1991 BMW M3 Sport Evolution

Highlights

• In current ownership for 22 years

• Very good condition throughout

• Upgraded Mishimoto radiator and fans

• 1 of just 600 ‘Sport Evolution’ M3s built

• MOT until April 2026

Overview

The E30 M3 was developed to homologate the E30 for DTM racing, where it was up against the likes of Mercedes’ 190E and Alfa’s 75 Turbo, this boxy-arched homologation hero was often cited as looking better than it drove, despite the fact that BMW and DTM enthusiasts flocked to showrooms en-masse to purchase them.

Thankfully, BMW listened to its customers, and further developed the E30 M3 throughout its life cycle, culminating in this - the Sport Evolution. Cited as the ‘ultimate’ development of the model, just 600 Sport Evolutions were produced between 1989 and 1990 to see-out the E30 M3. 

Engine capacity was increased from 2.3 to 2.5-litres, a more aggressive long-stroke cam was used, larger inlet valves, sodium-filled exhaust valves and additional oil cooling to the pistons was fitted, resulting in a power output of 238bhp from the over-bored S14 engine. 

In addition to its engine upgrades, thinner glass was used for the rear side windows, adjustable aero was brought over from the competition cars, and even redesigned bumper moulds, giving the Sport Evolution a kerb weight of circa 1,200kg. 

This particular example is finished in Glanzschwarz (the Sport Evolution was only available in black or red) and was first registered in the UK in 1999, and boasts every option other than the leather seats (sunroof, on-board computer, power windows and an M-Tech steering wheel).

It is worth noting at this point that the car was declared a Category D (non-structural) insurance write-off in May 2001, prior to our vendor’s ownership. Specifically, the damage was to the rear nearside passenger quarter, and was deemed too expensive to repair cosmetically at the time. 

The service history records show mileage in kilometres up to 1998 (132,640km). From 2000 onward, mileage is recorded in figures consistent with miles (e.g. 87,346 in 2000), which would align with a likely UK import and odometer conversion. The current seller believes the odometer remains in kilometres, but no documentation exists to confirm or disprove a conversion. Bidders should satisfy themselves as to the true mileage, though the service record shows consistent and credible use throughout.

Purchased by our seller in June 2003, it has been part of his collection now for 22+ years, during which time it has been maintained by specialists and independents (up to 2011) and thereafter serviced by the engineer that looks after his collection.

Used sparingly but reported to be in excellent mechanical health and with no known faults or issues, this is a rare opportunity to obtain a well-specified example of the ultimate E30 M3. Don’t miss out, as who knows when another opportunity like this one will arise!

History and documentation

• Registered in the UK 01 Jul 1999

• Power windows, on-board computer, sunroof, M-tech steering wheel

• Stamped service book with services as follows: Jun 1991 @ 1,723km, Dec 1991 @20,800km, Mar 1992 @31,870km, Jun 1992 @ 41,809km, Oct 1992 @ 53,303km, Nov 1992 @ 57,044km, Feb 1993 @ 66,490km, Jun 1993 @ 75,580km, Aug 1993 @ 84,000km, [illegible], Nov 1993 @ 93,708km, May 1994 @ 110,80km, Dec 1998 @132,640km Jun 2000 @ 87,346, May 2002 @93,783, Feb 2003 @ 104,874, Aug 2004 @ [illegible], Jul 2007 @ 116,877, Sep 2009 @ 124,910

• Maintained since 2011 by the seller’s trusted engineer, who maintains his entire collection of cars

• New Power Steering rack, alignment Aug 2003

• New exhaust fitted Sep 2008

• New suspension and steering parts, service Sep 2009

• Original splitter is included in the sale

• OEM Behr radiator included, which requires reconditioning

• Extensive collection of invoices and old MOT certificates

• Owners’ manual

• Two keys, including the original immobiliser key for the factory-fitted security alarm

• Current MOT expires 03 Apr 2026 with an advisory for a slightly deteriorated rear registration plate

• V5 present in owner’s name

• The car had an impact to the rear nearside corner in 2001 which resulted in the insurance company declaring it a Cat D write-off.

• Private plate G15 MOE is not included in the sale but available via separate negotiation. DVLA will likely return to original plate H129 NRD.

Interior

• The cabin of this Sport Evolution is in excellent condition overall, with the iconic M fabric seat centres in place of the optional leather sports seats - a good choice in our opinion!

• Both front seats exhibit some light wear to the outer bolsters, puckering fabric to the bases and a small scuff to the driver’s base outer bolster, but nothing that would not be considered commensurate for the car’s age and mileage

• The rear seats are in excellent condition with minimal signs of wear

• Elsewhere, the door card fabric is in great shape, as is the headliner which shows only light puckering around the sunroof aperture

• An aftermarket stereo has been fitted

• The high-traffic areas such as the switchgear, shifter and door jambs exhibit some light signs of use

• The alcantara-trimmed M-Tech steering wheel has typically worn and faded over the years, with the fabric ‘bobbling’ as often seen with suede-type materials

• ACS pedals have been fitted

• The Sport Evolution plaque is present-and-correct on the centre console

• In the rear, the boot presents in very good order throughout, and the kenwood CD changer is present

• There are no reported electrical faults or issues with the interior

Exterior

• Finished in Glanzschwarz with red accents, the overall exterior appearance of this 1-of-600 M3 Sport Evolution is very tidy indeed

• The bodywork looks straight, with exception of a scuff/dent on the driver’s rear arch

• The seller tells us that the original paint is wearing thin in places

• The front end and exposed edges such as the mirror caps display the usual smattering of stone chips, as does the windscreen

• We noted some scuffs to the lower front bumper, chips to the door edges, wear to the rear towing eye cover, and some light scratches to the side skirts

• Elsewhere, there is a larger scratch on the rear wing, another on the upper offside edge of the boot lid, a blemish on the front bumper to the nearside of the registration plate, and the rear valence has discoloured due to years of UV exposure

• It would appear that the paint around the lower edge of the boot aperture has an ‘orange peel’ effect to the finish, and the paint also looks to be cracking on the offside edge of the boot lid

• Upgraded Milltek exhaust looks fantastic and factory-fit

• The inner lights on the front end have clouded slightly

• Carbon-fibre intake surrounds have been fitted to the brake ducts

• The seller notes that the original wheels remain on the car, and they are wrapped in Yokohama rubber

• All four wheels present well, though the lips would benefit from a refurbishment to bring them back to their best

• Overall, this is a smart example of the lesser-seen E30 M3 variant that still holds potential for further aesthetic improvements to take it to the next level

Mechanical

• 2.5-litre over-bored four-cylinder S14 engine producing 238bhp 

• Five-speed dog-leg manual gearbox

• Rear-wheel drive

• The engine bay looks to be nice and tidy throughout, with only commensurate wear visible to the fixtures and fittings

• The paint/lettering on the rocker cover has cracked with age

• A Wiechers upper strut brace has been fitted

• The original Behr radiator and fan setup has been replaced with an upgraded Mishimoto setup, though the original will come with the car

• The under-bonnet insulation is in good condition with no obvious heavy wear

• We’re told that this M3 is in excellent health, starts on-the-button and runs through its usual startup procedure before settling down as it should

• A thorough service is recommended before the car is driven hard for ‘peace of mind’ due to a long period of inactivity

• There are no reported mechanical issues

Summary

With only 600 units produced and boasting extensive mechanical upgrades over the preceding M3 Evolution II, the Sport Evolution is, for many, the holy grail of E30 M3s, making them rarely seen on the open market.

Offered for sale in very good condition throughout and reportedly in need of nothing other than a thorough servicing, this is an opportunity for one lucky bidder to obtain the ultimate production E30 M3.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Truro, Cornwall.