Now available at RMC Miami is an excellent example of a high level E30 M3 build. The base of this build was a fully factory 1988 example that showed no rust with good condition exterior and interior.

The original S14 ITB inline four power plant was swapped with an S52 inline six out of the later E36 M3 variant. The goal was to provide higher output in an OEM+ style – since an inline 6 is a familiar platform in the lower trim E30 models. However, the powertrain setup was taken one step further adding on a supercharger kit by Active Autowerke which boosts output to around 440hp on 91 octane fuel.

Many builds nowadays end after the powertrain setup is complete but the rest of this E30 M3 compliments what’s under the hood both functionally and aesthetically. KW V3 dampers, UUC sway bars and big wilwood brakes not only accommodate the extra two cylinders up front, but also add confidence and stability to the chassis with the doubled power output.

The exterior now boasts a simple modern but DTM-inspired look. A carbon fiber hood, DTM style lip and wing stick out from the Silverbau Metallic paint. Konig MK1 Arodisc wheels give a refreshed retro look to the rest of the build. Paired with a 200tw Falken tire, the big brakes and high end dampers, traction isn’t an issue.

The interior follows the trend as well – somewhat period correct but with confidence-boosting amenities. A set of Recaro Sportster CS seats with purple confetti trim matches the Coolerworx short shifter knob and door locks. A DND 330mm steering wheel starts off the view of the mint condition dash.

E30 M3’s are known for their driving sensation and this example is no different – except about double the horsepower. Although highly modified, the silhouette of suspension tuning keeps a very crisp non-hotrod feel to the car. All electrical, cooling and hydraulic components are fresh so the headaches you’d normally anticipate aren’t there. You get in, turn the key and enjoy.

The Stage 1 supercharger gives power in an instant – further reinforcing the OEM+ feel this build provides. There’s no turbo lag, no mishmash of functionality, no second guessing what the car will do. Rowing gears is a sensation with the chassis mounted short shifter and the close proximity to the steering wheel. The custom 2.5” header-back exhaust sings at WOT with not much rasp commonly heard from an S52.

MODIFICATIONS
Powertrain
E36 M3 S50 Engine & Transmission
Active Autowerke Stage 1 Supercharger
Custom 2.5” header-back exhaust
Coolerworx short shifter
Footwork & Chassis
KW V3 coilovers
UUC Sway bars & links
Chase Bays power steering kit
Chase Bays ABS delete
Wilwood 6-piston front 4-piston rear brakes
Wilwood 3-piece rotors front & rear
Wilwood steel braided brake lines
Konig MK1 Arodisc 17×8 +15 squared
Interior
Recaro Sportster CS adjustable bucket seats (purple trim)
Recaro sliders
Planted seat base
DND steering wheel with quick release
Stack data gauges
Carbon shifter surround
Exterior & Aero
Fiberworkz DTM front lip
Fiberworkz DTM rear wing element
Carbon fiber hood
Yellow tinted headlights