MarketPlace: S52-Powered 1988 BMW E30 M3 by EAG
Vehicle Details
- Year: 1988
- Make: BMW
- Model: M3
- VIN: WBSAK0306J2197362
- Mileage Shown: 185,461km (TMU)
- Transmission: Manual
- Title Status: Registration
- Color: Salmon Silver Metallic
- Seller Type: Dealer
- Dealer Fees: None
- Location: Montreal, QC H2T 2J2
- Country: Canada
- Lot #: V-0059803-MP
The first-generation (E30) BMW M3 was a purpose-built homologation model developed to meet Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM) production requirements, ultimately becoming one of the most iconic sports cars of its era. This 1988 example is finished in Salmon Silver Metallic over a black interior, and was extensively modified by the renowned BMW specialists at Enthusiast Auto Group (EAG) in 2010 featuring an S52 engine swap, upgraded cooling system, cold air intake, performance exhaust components, Jim Conforti software tuning, and much more. Originally delivered in Texas, the car was imported to Canada in 2010, acquired by the selling dealer in 2016, and sold to the current owner in 2023. This no-expense-spared build is now being offered for auction by the selling dealer on behalf of the owner out of Montreal.
Sharing only its hood and roof panels with the standard E30 3-Series, the M3 features model-specific bumpers, side skirts, boxed fender flares, and a fixed rear wing. This example received a full two-stage exterior refinish in Salmon Silver Metallic by EAG, performed purely for cosmetic purposes. It rides on 15” basketweave wheels wrapped in GT Radial Champiro 328 tires. The seller notes that rust repair was performed on the right front jacking point in 2022. Detailed images are provided in the gallery along with a damage-free CARFAX report.
The cabin presents custom black upholstery with red deviated stitching. Equipment includes a three-spoke M-Tech I steering wheel, VDO instrumentation, an onboard computer, an aftermarket Pioneer stereo, air conditioning, cruise control, an electric sunroof, and power windows, mirrors, and door locks. All gauges, electronics, and accessories are confirmed to be in working order. An odometer conversion from miles to kilometers was previously performed, and the CARFAX notes a potential discrepancy in the odometer reading.
Beneath the hood, an E36 M3–sourced 3.2-liter S52B32 inline-six engine was installed by EAG and paired with a 5-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential. As part of the build, the engine was converted to OBD1 and upgraded with a cold air intake, M50 intake manifold and valve cover, shorty headers, race catalytic converters, a SuperSprint muffler, and Jim Conforti performance software. A complete cooling system was also installed, including a new radiator with a reservoir, Spal electric fan, water pump, thermostat, and hoses. All new gaskets, seals, sensors, and mounts were also fitted. Additionally, the drivetrain received a new clutch and a rebuilt shifter, while the steering system was updated with a rebuilt steering rack, and the suspension received new control arms paired with Treehouse Racing Eyeball control arm bushings. Braking was refreshed with new front and rear components, including Hawk HPS pads.
This sale will include a Canadian registration.
Comments (82)
popcorn popping fast.
Bid in the amount of $51,000
Bid in the amount of $47,500
Bid in the amount of $45,500
Bid in the amount of $45,000
Bid in the amount of $42,500
Bid in the amount of $40,000
Bid in the amount of $37,750
Bid in the amount of $37,500
Bid in the amount of $35,250
Bid in the amount of $35,000
Bid in the amount of $33,250
Bid in the amount of $33,000
Bid in the amount of $31,000
Bid in the amount of $30,250
Bid in the amount of $30,000
Bid in the amount of $28,500
Bid in the amount of $27,000
Bid in the amount of $26,750
Bid in the amount of $26,500
Bid in the amount of $26,000
Bid in the amount of $25,000
Bid in the amount of $24,000
@redben Kindly refer to previous comments regarding both your concerns.
Bid in the amount of $23,500
so theres no cooling fan? How does it work shipping to US? thanks
Bid in the amount of $23,250
Bid in the amount of $23,000
Last hour on this M3 that was revisited by EAG.
I hope I answered all the questions. I remain available in private for the last hour of the auction. Thank you all for your interest and your bids. GLWA to all.
@cedtsr - sorry - I missed the recent comment. Thank you @zigermanz
Is the uniform color difference across the hood and front QPs a result of existing PPF? If so, do you know when the PPF was done?
I am being asked privately about the yellowing on the front fenders and the hood. This is a PPF(Paint protection film) that is old and yellowed. I never ventured in removing it as I didn’t want to risk damaging the paint under it. It hasn’t changed much since my purchase (circa 2016).
@kindaburnt As per pic # 162 (list of modifications by EAG) this M3 is equipped with a an electric Spal fan. Cooling is adequate and never experienced overheating.
How has cooling been without an E-fan or Clutch fan?
@stockman If memory serves me well as i don’t have immediate access to the car, one or both front fenders have Dot-R labels.
What panel is the Dot R label on? That signals a replacement. Any info on the reason for replacement as well?
@Qik1320 Yes A/C is still installed and functional.
Does the car have AC?
@mid-engine This is the build sheet from BMW. It is the information that BMW has in their system for every single VIN.
@zigermanz The document referenced in picture 202 is untitled.
What is the source of this document?
Is there more information to this document that is simply not pictured?
@mid-engine Picture # 202 (The last picture I added) mentions that the car is a US Market car and under it it mentions the selling dealer number (Right upper corner).
This is an irrefutable proof that this VIN is a US car and sold new in the USA .
Hope that answers, GLWA
Bid in the amount of $22,000
For the last three days, I have been speaking with customs brokers and the US Department of Customs about potential fees associated with re-importing this car to the US.
While I have received a lot of conflicting information from the different parties, the clear consensus is that if this car was originally sold in America, the easiest path towards bringing it back into the US is having proof that the car was originally sold in the US.
Do you have the original documentation from the sale of this car in the US?
Do you have the documentation showing this car being exported from the US to Canada?
@Ukrbmw Yes A/C was retained and it is functional.
Was A/C retained?
Bid in the amount of $19,250
24 hours left on this auction. I remain on standby to answer questions or concerns here or in private (contact seller button).
Thank you all for your interest, bids and pertinent questions and comments.
Bid in the amount of $19,000
Bid in the amount of $17,777
Bid in the amount of $14,000
@prb4t Thank you for your input. I am sure EAG has modified other E30 M3 with a similar quality build . Having known this one for almost 10 years and having watched the market on other auction websites and other E30 M3 platforms during my period of ownership, I haven’t seen another one (yet). It would be nice to know that this one has siblings with the same DNA.
@sause being from OH I have visited EAG many times over the years. I knew them when it was called CarLocators and they used to have several S52 swaps on the lot. This is not a one off, I’d venture to say one of the later ones they did.
@sause Only EAG can confirm if they have done other similar builds, and if yes, how many. I do agree though that it is not a common recipe on the menu of EAG.
Never knew Enthusiast Auto did resto-mods. They are usually into mint or highly collectable low mileage M-Cars. Maybe that was their attempt to create their own signature resto-modded E30 M3. Very likely a one off.
RIP Eric Keller..
@zigermanz haha yes that was me, the guy that wants to pick up this car in another country and drive it back 3000 miles... It would be a memorable drive for sure! Looking forward to tomorrow :)
Bid in the amount of $12,500
A new video is added (drive by acceleration).
I am being asked in private if all systems work, and if the car is ready for a fly over and drive back to the west coast (3k miles distance)
Everything works on this M3, and it is fully serviced and ready to be driven any distance safely and reliably.
Bid in the amount of $11,250
@surf2day Yes, Green Quebec registration
@surf2day Unfortunately I can not advise on the tariff situation with certitude but Hemmings and Hagerty sources seem to be unanimous as to the no tariff on classic cars.
So it seems it is only the 2.5% customs that applies and NO additional tariff (25%)
In any case, please do your due diligence and bid accordingly.
Can you advise on the tariff situation and percent that applies? It shows become super confusing. My assumption is that it is the original 2.54% + the additional 25%. I’m not sure if or how that applies to vehicles 25 model years old or older. Or how tariffs would apply to an originally US titled car that’s been exported and would be reimported.
I’ve imported 5 MY24 or new Porsche 911 class cars over the past 18 months for personal use and basically stopped in April due to how fluid the tariff situation became. I’ve used Precision Auto Importers in Champlain for all my US Goverment certification and compliance processes and they have great.
Also, I’m assuming that the Canadian Quebec province (green) registration is in French - yes? Thank you. 😊
I am being asked in private about the importation process. I will introduce the buyer to a renowned broker that i use frequently, and to a reliable and insured/bonded trasporter. Transport to Champlain NY should be roughly 500$ Can/350$ US and broker fees are +/-1000 Can /700$ US. I will act as a facilitator for the process and make sure all goes smoothly and is done by the right people. My role as a facilitator will be free of charge.
Bid in the amount of $11,000
Bid in the amount of $10,250
Additional content has been added to the gallery for this listing.
Undercarriage pictures added.
Additional content has been added to the gallery for this listing.
Bid in the amount of $10,000
@FerdinandPorsche As mentioned in my first comment, the listing went live faster than I expected. Underside pictures will be posted as soon as tomorrow(monday) as I want to put it on a lift for said pictures.
Carfax shows it is a US Car till 2010. EAG listing shows the swap done in the US prior to export to Canada. I have exported previously cars with engine swaps (a Porsche 912 with a 911 engine)and the main interest at customs was the VIN of the car, never was there a question if the car had the original engine/displacement/ cylinders.
In any case, I will assist the buyer with the export process and make sure that everything goes smoothly, and paperwork is ready for border crossing if car sold to the US. I can also deliver the car at the US side, Champlain NY more specifically, with all the paperwork done.
Thank you for your keen interest.
Is a copy of the original US title or export Bill of Lading available?
Trying to import under the 25 yr rule a vehicle that went from 4 to 6 cylinder can open a can of worms.
Any images of the underside and of the typical spots where these rust out?
Bid in the amount of $8,300
Bid in the amount of $8,000
@wonk You are looking at a real E30 M3 that has been revisted and modified mechanically.
The EAG build details are in picture 161-164 , more specifically Picture 163 that shows the list of all the details of the build.
The title of the listing is for an E30 M3. Also The carfax report gives all the details needed.
Also, for future reference, all North American E30 M3 have a VIN that starts with “WBS”. Non M cars have a VIN that starts with “WBA”. That’s one way of disguishing a real M3 from a fake one.
Exceptions to this are some(not all) Sport Evolution (Evo 3) that had WBA vins. Remains a mystery why BMW did that on the Sport Evo.
Was this an original M3 before the swap (and bodywork) or a standard E30 (like 325) with motor swap and component / body panel swap? Sometimes that is not clear.
Do you have original build sheet and paperwork from EAG?
How many miles were on the engine for the swap?
@prb4t This M3 is in Montreal. I can assist in the importation process as I have done it multiple times. Given that it is older than 25 years , and that it is originally a US car, there should be no addititional prerequisites for DOT (Department of Transportation) compliance.
Where is the car presently located? Just trying to understand import and duties if the car is currently under Canada title.
Engine compartment pictures added.
Additional content has been added to the gallery for this listing.
Greetings Pcar community
Presented is an E30 M3 that has been completely revisited by the renowned M specialist “Enthusiast Auto Group” with an S52 Swap and a complete host of improvements to its mechanical systems (Steering, Differential, Suspension, Exhaust…)
This is not a swapped E30 M3, it is a revisited M3 by people who know what modifications to put together to have everyhting functioning at its best, and it does flawlessly.
Please refer to pictures 161 to 164 and more specifically to picture 163 for a detailed description of the modifications when the M3 was listed by EAG circa 2010.
This listing came a bit earlier than I expected, so it is missing a few elements. I will be adding:
1-Engine bay pictures
2- Underside pictures
3-Cold start video
4-Driving Video
5-Drive by video
Stay tuned!