1988 BMW 320is (E30)                                        ...

Hammer

£23,214

1988 BMW 320is (E30)                                                      
Registration Number: E446 WEX
Chassis Number: WBAAK950602801092
Recorded Mileage: 155,000 miles (249,600km)

- Rare S14 powered BMW Motorsport variant
- Fastidiously maintained, original specification

Such is the scarcity of the BMW 320is that even many E30 enthusiasts are unaware of its existence, and sightings on UK roads remain exceptionally rare. Developed exclusively for the Italian and Portuguese markets to comply with local taxation laws, it was no ordinary E30. BMW’s Motorsport division tasked legendary engineer Paul Rosche—the architect of the early M engines—with reimagining the S14 powerplant from the M3 into a 2.0-litre form.

Rosche shortened the crankshaft stroke (72.6mm vs. 84mm), lengthened the connecting rods, and fitted rally-derived exhaust headers, resulting in an engine producing only 3bhp less than the M3’s 2.3-litre (192 vs. 195bhp) and just 15lb/ft less torque (155 vs. 170). To preserve the car’s balance and response, BMW coupled the engine to a close-ratio dogleg gearbox and a  25% limited slip differential with shorter 3.46 ratio, ensuring it stayed firmly in its rev band. The S14 featured individual throttle bodies, machined intake and exhaust ports, and a crankshaft with eight counterweights, creating one of the most precise and charismatic four-cylinder engines of its era.

The genius, however, was in its placement: the S14 was dropped into the lightest E30 chassis available. Weighing just 2,623 pounds, the 320is is a remarkable 242 pounds lighter than the M3, giving it a 7.3% better power-to-weight ratio and a similarly tangible improvement in agility. Contemporary testers in Auto Motor und Sport noted that from 40–100 km/h in fourth gear, the 320is was faster than the M3 -12.8 seconds versus 13.6 -praising its smoother revving nature and concluding, “Less is indeed more.”

Externally, the 320is wore the same BMW-fitted M-Technic II body kit as the later 325i Sport, giving little clue to the race-bred machinery beneath. The engine sat far back against the bulkhead for optimum weight distribution, resulting in handling precision and poise that many consider superior to the M3 itself.

This particular example, finished in Dolphin Grey Metallic, was imported from Italy in the early 2000s, and has covered approximately 50,000 kilometres since. It is accompanied by a comprehensive history file, charting enthusiast-ownership, consistent maintenance and specialist care, including recent major servicing, dash cluster refurbishment, new suspension springs, and seat shock replacements, all undertaken by Munich Legends and Munich Motors, two of the UK’s leading marque specialists.

The vendor has invested considerable effort in enhancing every aspect of the car, whilst maintaining its original factory specification, sourcing components directly from BMW. Today it presents in largely original specification, the only deviations being a carbon air box and a stainless-steel exhaust system. The bodywork is extremely straight and well preserved, and the interior remains in excellent order, showing only light wear.

A rare opportunity to acquire one of BMW’s most elusive E30 variants. With its balance, pedigree, and rarity, a very nice example of one of BMW’s most engaging and collectible driver’s cars.