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BMW M3 M3 Sport Evolution 1990

General description : Model History

The E30 M3 made its debut at the 1985 Frankfurt motor show and was a BMW motorsport division development based on the E30 3-Series. The reason for the development was to allow BMW to compete in Group A touring car racing against the likes of the Mercedes 190E 2.3-16 Cosworth.

Group A rules demanded that each race car share its main components with the production road car, hence the wide arches to accommodate race wheels and tyres. The series required a high number of units to homologate the M3 (5,000 units), so production was carried out by special teams at the normal Munich-Milbertshofe factory rather than the Motorsport unit in Garching.

While based on the E30 the M3 was a totally revised car designed and focused for use as a race car. The suspension was reworked resulting in three times more steering castor, a front anti-roll bar linked to the struts, re-valved shocks and stiffer, shorter springs, a wider track and stronger wheel bearings were added to cope with the intense mechanical stress of track work. The power-assisted rack and pinion steering was also quicker (19.6:1). All the exterior panels on the M3 apart from the bonnet and sunroof were unique to the car with the rear screen re-angled for better airflow. Both front and rear screens were bonded to the car to increase body stiffness!

As time progressed the Touring Car Championship rules and regulations changed and therefore so did the M3 by receiving mechanical and aerodynamic updates. This resulted in special editions to homologate the changes.

The last and most desirable final homologation was produced from December 1989 to March 1990 – the Sport Evolution. This was the most extensively modified M3 of the three Evolution models. The engine received an increase in capacity to 2467cc by way of a longer throw crank and a cylinder bore increase. Larger valves and aggressive cam timing were added, the result being an increase in power to 235hp at 7,000rpm. To keep the engine cool special oil sprayers were added under the pistons. The gearbox remained the same ratio but the final drive ratio changed to 3.15:1.

Aerodynamically, the Sport Evolution had a unique adjustable front and rear spoiler, re-profiled grill slates with sealed gaps, and was 10mm lower than the standard M3. The model also received wider front wheel arches to allow for larger race wheels and a smaller fuel tank.

Cosmetically the cars were available only in two colours, Brilliant Red and Gloss Black, both sporting 16 x 7.5-inch BBS wheels but with the spokes painted in Nogaro Silver. Special Recaro sport seats were added in Anthracite M cloth with the option of upgrading to Black Nappa leather with M-tri colour logos, while the steering wheel, gearknob and handbrake lever were all covered in black suede. To finish the interior off a special plaque was added to the dashboard denoting the car as a Sport Evolution. Just 600 were produced.

Equipment

Gloss Black paintwork with red bumper stripes, Recaro seats in Anthracite M cloth, 16-inch BBS alloy wheels in Nogaro Silver, Red seat belts, Electric sunroof, Electric windows, Electrically-adjustable door mirrors, Suede-trimmed M Tech II steering wheel and gearknob, Adjustable front and rear spoilers, Brake cooling ducts, Limited-slip differential, Onboard computer, Rear sun blind, Cassette holder, Front strut brace, MPH speedometer, Tool kit, Velour carpet mats, Spare key.

Exterior

The Glanzschwarz paint – unique to the Sport Evo – is very presentable all round and retains a deep glossy shine with no unsightly scuffs or scrapes to report. The exterior has been refreshed to a good standard in recent years, but what really sets this car apart is the absence of any corrosion in the typical E30 weak spots; the underside is also remarkably clean and free from rust. Looking closer, finer details such as the lights, black trims and rubber seals still appear in great shape. While far from concours, this incredibly useable example offers the rare opportunity to purchase 1 of only 600 genuine M3 Sport Evos at a very realistic price.

VIEWINGS WELCOME BY APPOINTMENT ONLY /// ADDITIONAL PHOTOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Interior

Aside from the added convenience of a Bluetooth stereo the interior presents in good original condition. The Recaro seats are still upholstered in their factory striped M cloth – our preference over leather – and while you’ll definitely find the odd mark here and there, there are no nasty rips or holes to report; the deep bolsters retain a good shape and remain as supportive as ever. M cloth extends to the door cards, both in very good order, and in the footwells the carpets are protected by original velour over-mats. The dash is pleasingly free from cracks and the steering wheel retains a great textured suede finish.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

The Sport Evolution’s four-pot 2.5-litre S14 was the most powerful engine ever fitted to the E30 M3, resulting in a more urgent and progressive power delivery than other models, with 0-60mph achieved in just 6.1 seconds. The dogleg manual ‘box is essential to the M3’s performance, this particular unit having been fully rebuilt by marque specialists JC Racing in 2016 at 127k miles.

Other recent work carried out within the last thousand miles includes a full service with new ignition leads and spark plugs, a new distributor, heater matrix, aluminium radiator, propshaft bearing, suspension bushes, and suspension top mounts at the front and rear. The throttle bodies have also been balanced, and the timing chain tensioner upgraded to E36 M3 spec.

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES

This example sits on its original 16-inch cross-spoke alloys, correctly finished with the spokes in Nogaro Silver. They have recently been refurbished to a perfect standard and are shod in a new and matching set of Kuhmo tyres. The brake hoses have also been replaced within the last few hundred miles and new rear pads have only just been fitted. The car stops reassuringly well on test, coming to a halt quickly and in a straight line.

History File

This rare and genuine Sport Evolution was first registered in Germany in 1990. It was imported into the UK in 1997, but in 1999 suffered front-end accident damage. Due to its relatively low value at the time the repair was not cost-effective for the insurance company and it was therefore labeled a Category D Loss – the lowest classification. We understand the damage required replacement of the front wings, slam panel, bonnet, bumper and associated parts. Following this work, the M3 was sold to an employee of the repair shop who used it as his daily driver from late 1999 to early 2006, covering 74,000kms before taking it off the road and tucking it away. Although prior ownership documents including the service book have been lost, there is a good selection of MOTs from this time to help verify the mileage.

The car was purchased by the current owners in 2015, requiring only a fuel pump to get it running after nine years of careful storage. With the intention of putting it back into regular use, they have spent around £20k re-commissioning the car over the last four years. Works include a full repaint, gearbox rebuild, major service, various engine/suspension/brake parts (as detailed above), wheel refurbishment, all new tyres, and a new Alpine Bluetooth stereo with upgraded speakers discreetly placed in the original fittings.

Since arriving at 4 Star the car has been fully inspected for the new keeper’s peace of mind. As mentioned, it is not a concours example – and though it would sit well in any collection, this particular Sport Evo can be driven and enjoyed without needing to be overly precious. The V5C shows only six former keepers (since 1997) and the MOT is valid until March 2021.

http://www.4starclassics.com/for-sale/bmw-e30-m3-sport-evolution-for-sale/

1990 BMW M3 M3 Sport Evolution is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Kingsley by 4 Star Classics for £71995.

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