About this Collectable

In 1986, BMW introduced the sportiest 3 Series ever, the M3. An icon that held its own during the DTM races and in the rally scene. The high-revving 2.3-litre racing engine was partly derived from the M1/M5 engine and was good for more than 300 hp in racing trim. Unlike many later versions, it wasn't just a big engine and a few technical modifications to the standard body. No, the entire body was reworked, the rear window was tilted, a special plastic boot lid was fitted and the suspension was completely redesigned and fitted with 5-hole rims. Even the windscreen was glued to the bodywork for greater rigidity. Naturally, the car was fitted with sports seats and the fuel gauge was removed to make room for an oil temperature gauge. BMW produced a number of special editions in honour of its racing successes, among other things. One of these is the Europameister edition, signed by the 1988 title winner, Roberto Ravaglia. A beautiful version in Macao blue metallic, with a silver-coloured Nappa leather interior.

The model offered here is one of 148 “Europameister” M3s (number 131 according to the list of chassis numbers of the Europameister models), specially built in honour of the 1988 championship won by Roberto Ravaglia and signed by him by hand. This M3 also has the extensive leather package, including a leather-covered dashboard and door panels. The car came to the Netherlands in 2012 as a neat example to its last owner. To dot the i's and cross the t's, he had the car professionally repainted. Both the exterior, interior, underside and under the bonnet are in neat condition. Despite the fact that the car has been driven very little in recent years, it starts and drives without any unusual noises or unwanted rattles. Apart from the very exclusive M3 Sport EVO convertible (only 3 were made, but what would you do with them?), the Europameister is the anniversary model produced in the smallest edition. A neat car and not a worn-out or incompetently converted car. In addition, it is an original European model with a dogleg gearbox, so first gear is on the left rear instead of the normal gearbox found in many models from the USA! According to the accompanying copy of the ‘Fahrzeugpapieren’, the M3 had four owners in Germany and one owner in Belgium. The last Dutch owner purchased it in 2012 and registered the M3 with Dutch number plates in 2017.

Our opinion

The “original” M3 has a very special place in BMW M history. No other model has brought BMW more racing success than the E30 M3. It is a car with real motorsport genes that needs to be tackled in order to perform. Weighing only 1200 kg, it is 1.5 times lighter than a current M3! Thanks to its relatively light front end, a delightful (somewhat raw) revving engine and limited-slip differential, the M3 always turns in and can be placed exactly where you want it. It is no longer a winner in a straight line in today's horsepower frenzy, but on a winding road or circuit, it is impossible to keep up with. A genuine driver's car with a delightful direct response. Unfortunately, they don't make them like this anymore. This example is an excellent car for regular drives on challenging roads, where this M3 really comes into its own.

About the seller

The seller traded in the car from a car enthusiast with a very nice collection who occasionally took the M3 out for a spin, but otherwise hardly used it. Since the BMW brand does not fit the dealer brand where the car was traded in, the M3 is being auctioned through The Collectables.

Technical details

The specifications, upgrades and maintenance history below provide a complete picture of the condition and equipment of this M3 Europameister.

Equipment

This M3 Europameister is equipped with, among other things:

  • Leather upholstery including door panels, dashboard and centre console
  • Metallic paint (Macao blue)
  • Electric sliding/tilting roof
  • 16-inch honeycomb M rims
  • Electric front windows
  • Seat heating
  • Power steering

Maintenance history 

Unfortunately, the maintenance booklet is missing, but as far as we know, the car was repainted and checked after purchase by the last Dutch private owner. The car has hardly been driven since then, as evidenced by the tyres, which are more than 12 years old but still look like new. The car was recently serviced by a BMW specialist, who fitted it with new fluids and filters. The M3 also has a new original BMW M3 rear silencer. We recommend a set of fresh rubber tyres before use.

Modifications 

  • Alcantara gear lever (original present)
  • Blaupunkt San Francisco radio
  • Supersprint intermediate silencer

Comments

The M3 is in very good condition for its age and mileage. The paintwork is neat and only the plastic parts on the underside show some light scratches. Everything functions as it should, and the car looks great both visually and technically. The engine and gearbox sweat a little as a result of standing still, but both function perfectly. The interior is neat and undamaged, only the leather on the dashboard needs to be re-glued in a few places. A lot of attention has clearly been paid to the exterior condition and the technology, various hoses have been replaced and there is no visible rust! 

Included in the sale

  • 3 keys
  • Booklets (Instruction, radio, M3 appendix, etc.)
  • Owner history (4x Deutsche Fahrzeugbrief)
  • Purchase invoice from 2012
  • Various invoices

Summary 

  • Seller type – Business
  • Location – Gelderland
  • Chassis number – WBSAK050901894610
  • Registration number – PP-501-L
  • Year/date of manufacture – 11-01-1989
  • First registration NL – 14-08-2017
  • Mileage – 147,080 km
  • Verifiable – NAP during the period in NL
  • Warranty – No
  • Margin/VAT – Car margin
  • Bodywork – Sedan
  • Engine – 2.3 litre S14 B23 with 195 hp
  • Drive – Rear-wheel drive
  • Gearbox – Manual dogleg 5-speed gearbox
  • Exterior – Macao Blue metallic
  • Interior – Silver-grey leather
  • Upholstery – Leather
  • Smoker's car – No
  • Owners – 1 owner in the Netherlands and, as far as can be ascertained, 1 in Belgium and 4 in Germany
  • Tyres – Toyo R888, 225-45-16, DOT 2013, >4 mm

The description of this Collectable has been compiled with the utmost care, based on information provided by and validated by the seller. The Collectables performs a (pre)selection based on the information provided and consults public sources for any irregularities. However, bidders should ascertain for themselves the accuracy of the description and can, if they wish, conduct (or have conducted) personal research. All Collectables on our platform can be subjected to any possible inspection, examination or valuation in advance by buyers, in consultation with the seller, of course. Consult our General Terms and Conditions for more details.

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