Key features

• One of the last 243 E30 M3 coupés produced in 1989, fitted with the 2.3-litre 16-valve engine without a catalytic converter, as per the document shown in the photograph
• Hartge tuning carried out on delivery: EPROM chip, Bilstein suspension, aluminium anti-roll bar, Hartge steering wheel and gear knob, DTM single-wiper
• Bodywork repainted in Macao Blue 250, a special colour chosen during the tuning process at the BMW dealership where the car was delivered
• Current owner since September 2005
• Approximately €45,000 invested in mechanical modifications; invoices available from the time the car left the dealership
• Full service history including the original purchase invoice and service records
• Serial numbers match, according to the seller
• French MOT valid until 5 May 2028

The appeal

The BMW M3 E30 ranks amongst the most iconic production cars of the 1980s. But for some enthusiasts, the models tuned by Hartge, the German specialist based in Merzig, represent an even more exclusive proposition. This 1989 M3 stands out thanks to its bespoke tuning, its Macao Blue paintwork and a particularly comprehensive history.
 
According to the seller, it is one of the last 243 or so M3 coupés fitted with the 2.3-litre 16-valve engine without a catalytic converter. Originally delivered in red, it was repainted in Macao Blue 250 to order at the BMW dealership that carried out its Hartge conversion. The original purchase invoice, for 365,760 francs, specifies a special paint finish.
 
The car was used in Switzerland by its first owner for around 15 years, and was subsequently serviced, notably at Pius Buchs S.A. in Meyrin, near Geneva. It was taken in part exchange by BMW Bresse Auto Sport, in the Ain department, in August 2005, and was subsequently purchased by its current owner in September of the same year.
 
In 2006, the engine was completely stripped down, inspected and rebuilt using competition-spec components, including Wössner pistons, H-shaped connecting rods with ARP Racing fasteners, Group A camshafts, twin valve springs, a new, recalibrated oil pump, a new chain tensioner and new sliders. The engine was tuned on a dynamometer to 235 ch, with the rev limiter set at 8,500 rpm. The gearbox, limited-slip differential, cooling system and braking system have also undergone significant work over the years.
 
The bodywork underwent repairs in 2020, particularly to the sills and wheel arches. More recently, the paintwork has been polished and protected with a ceramic coating. The seller describes a sound and well-balanced chassis, precise steering and a predictable rear axle. The original parts replaced during the various repairs have been retained for the future owner.
 
With its documented history, Hartge tuning and engine producing 235 ch according to the seller’s measurements, this E30 M3 is a particularly interesting example for enthusiasts of 1980s German sports cars.

History and documents

• First registered in 1989
• Delivered new in red, then repainted in Macao Blue 250 during the Hartge conversion at the BMW dealership where it was originally delivered
• Original purchase invoice for 365,760 francs, specifying a special paint finish
• First owner, who kept the car for around 15 years
• Serviced in Switzerland at Pius Buchs S.A., in Meyrin, until May 2000 according to the documents provided
• Taken over by BMW Bresse Auto Sport, in the Ain department, in August 2005
• Used for approximately two months by an employee of the dealership before being sold to the current owner
• Current owner since September 2005
• Approximately €45,000 invested in preparation and mechanical work; invoices available from the time the car left the dealership
• Service history and detailed invoices compiled in a folder
• Service books and historical documents available
• The seller states that genuine BMW parts were used wherever possible
• Serial numbers match, according to the seller
• Standard French vehicle registration document
• MOT valid until 5 May 2028

Condition

• Macao Blue 250 paintwork, custom-applied during the Hartge preparation
• Bodywork touch-ups carried out in 2020 on the lower front wings, wheel arches and side skirts at the lifting points
• Front wings removed during the work to inspect the bodywork and gain access to the side skirts
• Front and rear bumpers repainted
• A few minor scratches from normal wear and tear noted
• All original body panels are present
• Paintwork recently polished and protected with a ceramic coating
• Wheels recently repainted in grey, in accordance with the stated Hartge specifications
• Original yellow headlights damaged, replaced with white ones; two original round yellow headlights have been retained and are supplied with the car

• Original leather upholstery, according to the seller, regularly maintained to preserve its patina
• Carpets in very good condition
• New original BMW floor mats
• Two seat seams repaired by an upholsterer
• Seat tilt adjustment cable repaired
• Original windscreen and windows, engraved with the original registration number
• Grey headlining in very good condition
• Four original speakers
• Non-original car radio

• Alarm with siren and PIN code
• 16-inch five-hole alloy wheels, fitted with 225/45 R16 tyres
• Hartge aluminium spare wheel, with a 225/45 R16 tyre
• Opening rear window
• Electric front windows
• Velour carpets
• Mechanically adjustable leather rear headrests
• Headlamp washers
• Dipped-beam headlight adjustment
• Air conditioning
• On-board computer II with stopwatch, average speed, fuel consumption and temperature
• Roof-mounted aerial
• Original French-style yellow headlamps
• Limited-slip differential
• ABS
• Leather sports steering wheel
• Central locking
• Leather sports seats for driver and passenger
• Interior rear-view mirror with integrated reading light

The seller states that all equipment is in working order, with the exception of the headlamp adjustment button and the headlamp washers.
 

The mechanics

• 2.3-litre BMW S14 four-cylinder, 16-valve engine, producing 200 ch in its standard configuration without a catalytic converter
• Getrag five-speed manual gearbox, with first gear at the bottom left
• Limited-slip rear differential, serviced and recalibrated

• EPROM chip
• Single DTM-style windscreen wiper
• Hartge badges at the front and rear
• Aluminium anti-roll bar
• Engraved Hartge Bilstein shock absorbers
• Eibach short springs
• Hartge four-spoke steering wheel
• Hartge gear knob

• Group A Wössner pistons
• H-shaped connecting rods with ARP racing mountings
• Group A BMW camshafts
• Twin valve springs
• Machined cylinder head
• Replaced valve seat inserts
• Tuned intake and exhaust manifolds
• Nitrided and lightweight crankshaft
• New engine bearings and seals
• Balanced flywheel
• Oil pump recalibrated
• Timing chain guides and sliders replaced
• Modified timing chain tensioner
• Moving parts weighed with high precision
• Engine block painted in blue epoxy and rocker covers repainted
• Bench-tested, with a claimed power output of 235 ch
• Rev limiter set to 8,500 rpm

• High-flow fuel injectors
• Modified original exhaust manifold
• Maxx Automotive carbon fibre intake manifold
• Programmable control unit with Alpha-N sensor
• Completely overhauled cooling system: hoses, thermostat, engine and heater radiators, expansion tank
• Air conditioning compressor removed to allow installation of the carbon fibre intake manifold; original compressor and condenser retained

• Gearbox serviced
• Clutch master cylinder and clutch replaced
• Synchronisers and transmission flexer replaced
• Slight play in the gear lever knob, attributed to gradual wear of the gear selector linkage; the seller states that the gears operate correctly
• Rubber bushings on the rear control arms were replaced in 2007 with slightly off-centre units, designed to improve road holding
• Shock absorbers replaced with Bilstein Group N units
• The four original Hartge shock absorbers have been retained

• Aviation-type brake hoses
• Discs and brake pads replaced
• Brake fluid changed
• Air filter, spark plugs, engine oil, oil filter, fuel filter, tyres and spark plug wires replaced as part of routine servicing
• Oil changes carried out every 500 to 3,500 km according to the seller’s information
• Exhaust centre pipe replaced with a Powersprint stainless steel model
• Rear silencer replaced with a genuine BMW model with a polished chrome tailpipe
• Original exhaust and silencer retained

• Connecting rods
• Pistons
• Exhaust components
• Original yellow lights
• Fuel injectors
• Intake manifold
• Air flow meter
• Air conditioning components
• Four original Hartge shock absorbers