Highlights

Rare Imola Red, manual, non sunroof variant
Extensive work worth over £10,000 carried out to bring the car to a high standard
~£6,500 spent on VANOS rebuild and rod bearing replacement
New Shadow Chrome alloys with powder-coated finish
Private registration included

The Appeal

The 3rd-generation M3 was such a hit that it ended up with a two-year waiting list. It had all of the hallmarks you'd expect - top-notch build quality, high-octane performance, and, of course, it's a very analogue experience, too. That's really helped seal it into the sports canon after twenty-three years - if you want a fearlessly traditional yet endlessly forward-facing modern sports classic, this is the perfect opportunity.

This impressive red example is a truly striking car. Plenty of work has been invested both inside and out, including a VANOS rebuild and replacement rod bearings. Bright Imola red, shadow chrome alloys and an extensive record of recent work carried out - it's got everything going for it, and has been kept in recent years in dry, heated storage. Now, it's ready and waiting for its lucky new owner.

Key Information

Mileage: 74,000 miles (indicated, unwarranted)
Country of registration: United Kingdom (private registration included)
MOT status: MOT until 28th January 2027 (no advisories)
Technical specs: 3.2-litre inline-six petrol, six-speed manual
Paperwork: Recent invoices for extensive mechanical and bodywork, rear subframe inspection photographs

Service history:

09/24 - mileage not recorded - Bodyshop, Thirsk - bodywork and paint rectification - £3,007.90
09/24 - mileage not recorded - Elsworth BMW Specialist - major service, VANOS work, con rod bearings, brake discs/pads, battery, headlamp level sensor, diff input seal, exhaust centre section, tyres, and tracking - £6,540.37

The Detail

VANOS rebuild and rod bearing replacement carried out
New brake discs and pads fitted all round
Rear subframe checked and reported in good condition, with photographic evidence included
Bodywork refinishing carried out, including various paint and finishing tasks
The vendor notes a couple of 3mm paint chips on the roof
All four alloy powder-coated in Shadow Chrome finish
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tyres fitted all round
New BMW OEM wheel centre caps fitted
Underside is in good overall order with light patina
New carbon wrap applied to the dashboard and door cards
No MOT advisories

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

Comments

RolsPol••••

5 hours ago

Hi, I have a few questions, please... Do you have the service book? Is it stamped? Including the 1,200-mile running-in service? Regarding the £3,000 bodyshop bill, were any of the "rust repairs" cut-and-weld (new metal) jobs, or were they surface grinds and treatments? Did the 2024 VANOS rebuild use uprated parts (e.g., Beisan Systems) or standard BMW OEM parts? The V5C suggests ownership since 2004. Can you confirm whether the car has been with the same owner for the last 22 years? Since the car was in storage for 6 years (2018–2024), was it started or serviced at any point during that period? Thanks.

simon-c••••

Seller

3 hours ago

I just noted you asked the former questions too. Pls see reply and will revert with greater detail by COB Friday. Apologies, but too busy at mo to collate

4 hours ago

I see the car was auctioned in April 2025. What is the reason for the relatively short-term sale after just 700 miles of use? Did the 2025 sale result in any further work being done beyond what was in the Elsworth invoice?

I also sold a Porsche 993 C4 manual Cabroilet on this platform last week. Also a like new VW camper, a rare 2000 Rover mini sport. Im sure there are others too but cant remember as im writing