POTENTIAL PROBLEM AREAS:

-Front subframe design was weak.
Hard cornering and steering is responsible for this design flaw to effect. DO NOT use negative camber, and install a good quality-welded Aircraft-grade(T-34 Chrome-Moly)strut brace.
ie; Hartge, ACSchnitzer, BMW Motorsport(Carbon)

-Intake Leakes Like A Seive.
In 1980s BMW still used natural rubber compounds in their parts. Good then, for colder climes, but over the long run, heat and extremes crumbled rubber to a Bleu Cheese consistency. The metal, rubberized intake profile gaskets were corrected
sometime in 1992, and most newer ones found are considered reliable, being made now with synthetic
rubberlike, low durometer urethane.

-Brake Rotor Warpage.
Another BIG BMW design flaw. Cast too thin to be effectively turned(profit-motive HERE!), the sign of warped rotors were a NASTY SHAKE at speed, and
another NASTY SHAKE coming to a stop. The moment
you feel this - go out shopping for a set of ATE gas slotted discs, which are better than cross-drilled, and cheaper too! While you are at it -
get a can of Folia Tech heat-resistant enamel, to draw attention to your new stopping hardware.

These are the three MAJOR caveats of the 1988 E30 M3. Otherwise, collector values of this car are already on the rise, well-before this car has even reached classic car status(25years AFTER last prod.year)!

Zach
Looking For Cinnabar Red 1988 M3
Email, if available

what was the first year that the M3's were made? I saw an early one todayn (don't know the year) that was sharp.

First year in the USA was the 88 model
year, and in Europe it was the 87 model year.

Randy
89 325is