www.QV500.com - BMW E30 M3 Part 3: M3 2.3 Evolution II
 
The Evolution II was available from March 1988 and featured far more extensive revisions than the basic aero kit seen on 1987’s Evolution I. Changes were focused on increasing power and saving weight, output of the Evo II rising by ten per cent. 220bhp was now on tap at 6750rpm, this gain coming mainly thanks to hot new camshafts and pistons, a compression ratio upped to 11.0:1 and re-mapped Bosch Motronic engine management. A new air intake tube for the engine and taller final drive ratio further differentiated the Evolution II as did the engines distinctive white cam cover and plenum chamber.
 
Lightweight parts were used for the front and rear spoilers, bumper supports, flywheel, rear screen and side windows, the Evolution II’s 0-60 time falling to 6.2 seconds whilst that taller final drive ratio resulted in a top speed of 152mph. Wider 16-inch BBS alloy wheels and low profile Pirelli tyres were fitted, customers being afforded the choice of three exterior body colours – Macau Blue, Nogaro Silver or Misano Red. Produced between March and May of 1988, 501 were nuilt, all of which featured unique silver grey checked cloth trim and leather seat bolsters with Motorsport tricolour flashes on the seat backs. Each car was also fitted with a numbered plaque located ahead of the gearshift.