Servicing and Maintenance
BMW E30 M3 Sport Evolution
£190,000
£190,000
BMW E30 M3 Sport Evolution
The M3 Sport Evolution was the final homologation and the most advanced version of the already highly successful E30 M3. Six hundred Sport Evolutions, or Evo III’s as they were sometimes known were built worldwide between December 1989 and March 1990 to serve as road legal performance versions of this championship winning BMW.
History File
- Date of Production: 13/02/1990
- 91,400 Miles
- 5-Speed Manual
- 2467cc
- Previous Owners: 3
- Full Service History
- Brilliant Red Gloss Exterior
- Black Leather Recaro SR Interior
Available only in Brilliant Red or Jet Black, the M3 Sport Evolution was the only E30 M3 not to use the already legendary 2302cc S14 in-line 4 cylinder. Instead, the M3 Sport Evolution’s S14's displacement has been increased to 2467cc with each cylinder bored out from 93.4mm to 95mm and together with a stroked long throw crankshaft.
Such was the effort to make the M3 Sport Evolution even more competitive, an uprated and more aggressive camshafts fitted and a large diameter exhaust manifold with the inclusion of a catalytic converter to meet new emissions regulations. The result was an increase in power to 238bhp at 7000rpm and 177lb ft of torque at 4750 rpm.
Like the Evolution II the M3 Sport Evolution retained the 5 speed Getrag 265 close ratio dog-leg gearbox, 3.15:1 limited-slip differential, hydraulic clutch, lightened flywheel and highly efficient air intake.
Cosmetically, the cam cover had been painted a more conventional black, with the red capped spark plug leads hinting that this engine was something truly special.
Stiffer shock absorbers and shorter springs allow the M3 Sport Evolution to sit 10mm lower than the standard E30 M3, whilst thicker anti-roll bars improved the already nimble handling of the M3 Sport Evolution.
Improved clearance in the front arches allow the fitment of 19” alloy wheels for competition use, but production cars came with the same 7.5 x 16” BBS cross spokes as the Evo II, but updated with Nogaro Silver centres.
The pressed steel 2 door body shell remained fundamentally unchanged, but was put on a crash diet to shed unnecessary weight. Lightweight boot lid and glass in the rear and the removal of the long range fuel tank to keep the M3 Sport Evolution’s waistband a trim 1200kg.
Aerodynamics of the car could now be tailored to the track via an adjustable front spoiler and rear wing. A reworked front grill and cooling ducts in the front bumper that direct cold air to the front brakes.
Inside the changes were subtle but noticeable. A choice of Alcantara or Leather Recaro SR bucket seats, red seat belts and motorsport inspired Alcantara trimmed steering wheel, handbrake lever and illuminated gear knob lifted from the Cecotto and Ravaglia.
Full Specification:
- Date of Production: 13/02/1990
- 1 of 51 UK Supplied M3 Sport Evolution
- Engine: 2467cc
- Previous Owners: 3
- Mileage: 91,400 miles
- Full Service History
- 5-Speed Manual
- Exterior Colour: Brilliant Red 308
- Black Leather Recaro SR Seats
- AP Racing 6-Pot Brake Kit
- 16" BMW Sport Evolution BBS Alloy Wheels
- Alcantara Steering Wheel
- Alcantara Gear Knob
- Alcantara Hand Brake Lever
- Electric Windows
- Electric Sunroof
- Bosch Motronic Engine Management
- ABS
- Headlight Washer System
- Headlight Aim Control
We have personally known the current owner and car for the past 28 years, having been responsible during this time for some of the care and maintenance.
Now with its third and current owner, a motorsport engineer with over 40 years of experience and an unwavering eye for detail, who has owned the car for 28 years. With the odometer then reading 61,000 miles the Sport Evolution clocked up an additional 30,000 miles over a 10 year period before it was decided that the car should be retired from daily summer use and long term storage was arranged. During this sabbatical, the much loved E30 M3 Sport Evolution was fastidiously cared for, never wanting for anything.
In recent years, it was decided that this Sport Evolution should receive some age related maintenance and very quickly this detail driven owner found himself embarking on the path to creating an as-new UK supplied E30 M3 Sport Evolution.
Fortune favours the brave. Had he started this project even a few years later, scarce parts availability would have ended the project before it even began. This was a time when Sport Evolution parts were still available from BMW Motorsport, with many a Saturday morning spent in the local BMW dealership, trawling through parts diagrams and ordering every single component required for a nut and bolt rebuild. Thousands of parts and tens of thousands of pounds later, the project was ready to begin.
Work To Date:
The rust free shell and underside has been stripped back to bare metal and beautifully repainted in original 308 Brilliant Red and carefully reassembled with all new trim components, seals, badges, a genuine Sport Evolution spoiler, bumper stripes, clips and fixings.
The 2.5 litre engine was completely rebuilt using all brand new gaskets, bearings, tensioners, guide rails, chains, sprockets and hydraulic tensioners. The cylinder head was rebuilt with new valve stem oil seals and re-lapped valve seats.
The rebuilt engine has been refitted to the shell with new radiator, water pump, thermostat, belts, coolant hoses, heater hoses, fuel hoses and front to rear fuel pipes, inlet manifold blocks, servo hose, vacuum hose and a new BMW exhaust box.
The Getrag 265 gearbox was rebuilt with new bearings, oil seals, gaskets and synchro, gear lever bushes and illuminated M3 Sport Evolution gear knob. A new clutch, master cylinder, slave cylinder and hose were also replaced for good measure. A new propshaft bearing and coupling, rebuilt differential with new bearings, gaskets and oil seals round off the engine side of things.
In the wheel arches, the front and rear suspension has been completely rebuilt with all new components. All components have been media blasted and painted, assembled and re-fitted with new bushes, ball joints, shock absorbers, top mounts, gaiters, bump stops, CV boots, rack gaiters, outer track rods, wishbones, differential mount and engine and gearbox mounts.
Final assembly has been carried out with all ancillary items painted, cadmium plated, vapour blasted and detailed to as-new condition with every clip, screw, nut, bolt and fastener replaced. All leather interior items have been connolised and the remaining upholstery and hard trim thoroughly cleaned and detailed.
Prior to handover, we will carry out an Inspection II service with all new fluids, MOT and road testing to ensure the new owner can expect utter turnkey usability from this astonishing BMW E30 M3 Sport Evolution.
This Perfectionists, zero compromise restored M3 Sport Evolution is currently going through the workshop for final assembly and will be available for spring 2026.
Our Thoughts
Thirty-Five years after inception, the E30 M3 is still recognised by the press and motoring enthusiasts alike as one of the most well balanced and flattering saloon car chassis of all time. A perfect blend of handling and horsepower still charms and amaze even the most experienced of race drivers. The Sport Evolution is the final hurrah for this era of lightweight 4-cylinder homologation legends and possibly the last opportunity to own an as close to new M3 Sport Evolution today.
Our Hero Sport Evolution
There’s no greater incarnation of the E30 M3 than the Sport Evolution. We love them so much, we couldn’t resist adding one to our own collection!
BMW E30 M3 Sport Evolution
£190,000
£190,000
BMW E30 M3 Sport Evolution