1989 BMW M3

This 1989 BMW M3 is a stock and well-maintained example with 146k miles. Diamond Black over black leather is a good combination, and the car was sold new in California where it has remained for most of its life. Its original 2.3-liter S14 shows good compression and received a proactive timing chain and guide replacement in 2014. Panels are original with VIN decals in place â?? other items of note include an A/C conversion to R134a and a new exhaust system. Panels are original and straight throughout, with matching VIN decals as photographed in the gallery below. Evidence of bodywork is limited to an area of the left rear quarter panel that shows barely-visible sanding marks from certain angles. Newer Yokahama S-drive tires are mounted on factory 15â?³ basketweaves with mild rash over stock brake calipers refinished in red.Outside, Diamantschwarz Metallic paint maintains a high gloss and looks to be in good condition overall. A handful of stone chips have resulted from highway use â?? other minor flaws are limited to a dime-sized dent in the hoodâ??s leading edge, a small and difficult to see indentation in the passenger door and spots of hazing on the nose from a protective bra as detailed in the gallery below.The windshield has been replaced with BMW logo OEM glass, and other windows are tinted against the SoCal sun. Both the rear wing and front bumper have been professionally resprayed to address crazing and chips, while the underside of the front valance retains some curb marks when viewed from below.There is no visible rust according to the seller â?? he provides detail photos of typical M3 problem areas, all of which look clean here. Exterior trim appears straight throughout and ellipsoid headlights and other lenses look clear, though one of the license plate lights is said to work intermittently.The interior is original and has stood up well to regular use. Covered from the California heat, the dash is free of cracks and houses clear M3-specific instrumentation, while the headliner is similarly clean with no sagging or marks. Stock controls including a pre-airbag Mtech 1 steering wheel and leather shifter with integrated boot are joined by factory trim which looks complete down to the BMW flashlight retained in the glovebox.The sport seatsâ?? center panels have been protected with BMW sheepskin â??vestsâ? â?? bolsters show mild wear for the mileage but none of the commonly-seen holes or tears, and new gas spring adjusters has replaced the tired original units. The sunroof works as it should in both open and â??crackedâ? positions, the windows operate smoothly with no regulator issues, and all are free of leaks. The onboard computer received new backlighting in 2014 and appears operational, though the check panel headlight warning illuminates intermittently.Air conditioning was converted to R134a at considerable expense in 2012, including a new compressor, receiver/dryer and hoses. An upgraded stereo system includes an Alpine head unit, trunk-mounted amplifier and Boston Acoustics speakers and tweeters mounted in unmodified factory enclosures all around â?? the working original stereo is also included and pictured below. Keyless entry and an alarm have been fitted, and the car is wired for a Valentine One radar detector to be mounted near the rearview mirror.Underhood, the 2.3-liter S14 retains a stock ECU chip and rests in a generally clean engine bay crowned by a BMP strut tower brace, which has a small crack in one weld. A timing chain and guide replacement was done as a preventative measure at 140k miles by the owner of Schneider Autohaus in Santa Barbara, at which time the valves were also adjusted.Recent compression readings indicate 212 to 198 psi, or less than 7% variance between cylinders. Other recent work includes a new starter and A/C compressor bracket â?? a spreadsheet covering further parts and maintenance items throughout the carâ??s history is included in the gallery below.The shift linkage on the Getrag 265 five-speed was rebuilt in 2012, which reduced a common 4,000rpm buzzing issue but didnâ??t eliminate it entirely. The transmission shows evidence of some weeping, while the differentialâ??s speed sending unit retains its factory metal tie. A valve cover leak was addressed in 2014 and the area near the timing chain tensioner plug is said to be dry.The unibody and chassis look tidy underneath â?? factory undercoating is largely intact and appears to have done its job well. The complete exhaust system was replaced in 2014 with a BMW muffler, O2 sensor and 50-state-approved catalytic converter and the carâ??s most recent California emissions check was passed last fall.The car maintains its factory ride height on stock suspension with Bilstein HDs installed in 2000 â?? all four wheel bearings were replaced at 126k miles, and the front end is described as tight and true. The brakes and clutch are due for fluid changes according to the seller, and the brake pad wear sensors are disconnected.