CLASSIFIED SPOTLIGHT: Faded E30 BMW M3 Needs Quick Restoration

by: Ray

What we have here is a red 1998 BMW M3 E30 with 203,591 original miles. This BMW E30 M3 is equipped with flared out fenders, and an over-sized trunk spoiler. Power comes from a 2.3 liter inline-4 cylinder engine that produces 197 hp @ 6750 rpm and 177 ft-lb of torque @ 4750 rpm. Mated to a 5 speed manual transmission, that channels the power to the rear wheels.

Asking price is $13000 USD, with a little haggling, you might be able to get this car for $11,000. Ideally, spending a few grand can make this E30 M3 an awesome weekend car. According to the seller of this M, the car is in a good running condition. Obvious issues are the faded red paint, and damaged seat upholstery. A somewhat clean E30 BMW M3 Needs Quick Restoration…. Too good to be true? Or is it like opening a deadly can of warms?

First and foremost, it takes a great deal of courage and commitment to start a restoration project on a car. Restoring the most legendary modern BMW of our time is not the am easy task. A simple rule of thumb. Start a restoration project only if you have absolute passion, some hands on skills, and total commitment to see a finished project. In the case of a BMW E30 M3, a ground-up or partial professional restoration, couldn’t be easier for the true enthusiast.

Prior to making a commitment to a full or partial E30 M3 restoration, we recommend that you follow these simple steps to save you some headache, regret, and a bunch of money.

Start by checking the motor oil while the engine is cool. Open up the oil filler cap, look for signs of condensation on the cap. Also check the oil level, and look for leaks. Check the coolant for signs of oil contamination and leaks. Turn on the car, check the idle speed, rev the car a little, note the exit exhaust color. Take the car for a test drive. Check the clutch for proper engagement, gear selection smoothness. Try driving over small bumps, paying attention for major rattles. Drive at freeway speeds, check the alignment and wind noise. Test the brakes out on an empty back road. Try slamming on the brake pedal with your hands lightly gripping the steering wheel, examining if the E30 stays straight under heavy deceleration.

Evaluate the car slowly. Take notes while inspecting the car. Look at all of the sheet metal, preferably using a weak magnet, or simply knocking with your knuckles on the metal to locate body filler. Open up the hood, look at the fender mounting hardware for signs of removal. Take the car to a local mechanic shop, use their lift, inspect the floor, suspension, and exhaust for signs of major rust. Pull back the carpet if possible, and check the rigidity of the floor underneath.

Even though we doubt that this car will be here for long. We saved the seller’s contact information on hand if you are interested. We would love to help save this legendary E30 M3.