Sold – $17,000 (Plus fees)
Initially going on sale in America three years after its world premiere in 1992, the E36 M3 was designed and engineered to uphold the legacy of the E30 M3. Employed upon the new E36 chassis, the car was now longer and more powerful thanks to a larger straight-six engine. When new, the performance was lauded as an overall improvement contrasted to the outgoing M3, especially in regards to its daily usability. While often overshadowed by its predecessor, successor, and European cousin, the American E36 undeservingly bears unfavorable epithets relating to its seemingly muted performance. Nevertheless, drivers of these second generation M3 esoterically acknowledge them as confidence inspiring athletes. Available now is a one-owner M3 that ticks all the right boxes for BMW and underappreciated performance enthusiasts.
Built in the most desirable body style, a coupe, E36 M3 quintessentially personifies the early M-car hallmarks of enhanced performance via discretion. A slightly enlarged front apron with integrated spoiler, aerodynamically molded side skirts, a specifically-tailor rear bumper, drag-reducing side mirrors, and mild-tempered use of M badging all work together to generate tangible benefits without blatantly showcasing them. Finished in optional Arctic Silver Metallic (Arktissilber, 309), the paint is worthy of the best superlatives. However, two dents are present on the trunk lid, one on the front left fender, and another can be found above the left taillight.
Modifications to the exterior have been beautifully discriminating. DDM Tuning high-intensity projectors supplanted the stock headlight pods with clear turn signals supplying a crisp and clean European appearance. Up front, an enamel BMW CCA badge is affixed to the left grille. Currently, this M3 sits on a set of Style 39 wheels with newer Hankook V12 tires and a set of Style 23 wheels with Goodyear tires will be handed over with the purchase. Under regular servicing, Bilstein sport dampers were installed to improve handling performance, and a new foglight was installed.
Inside, black leather and plastics match with the deep black carpeting. Prominently, the leather Vader-style front seats offer manual and power adjustments with an added touch of individuality presented by leather tri-colored to match the M logo. The rear sits supply passengers with supply leather complete with a similar tri-color branding. Like the lower side bolsters of the front seats, the steering wheel leather has light contact abrasions. To protect the carpeting, custom floor mats with a silver leather-hemmed perimeter occupy the footwells in the front and rear.
Smartly optioned from the factory, our example has an electric sunroof, cruise control, a climate control system, onboard computer, and HiFi Harmon/Kardon sound system. It is to be noted that the original sound system has been superseded by a set of aftermarket speakers. The owner informs us that the original stereo LCD screen occasionally fades in brightness. Standard equipment includes a 160-mph speedometer, an 8,000 rpm tachometer, auxiliary gauges (fuel, coolant temperature, fuel efficiency) power windows, and power locks. Recently, the driver’s door window regulator was replaced.
In the United States, the 3.2-liter S52 straight-six engine made good on 240 horsepower with 236 lb-ft of torque. Downrated compared to international markets; the motor is still torquey and smooth. Available power is sent to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission and standard issue limited-slip differential (3.23:1 ratio). Near 50/50 weight distribution bestows exceptionally well-behaved handling characteristics to the M3. In preparation for the sale, the owner had an oil with filter change performed and the shifter linkage lubricated. Since new, this M3 has benefited from only Mobile 1 and Redline lubricants. The engine and engine bay remain entirely stock aside from upgraded fuel pumps and an upper strut-tower bar.
Sold new from Century West BMW in North Hollywood, California, as aforementioned this BMW has only had one owner for all 88,500 miles. Supplied with the sale is the original window sticker that details options, standard equipment, and its final retail price of $44,115 in 1998. Additionally, this M3 ships complete with all the service records retained inside of a folder. A clean Carfax report indicates no accidents or damages throughout its life and accompanies a clean title. The factory toolkit remains complete, and a fifth wheel accompanies each set of wheels (Style 39 and 23) for a spare. If you are in the market for a genuinely sublime ultimate driving machine, then this unsurpassed example of the regularly overlooked and uncelebrated E36 M3 is your ticket to motoring bliss.
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