Jay Kay's Former Competition-Spec BMW E30 M3 Heads to Online AuctionBackfire NewsEve NowellThu, September 24, 2026 at 3:11 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleJay Kay's Former Competition-Spec BMW E30 M3 Heads to Online AuctionA 1987 BMW M3 that once belonged to Jamiroquai frontman Jay Kay is headed to online auction, offering collectors a rare mix of celebrity history and track-ready performance.The white E30 M3 will be listed on Car & Classic, with pre-bidding opening Sept. 25 at 5 a.m. The auction closes Oct. 3 at 2:20 p.m. A trade seller based in Ireland is offering the car, which is now registered in the Republic of Ireland.The M3 was first sold new in Germany and registered by BMW Motorsport GmbH in July 1987. Over the following decades, it passed through several owners in Germany, spent time in France and Denmark, and was eventually imported to Britain before arriving in Ireland. Its odometer shows 189,941 kilometers, or roughly 118,000 miles.Related ArticlesThe 'Batman Returns' Hero Batmobile Is Headed to Auction, and $5 Million Is Just the Opening ArgumentOld Biker Dude Went Viral With About 100 Subscribers in 2023, and His Channel Now Sits at 315,000AdvertisementAdvertisementAlong the way, the car caught the attention of Jay Kay, the British singer known as much for his love of fast cars as for his music. The sale includes a photograph of the musician with the BMW, and video footage of him behind the wheel also exists.BMW specialist Classic Heroes later reworked the car into what it calls a competition-spec build, aiming for a machine fast enough for circuit days but still comfortable enough to drive on public roads. The shop carried out extensive work in 2017, replacing the water pump, gaskets, seals and drive belts, correcting timing chain components and repairing several electrical systems.Power comes from a 2.5-liter competition engine rated at about 260 brake horsepower at the flywheel. It is paired with a five-speed dog-leg manual gearbox fitted with a short-shift kit. Stopping power comes from a 330mm AP Racing brake setup with four-piston calipers, while a fully adjustable suspension system handles the corners.The exterior wears a livery inspired by BMW's factory team in the German touring car championship, known as DTM. It also features a carbon fiber adjustable rear wing, carbon fiber mirrors and three-piece BBS RS wheels.AdvertisementAdvertisementInside, a roll cage, Recaro seats and racing harnesses sit alongside the original dashboard, door cards and carpets. The car even retains a Kenwood stereo.The E30 M3 first appeared in 1986 as part of BMW's effort to qualify a car for Group A touring car racing. It has since become one of the most celebrated driver's cars of its era, with German-market examples especially sought after by collectors.The seller plans to deliver the car with a fresh National Car Test inspection. It is being sold as seen, without a warranty.Images Via: Car and ClassicSee the Car Here
