourago

    Bid in the amount of $12,000

  • Thelittlespeedshop (seller) 2 days, 22 hoursago

    @peterkaczynski thanks Peter! Appreciate it.

  • Thelittlespeedshop (seller) 2 days, 22 hoursago

    @wantafanta in terms of spares it comes with a spare set of wheels and tires, air jack tank and wand, original hood, wiring harness and a few other misc. parts.
    I have a spare 14 motor that would be sold separately but if you are interested that is available. I have all the paperwork on the build electronically and all the pictures and videos. I can post some and can provide the others by request and certainly to the buyer I would provide the link with all the build information pictures, videos and receipts.

  • wantafanta (registered bidder) 3 days, 1 hourago

    This looks like a wonderful car!

    @Thelittlespeedshop Can you provide more detail on extra parts that are included in the sale? A list or a few photos should suffice.

    Also, any receipts/invoices available that document the build (especially of the engine)?

    Thank you!

  • 911cup 3 days, 13 hoursago

    Bid in the amount of $10,250

  • peterkaczynski (registered bidder) 4 days, 12 hoursago

    Stellar car and stellar reputation coming from Little Speed Shop, impressive dyno numbers too! I’m sure this thing is a blast to drive

  • davisjrjr 4 days, 21 hoursago

    Bid in the amount of $10,000

  • Thelittlespeedshop (seller) 5 days, 19 hoursago

    Additional content has been added to the gallery for this listing.

1988 BMW E30 M3 2.5L Race Car
High bid: $31,000 Ends in:
Close
Close
You're disconnected from PCARMARKET. We're trying to get you back online. A poor Internet connection can affect your ability to see bids and comments. If the problem persists, try reloading the page.
You are using a very old and unsupported browser. Your browser is likely missing important security fixes. Some features of this site may not work. Upgrade your browser to a version supported by its manufacturer, or use the latest version of Google Chrome.
X