OVERVIEW
Widely recognized as one of the best M series cars ever developed, the E30 M3 has been recognized as an icon of motoring excellence with direct motorsport influence as a homologation special from this amazing era. The Sport Evolution was the final iteration of the series when BMW threw every trick in the book at it. Developed as the third in a series of Evolution models to meet homologation requirements, 600 units were offered with special features in addition to the already robust M series equipment package.

The Sport Evolution featured the S14 engine (now pushed out to 2.5L) producing 238hp mated to a dogleg 5-speed manual gearbox, driving the rear wheels through a limited slip diff. Bespoke bodywork specific to the Sport Evolution (to allow for 18” race wheels) uprated nearly all but a few body panels, adjustable front and rear spoilers, brake cooling ducts, and “cross spoke” alloy wheels completed the package. Available exclusively in red or black, even the glass was lightened to save weight on these rare specially built Sport Evolution models.

The interior was also quite special including specially trimmed Recaro front seats, red seatbelts, synthetic suede trim for the steering wheel and shift knob, and colorful M series cloth seat and door inserts. The resulting refinements were certainly impressive from a performance perspective, but also delivered a now iconic visual impression, one that continues to impress collectors and enthusiasts seeking performance, rarity, and distinctive design in a purpose-built homologation special.

This rare BMW M3 Sport Evolution is an exceptionally nice and recently mechanically sorted example with known history since new. Originally delivered to the first owner as an Italian market car, it remained in Italy for the first decade and was subsequently sold to the UK where it remained for the next 23 years, including ownership of Chris Harris, British automotive journalist, and “Top Gear” contributor. The current owner purchased the car from the UK in 2023 and commissioned a detailed mechanical and service campaign using marque specialists to address every aspect of this car. Items of note include:

New front control arms and assorted suspension bushings

Cold idle system refurbished

Installed new intake manifold gaskets

Balanced/Synchronized throttle bodies

A comprehensive engine tune-up

Fluids and filters

New oil cooler, oil lines, and fittings

Rebuilt transmission including gear syncros

Installed the correct stock shift knob with illumination

Installed correct factory hardware as needed throughout the car

Extensive documentation folder includes numerous printed records, service invoices, and verification of Chris Harris’ UK based ownership.

Today this beautiful M3 Sport Evolution displays beautifully executed overall finishes and glossy paint throughout all body surfaces. The car has been skillfully repainted, and then covered in PPF. The exterior finishes are quite nice including the door jambs and underside areas. The correct factory stamped fiberglass trunk and metal hood are both in excellent condition including exceptional panel fit and crisp closure. The silver cross-spoke wheels are in excellent condition showing no curb rash or notable marks featuring a set of matched Goodyear Eagle F1 225/45 ZR16 radial tires. The original factory etched glass, exterior lenses, and emblems are all in beautiful condition. All rubber trim and gaskets are also in excellent condition. Every cosmetic aspect of this M3 has been carefully preserved and correctly refurbished using BMW M3 parts and correct finishes only where needed. The end result is a wonderfully correct car and drivable car that still delivers the impressive experience captured in these rare Evolution series cars.

The interior continues the themes of excellence with artful distinction inclusive of the performance themes of these cars. The cloth seats and exclusive M tri-color inserts, matching contoured door panels and cloth inserts are finely depicted showing only modest areas of use evident to the cloth material. Date coded 1990 red seatbelts, uniquely slotted molded in headrests, and M3 branded door threshold moldings contribute to the many unique features of this Sport Evolution. The performance-oriented dashboard is also beautifully preserved displaying a combination of black accents, correct illuminated warning light array, a factory installed stereo, adjustable climate controls, and an overhead console also with functional warning lights. All features and systems function as expected, including the digital overhead unit, power windows, and retractable sunroof. The correct synthetic suede steering wheel, matched material illuminated gearshift handle, illuminated instrumentation, and easy to access controls offer original finishes and fastidious detailing. Overall, the interior presents well-preserved finishes reflective of the documented care and service this M3 has seen since new. The trunk compartment has been beautifully preserved, displaying an excellent factory trunk liner and carpeting as well as the correct factory tool tray, which remains in excellent condition with factory tools still in place.

Under the hood, the 2.5L S14 BMW M Power engine is a feast for the eyes exhibiting correct factory finishes and excellent detailing throughout the engine compartment. The engine and all components retain their correct factory finishes including the striking textured black BMW M Power twin-cam cover with the distinctive red spark plug caps and tuned fuel-injection. Correct engine components, all factory stampings, proper hardware, correct topographic molded hood insulation, correct labels and correct factory markings are all present and in excellent condition. Underneath the car, inspection reveals evidence of use typical for the miles shown, with the floor pan and suspension components being generally clean and tidy.

The car starts, drives and handles very much in keeping with the highly revered and deserved status of these cars. The combination of excellent ride and sport handling is a hallmark of the M3, even more so with the Sport Evolution package, which offers impressive acceleration, comfortable highway cruising, and leisurely mountain road carving derived from Bavarian origins. This example comes with extensive service documentation and reference histories from prior ownership.

Considered to be among the top performance sport sedans even constructed, the BMW M3 Sport Evolution has rightfully earned status among premier collectors, particularly those who enjoy driving their vehicles. Exceptional well-maintained and documented examples are becoming harder and harder to find as more enthusiasts discover the many merits of these cars. This M3 Sport Evolution delivers performance and rarity befitting a premier contemporary classic – one that can be confidently driven shown, and enjoyed just as intended when delivered new.

Please contact Jason at +1-206-355-7727 for more information on this vehicle.