E30 BMW M3 | Buyer’s Guide

Hagerty’s Editor-at-Large Sam Smith explores what makes the E30 BMW 3 Series, including its M3 variant, such a beloved classic -- from its engineering and racing history, to its innate handling and dynamics. He’ll also detail what you need to know about buying, owning, and maintaining this iconic sports sedan.


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Episode chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:42 The origin story
02:01 The meaning of M
02:22 Vehicle overview and buying tips
03:20 The devil is in the engine details
06:17 Interior in-betweens
07:55 M3-specific details
09:57 Shop talk
11:48 Hagerty Valuation Tools
12:38 Sam Smith’s final thoughts

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[tymobyrne]

Bought a 325e new in 1984 for my mum, still have the car and my mum, life is grand.

[dion_aldi]

The crazy price of the e30 M3 has bumped up the value of my pos four door 318i e30 😎

[pixelpoppyproductions]

I’ve lived and breathed E30s for 20 years - this was one of the best researched, no BS videos on these cars I’ve seen in a long time. Honestly a lot of this information applies to any E30 as well (details matter!).

If you like the E30 M3, but the price is way out of your reality (it is for me!) - regular E30s are just as fun, and at least somewhat affordable. Parts are still mostly available new, although getting harder, and basic maintenance is still pretty affordable. They are also extremely easy to work on and the modification potential is endless.

[derekb]

I've owned two of these cars. One was a 1988 with around 40k mi when I bought it that needed a partial restoration. The other (one I still own now) is another 1988 with 310, 000 mi. Let me just say that I have never had the desire to own two of the same car, especially at the same time. This one I did. There is no other car that drives like it. Period.

Are they the fastest? No. That's not what matters. It is HOW it drives. It will make an amateur feel like a professional. It is that good. Yes the prices are high. But I would pay all day long to own one of these cars for as long as I could. Some get it....some don't. But if you do, you truly know how special these cars are.

[ScoutingForZen]

Arguably the definition of durable vs reliable. Great video Sam!

[randy]

My dream car right there. Got to drive one before, it's very lively and has great grip and turn in

[john_dee]

Holy cow, the research that goes into their videos like this is something else! :)

[gianlucacisaria]

This is gonna hopefully be my first car, always loved the car and what an impact it has made, BMW needs to make this model again as a heritage model

[AaBb-zjld]

my rule of thumb never by anything with a $400 piston.

[kajbkkm]

I had a 86 E30 320i. Its was the best. Now I drive a 04 330ci E46. I need this E30 M3 more than anything. The styling, the sound, the 80s vibes. Its just perfect.

[johnwilliammaxwell]

Informative, interesting, and entertaining. 10/10

[coburn_karma]

My 1990 E30 M3 Alpine White is out there in the world putting a smile on that driver's face everyday like it did for me for 10 years. Sold it in 2000 to a mechanic friend after the cost of ownership was just too much to handle. It had 220K original miles on original timing chain. Last I heard he partially rebuilt the S14 engine, then sold it back to Advantage BMW downtown Houston, TX . It was fun while it lasted.

[NachoChurro]

This is my motivation to buy for my father. Ill be gunning for the mercedes

[fw]

Looks just like the 88 M-3 I owned, except I had the Cardinal Red leather interior. I kick myself 3 times a day for selling it!😡

[akbarhoosain]

Hi that car must park in a glass cabinet, I just love it, ,
I have a e36 m3 since new parked off, but yours is the king of m3's

[DannyyFilms]

Seen a couple in my area for 5-10k been looking for my first car and this one has been my dream first one sooo clean

[johnnieguitar]

Excellent video! Very helpful comments about the maintenance required for that engine, and the potential problems a poorly-maintained car would give you.... $$$ and parts supply.

[Superbayfactory]

I did not know about the vertical stitching, learn something new everyday thank you!!! I've worked on a few and we all assume we know it all.

[randychang]

Love the details in this video as compared to the previous ones. Good stuff!

[DonBMW]

Beautiful car but past my time. I grew up w E36 and forward. Purchased a few E36, M Coupe and E46 M3. Have a small little collection that is awesome to own and drive. Am considering adding a E30 M3, but the cost alone would exceed the value of my collection. That’s madness!!