Sometimes the pieces just don’t fit, even if they’re good pieces. Â We’ve explored this theme (or lack thereof) a few times, most notably the over-accessorized 740i and the “magnet” Yellow E30 M3 with a turbo S52. Â Today’s find is a combination of the two, with the confused style of the 740 and an S52 all imposed on an otherwise unsuspecting E30 M3.
It’s not all bad. Â Sacrilegious as it may be, an S52 and 6-speed in an E30 must be awesome. Â It’s backed up with other fun goodies like E36 brakes and steering, coilovers, etc. Â Really the biggest highlight about this car is simply the fact that it’s an E30 M3; again, it’s not all bad.
But it’s mostly bad. Â All of the swapping and “scrubbing” transmission strike fear in the heart of the maintenance-minded and livid ire from the E30 crew. Â Even if I liked Hartge wheels, 19s are much, much too large for an E30 and much too bright amidst the (also dubious) smoked theme. Â And I know nearly every one of these cars has a rough drivers seat, but this one is truly cringe-worthy. Â And $14,500 for this? Â We all know E30s are collectible pieces of automotive gold, but this seller has only decreased its value and collectibility.
The thing that really grinds my gears is that this E30 M3 went from a car that was magically and uniquely greater than the sum of its parts to one that is the exact opposite. Â I’m sure its parts could do well on another auto; they just don’t belong here, nor do they fit together. Â Make a reasonable eBay offer, sell the parts, and try again.
-NR