Rare S14 powered BMW Motorsport variant - Fastidiously maintained, original specification Such is the scarcity of the BMW 320is that even many E30 enthusiasts are unaware of its existence, and sightings on UK roads remain exceptionally rare.

Developed exclusively for the Italian and Portuguese markets to comply with local taxation laws, it was no ordinary E30.

BMW’s Motorsport division tasked legendary engineer Paul Rosche—the architect of the early M engines—with reimagining the S14 powerplant from the M3 into a 2.0-litre form.

Rosche shortened the crankshaft stroke (72.6mm vs.

84mm), lengthened the connecting rods, and fitted rally-derived exhaust headers, resulting in an engine producing only 3bhp less than the M3’s 2.3-litre (192 vs.

195bhp) and just 15lb/ft less torque (155 vs.

170).

To preserve the car’s balance and response, BMW coupled the engine to a close-ratio dogleg gearbox and a 25% limited slip differential with shorter 3.46 ratio, ensuring it stayed firmly in its ...