1990 BMW E30 M3 SPORT EVOLUTION
One of the very best German sports sedans of the 90s, red over black, 1 of only 600 produced, with low miles (27,854 kms, or 17,308 miles).
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Details
Import Guidelines: EU Homologation
This vehicle cannot be registered in the United States.
- VIN
- WBAAK07060AC79078
- Mileage
- 27,854 km
- Location
- San Carlos, CA
- Total owners
- N/A
- Title status
- Clean
- Body
- Coupe
- Engine
- 2.5L inline 4-cylinder
- Transmission
- 5-speed Manual
- Drivetrain
- Rear Wheel Drive
- Exterior color
- Red
- Interior color
- Black
- Vehicle history
N/A
Significance
The Apex of Homologation
When Group A touring car rules required manufacturers to build road-going counterparts to their track weapons, BMW didn’t just meet the mandate—they weaponized it. The 1990 Sport Evolution represents the absolute high-water mark of the E30 platform: larger, lighter, and stiffer than any M3 before or since, built in a strictly limited run of just 600 units between January and March 1990.
Overview
Under the lightweight hood sits the definitive iteration of Paul Rosche’s legendary inline-four: the 2.5-liter S14B25. Pushed to 238 horsepower at 7,000 RPM, it features sodium-filled exhaust valves, a beefier crankshaft, and oil jets cooling the underside of the pistons. Visually distinguished by its adjustable three-position front splitter and rear wing, thinner glass, and enlarged front wheel arches housing 16-inch BBS cross-spoke wheels, the Sport Evolution stripped away non-essential mass in pursuit of pure mechanical harmony. Inside, one-piece Recaro sport seats with built-in headrests, suede trim on the steering wheel and shift knob, and red seatbelts signal its undivided focus on driver engagement.
About this vehicle
This particular Sport Evolution presents in exceptional, collector-grade condition, preserving its original factory panels, original VIN tags, and period-correct finishes throughout. The interior remains remarkably crisp, with the high-wear suede contact points displaying light, honest patina consistent with careful ownership. Mechanically sorted, the engine revs freely to its 7,250 RPM redline, paired with precise shifter engagement and tight chassis dynamics. This E30 was imported to the US after 15 years in Japan, and benefited from diligent servicing on arrival. Complete with its original owner’s manuals, stamped service booklet, and a comprehensive binder documenting its history and maintenance, this Evo III stands ready for either premier concours display or spirited backroad evaluation.
Technical Specification Sheet & Documentation Ledger
Vehicle: 1990 BMW E30 M3 Sport Evolution (Evo III)
VIN: WBAAK07060AC79078
Production Sequence: No. 78 of 600 units (Chassis Serial AC79078)
Comprehensive Technical Specifications
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Code: S14B25 (DOHC 16-valve naturally aspirated inline-4)
Displacement: 2,467 cc (Borne from 95.0 mm bore × 87.0 mm stroke)
Compression Ratio: 10.2:1
Power Output: 238 hp (175 kW) @ 7,000 RPM
Torque Output: 177 lb-ft (240 Nm) @ 4,750 RPM
Redline / Rev Limit: 7,250 RPM
Engine Features: Sodium-cooled exhaust valves, extra oil-spray nozzles for piston cooling, upgraded camshafts, enlarged inlet valves (38 mm) and exhaust ports, lightweight flywheel.
Fuel & Induction: Motronic ML 3.1 engine management with sequential multipoint fuel injection and individual throttle bodies.
Transmission: Getrag 265/5 5-speed manual with a "Dogleg" first gear layout (1st down-left).
Gear Ratios: 1st: 3.72:1 | 2nd: 2.40:1 | 3rd: 1.77:1 | 4th: 1.26:1 | 5th: 1.00:1 | Reverse: 4.23:1
Final Drive: 3.15:1 asymmetric limited-slip differential (25% lockup).
Chassis, Suspension & Braking
Front Suspension: Independent MacPherson struts with enlarged caster angle, aluminum control arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar.
Rear Suspension: Semi-trailing arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar.
Ride Height Adjustment: Factory lowered by 10 mm relative to standard E30 M3.
Steering: Rack-and-pinion with engine-speed-sensitive power assist (19.6:1 overall ratio).
Brakes (Front/Rear): Hydraulically assisted ABS; ventilated discs (280 mm front, 282 mm rear) with single-piston floating calipers.
Wheels: 16" × 7.5J BBS cross-spoke light alloy wheels (Style 5) with Nogaro Silver painted centers.
Tire Specification: 225/45 ZR16 front and rear.
Dimensions & Capacities
Overall Length: 4,345 mm (171.1 in)
Overall Width: 1,680 mm (66.1 in)
Overall Height: 1,365 mm (53.7 in)
Wheelbase: 2,562 mm (100.9 in)
Curb Weight: Approx. 1,200 kg (2,645 lbs) DIN dry weight.
Fuel Capacity: 62 Liters (16.4 US Gallons)
Factory Options & Build Specification
Color Code: 308 (Brillant-rot / Brilliant Red)
Interior Trim Code: 0316 / 0300 (Anthrazit M-Tech Cloth / Black Nappa Leather Bolsters)
Option 790: Sport Evolution Model Designation (Evo III package)
Option 792: Adjustable Aero Package (Monza / Spa settings)
Option 354: Green Stripe Windshield
Option 530: Air Conditioning
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