Rare BMW M3 Convertible at Portuguese RM Sotheby’s Sale

There is no doubt about the collectibility of the E30-era M3. Most any example leads the way in establishing its youngtimer legend status, but even amongst those we’d argue this example that’s offered as part of RM Sotheby’s Sáragga Collection sale is pretty unique.

For starters, this is an M3 Convertible. While the hardest core of gear heads may prefer the chassis rigidity of a coupé, the Convertible (of which just 786 were built between 1986-1992) is the more rare collector car. This one is BMW Alpine White with black leather and original factory hard top.

Maybe that doesn’t augment it to Evo status, but this car’s got one more interesting bit of spec to it. This particular M3 Convertible is built to “BB05” spec, which means it has no catalytic converter.

Back in 1990, it seems that while the countries in Northern Europe were beginning to get wound up about emissions, the Spanish market was taking more of an “asi-asi” approach. Catalytic converters weren’t required, meaning a few more horsepower and a bit more of that incredible sound.

The RM Sotheby’s background on the car is as follows.

One of only 786 convertible examples that were built between 1986 and 1992, this 1990 M3 Cabriolet benefits from the later 212 bhp iteration of BMW’s S14 2.3-litre engine, which became standard fare for European-delivery M3s in September 1989 and is mated to the dogleg version of Getrag’s 265 five-speed manual transmission, unique to European examples. Furthermore, it is one of just 12 ‘BB05’ M3 Cabriolets built for the Spanish market without catalytic converters.

Built in May of 1990, it presents wonderfully throughout, benefitting from recently renewed brakes, exhaust system, and a new soft top in the correct factory material. Since new, the car remained in Spain until its purchase by Mr. Sáragga, who is believed to be the third private owner.

BMW’s E30 M3 is considered to be one of the best driver’s cars of the 1980s, and this convertible example is already a modern classic in every sense, ready to be enjoyed by its next owner.

This BMW M3 Convertible goes up for auction on September 21 as part of the RM Sotheby’s Sáragga Collection sale in Portugal. Find more about it HERE. Photos courtesy RM Sotheby’s.