This car was first registered in July 1993, it is now 30 years old and can be registered as a historic vehicle in some countries
Highlights
Comprehensively restored and in very original, factory-standard condition
Sold new in Andorra where it is still registered
Great example of one of the most revered versions of the iconic BMW M3
ITV certificate dated 16th December 2022
Scintillating performance and nimble, communicative handling
The seller offers up to 20 days storage for the buyer
The Appeal
The original M3 was a race car for the road, so thoroughly reworked over the standard 3 Series that the cars shared little in common. It established a template that later versions, like the E36, remarkably managed to improve upon.
For M3 enthusiasts the E36 is highly revered, a straight-six equipped road rocket that is both fast and nimble. It is one of the last ‘analogue’ BMWs before the introduction of high tech driver aids and assistance.
This 1993 E36 M3 has been comprehensively restored and is in very good, entirely factory standard condition. It looks great in Alpinweiss and its taut, purposeful stance clearly signals to any buyer that this is one of the most rewarding drivers’ cars of the last 30 years.
The History and Paperwork
Registered on 17th May 1993
Early pre-facelift car with later clear indicator lenses
Chassis records show:
WBS denomination denotes BMW’s M Division
BF91 shows this is a LHD M3 coupe with the 3litre engine
Built at Regensburn, Germany
Current Alpinweiss 2 (code 218) paintwork is factory correct
Specified with Amaretta Anthracite cloth interior (code 0470)
Built on Wednesday 28th April 1993
We did not have sight of the service history and paperwork when reviewing this car
Andorran registration shown in photographs
ITV documentation dated 16th December 2022
The Interior
Very original interior in good condition and retaining the classic E36 M3 trim items
Amaretta anthracite cloth and Alcantara seats (factory code 0470) in good condition, just some wear on the driver’s seat bolster to note
Steel sunroof model
Aftermarket quality Alpine stereo
Original M Sport wheel and gear knob showing only light signs of use
Light scuffs on driver’s seat back
Door trims and carpets in good condition for age and mileage
The E36 represented a serious step change over the previous generation of 3-Series and this is most obvious in the interior of this 1993 car. High quality and carefully designed around the driver, there is a sense of cohesion and clarity to the dials and switchgear.
The M3’s party trick was to look very similar to the other models in the range. Inside it is only a M Sport wheel and gear knob and lovely anthracite Alcantara and cloth Amaretta sports seats that give the game away. It is in very good condition for a 30 year old car, just some wear on the driver’s seat bolster detracting. This seat also has some light scuffs on the back that could be easily improved.
The door cards, switchgear and carpets are in good condition too. There is an aftermarket quality Alpine stereo fitted alongside the original factory in-car ‘computer’ offering driving data. The specification includes electric windows and a steel sliding sunroof.
The Exterior
Classic E36 coupe lines set the template for 3-Series BMWs to this day
Factory supplied in Alpinweiss 2 (code 218) white body and bumpers
Recently professionally resprayed and in good condition
Some deterioration of the passenger side front wing to note
Small chip on the white trim panel between wing and bumper on the passenger side front
Appears to be fitted with later clear indicators from a facelift car
Original factory alloys in good condition with matching spare, showing some light marks
The seller advisers that the headlamp washers are damaged and do not work
Four new tyres fitted 1,000kms ago according to the seller
Engine bay looks solid with clean, solid strut tops
Some areas of window trim are flaked and with lightly damaged rubber seals
Underside appears to be in good condition with light surface corrosion but not significant
Indicating BMW’s assault on the medium executive car market, the E36 was a radical departure from earlier 3-Series models, introducing a handsome profile that has informed every subsequent new version. The coupe is one of the nicest iterations of the shape, long and low as you want from a very capable rear-drive sports car.
The M3 makeover involved changing little of the car’s exterior appearance, just a lower stance, discreet badging and exclusive wheels betraying its intent to the initiated. Which ensured surprise was the M3’s secret weapon.
This car has been recently resprayed in Alpinweiss, the same colour as it left the factory in April 1993. It is a great, discreet colour for the car and the paintwork is even, deep and in generally very good condition. There are just a couple of points to note on the passenger side front arch, where there are small bubbles on the bottom edge and a chip on the trim panel at the leading edge. One of the black window trims has a small area of flaking and the window rubbers are lightly damaged in places, but these would be easy fixes.
Elsewhere the condition is very presentable, including the glasswork and badging. The car sits on factory standard alloys with new tyres. It appears to have been converted to the later clear lenses of facelift cars.
We are told that the headlamp washers are damaged and do not work, Otherwise this is a highly presentable, very standard M3 in arguably one of the nicest colours.
The underside appears solid with some deterioration of the underseal and light surface corrosion. There is nothing untoward visible in the photographs but it could likely be improved by a wire brush and underseal regime.
The Mechanics
Standard car with the superlative S50 BMW in-line 6cyl 3litre engine
Standard European specification cars develop around 286bhp
0-60mph in around 5.5secs
M3s got stiffer springs and bigger brakes to provide a sharper driving experience
Exhaust system completely replaced recently including catalysers (OEM spec)
5spd manual transmission, new transmission mounts, new guilbos and balancing of driveshaft in February (see invoice in gallery)
Rear wheel drive with excellent weight distribution
Beloved by enthusiasts as it is one of the last ‘analogue’ BMWs with few driver aids
The E36 was the first 6cyl M3, a naturally aspirated, torquey power plant that delivered around 286bhp in European spec. For that it is revered, but also for the way the power is put on the road and the car communicates with the driver. This is one of the last ‘analogue’ BMWs before clever technology and driver aids were gradually introduced.
Alongside the cosmetic refresh there has been recent investment in this car’s mechanicals. We are told that the transmission has been overhauled, including refreshing the fluids. The car also has a complete new exhaust system, including catalysers, sourced to original factory specification and 4 new tyres.
Summary
The E36 M3 is one of the best-loved iterations of this long-lived model. In turn that makes it one of the greatest BMWs of all time, and certainly up there amongst the finest of all drivers’ cars. Nimble, tactical and quick it came at a sweet spot in BMW’s history before the advent of high technology driver aids.
This Alpinweiss 1993 M3 has been lavished with investment covering its cosmetics and mechanical. It presents as a very usable, highly standard example of this rewarding drivers’ car and is surely a treat for any buyer.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
