Collector Chassis is an online platform for enthusiasts, hobbyists, and collectors to showcase, spectate, buy, and sell vintage, classic and special-interest vehicles. Through our partnership with Collector Chassis, BMW CCA members may list vehicles for free, and benefit from reduced selling fees, in addition to managing their own virtual garages and exploring the virtual garages of others. This week our Collector Chassis Showcase features a 1988 BMW M3.
Check out the Collector Chassis FAQ for more information about their site and auction terms and conditions. When signing in to the Collector Chassis website, choose “Sign in as BMW CCA user” and use your BMW CCA credentials. And watch for more CC Showcase features on BimmerLife!—Mike Bevels
Two life-changing things happened to James in 1973: his son was born and he bought his first BMW. The Bimmer was a 1968 1600, and it forever sold him on the marque. He later upgraded the 1600 to a 1973 2002tii that he drove over 220,000 miles.
Fast forward fifteen years, and the E30 M3 became James’ dream car when it first arrived in the U.S. in 1987. He continually searched for a nice example that wouldn’t be a project. In 1998, he located one in Lafayette, Colorado—about 25 miles from home. It was a 1988 M3 in Salmon Silver over Cardinal leather and only 61,000 miles on the clock. After the BMW shop that cared for his 2002tii completed a successful PPI. He immediately purchased it.
This E30 M3 is a four-owner, numbers matching example that was purchased new in Denver in 1988 by a doctor, followed by an attorney, a stockbroker, and ultimately James who is now the reluctant seller. James notes that primary family cars have come and gone but his dream car M3 stood the test of time.
Modifications included upgrading the steering rack with a newer Z4 unit for quicker response (the original is included with sale). James swapped the original stock wheels (also included with sale) for a set of 16×7-inch Rial Salernos in Anthracite wrapped in all-season Goodyear Eagle Sport tires (205/50R16). Bilstein HD shocks and a sport exhaust round out the minimal (and reversible) updates to this first-generation M3.
Under his ownership, James said he drove the car briskly, but with respect, and consistently maintained the M3 with oil and filter changes every 3,000 miles. Any mechanical issues were immediately addressed as well as preventive maintenance.
Major repair items included replacing the timing and cam chains, plus both front and rear main seals and all necessary gaskets at a cost of over $11,000. James said his M3 doesn’t leak a drop of oil and has never been in an accident. In fact James is quick to point out that it still has the original factory paint and interior.
James’s M3 has accumulated 157,000 loving miles over the years from numerous road trips, scenic drives, and one track day at Laguna Seca in August 2016, when James reached the tender age of 79. It was a BMW CCA Oktoberfest event (100 years of BMW) in Monterey, California. James sums up that day in one word: “WOW!”
Why sell his dream car? James says his age (86) is the number one reason, followed by lack of garage space, and his E30 M3 is simply becoming too valuable to drive. He still takes it out on short weekly drives but succumbs to the reality that it is time to pass it on to another enthusiast—someone who will create a new generation of memories for this immortal classic. Bid on this M3 at Collector Chassis. —Will Sellenraad