1988 | BMW 320is

• The 'Italian' M3
• A rare example of a true 90's Q car
• Recent mechanical overhaul
• Great agile & fast four door saloon
• 1 of just 1.205

THE 'ITALIAN' M3

The BMW 320is is one of the least well-known variants of the BMW E30 – one of the most popular model lines in the German marque’s 104 year history. People who are familiar with the E30 with probably also be familiar with the 318is and the 325is variants, essentially the sporting versions of the model that sit under the ultimate version of the E30 – the BMW E30 M3.

With both the Italian and Portuguese governments imposing harsh taxation policies on cars with an engine capacity of over 2 litres, it was hardly surprising that European manufacturers would develop performance models for their clients in these markets to overcome the rules. Following the example set by Ferrari with the 208s, BMW’s E30 M3 just fell afoul of the tax rules with its 2.3 – 2.5 litre engine so the 320is was born. Using a de-stroked version of the M3’s S14 engine, the 320is’ capacity came in at 1,990 cc with power only slightly down at 192 bhp, aided by a higher compression ratio than the M3. In addition to the engine, the M3’s Getrag 265 5-speed gearbox was used along with a limited-slip differential with a shorter ratio than its more famous cousin.

In true ‘Q car’ fashion, the flared wheel arches of the M3 were left off, with an M-Technic II aero package being the only sign to passers-by that this was not an ordinary 320. Further features included ‘Sportfahrwerk’ suspension and various subtle details such as an M3 instrument cluster without the red needles or M-division logo. Despite BMW’s intentions, only 2540 two-door examples left the factory at Regensberg making the 320is one of the rarest BMWs of the era.

THIS 320iS

Offered from a client's collection, this 320is is an original ‘AC95’ Italian-delivery 4-door example. Delivered in Delphin Grau Metallic, this 320is presents very well today with around 106,000km on the odometer. An extremely clean example throughout the exterior, interior and engine bay, this 320is is accompanied with its correct tools. 

The car recently received a mechanical overhaul including dampers, discs, brakes, fluids,...

The 320iS is a remarkably rare version of the hallowed E30-generation 3-Series that was produced solely for the Italian and Portuguese markets, and has often been nicknamed the ‘Italian M3’. Designed with a shorter stroke version of the S14 engine mated to the M3’s Getrag gearbox, this handsome sporting saloon was described as an “ultra-collectible M3-lite” by Road and Track. Offered for sale in excellent mechanical condition, this E30 would make a natural addition to any collection of BMWs as well as an involving weekend plaything.