This $100k E30 M3 was sleeping for 10 years but has awoke from it's slumber

Published on Jun 24, 2025 at 2:37 AM (UTC+4)
by Callum Tokody

Last updated on Jun 24, 2025 at 11:43 AM (UTC+4)
Edited by Tom Wood

This $100k E30 M3 is now undergoing a full classic BMW restoration, with YouTuber Tavarish uncovering several faults in the M3 engine after years of storage.

The BMW restoration project began after the car was found sitting for more than a decade.

As a classic BMW, the E30 M3 holds a unique place in motorsport history and continues to grow in value.

Despite its reputation, this example needs far more than just cosmetic care.

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uncovering what 10 years of storage did to a $100k E30 M3

When Tavarish found the $100k E30 M3, it was buried in dust and fitted with dry-rotted tires.

The exterior showed mismatched panels, and a closer inspection revealed remnants of a racing past.

Underneath, the car had aftermarket suspension, stainless brake lines, and a removed roll cage.

Most critically, the M3 engine had a broken injector lodged in a cylinder, and the ECU was suspected to be compromised.

Compression results were mixed, and although the engine ran, it struggled to idle consistently.

The E30’s undercarriage told a similar story.

The chassis remained rust-free, which is rare for a classic BMW, but the wear was obvious.

A fuel leak during testing, pitted cylinder walls, and brittle hoses signaled the need for a deep mechanical overhaul.

According to advice Tavarish received, a BMW restoration of this scale involving the S14 engine could range from $15,000 to $40,000 due to the limited parts availability and specialized labor required.

the future of this BMW restoration is still uncertain

Whether or not Tavarish proceeds depends on whether he buys the $100k E30 M3 outright.

So far, he has invested time into diagnostics and minor repairs, but a full restoration would require a financial commitment.

While the M3 engine issues are fixable, they come at a high cost, and the value of the finished product might not justify the investment if the car remains someone else’s property.

Still, the appeal of the E30 M3 is undeniable.

For enthusiasts of classic BMW models, this project offers a rare opportunity to restore a true motorsport icon.

Whether Tavarish keeps going or steps back, the story of this $100k E30 M3 reflects the fine line between passion project and financial risk.

Watch the full restoration here.

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Callum Tokody is a content writer at Supercar Blondie, where he covers the latest in the automotive world with a focus on design and performance. Callum has a background in automotive journalism and has contributed to a range of publications in Australia and the UK. Outside of work, he’s a design enthusiast with a soft spot for anything with a V8 and a good story.