Highlights

Post-facelift 3.2-litre example with a six-speed manual gearbox
No expense spared on maintenance and dry-stored during seven years of present ownership
Full underside restoration in 2019 with preventative rear subframe reinforcement
Comes with original factory-fitted hardtop and a rarely used soft top
Includes all original booklets, wallet, and four keys, including a rare plastic valet key
MOT until 25th February 2025 with no advisories

The Appeal

If you're looking for an analogue M3 experience, the E36 has to be on your radar. Big, naturally aspirated straight-six engines, manual gearboxes and not a distracting infotainment screen in sight, M3s of this era are true to BMW's legendary slogan - "the ultimate driving machine."

This 1997 M3 Evolution S50B32 was built in July 1997. It's a post-facelift example, boasting a 321bhp, litre engine paired to a six-speed manual gearbox. Cosmos black paint over a black leather interior completes the ensemble, showing off those classically German lines by Claus Luthe.

The vendor has owned (and garaged) their M3 for seven years. Initially, they used it to commute to North Yorkshire (twice a week for three years), but they now enjoy it more sparingly.

During present ownership, a great deal of work has been carried out, including full underside restoration in 2019 with preventative rear subframe reinforcement. A full account of the work provided by the vendor is included under 'The Mechanics' below. They've also kept every booklet and wallet from new and all four original keys, including the ultra-rare plastic valet key.

Complete with an advisory-free MOT, regularly serviced and reportedly wanting for nothing mechanically, this E36 M3 is ready for a new custodian.

History and Paperwork

UK market RHD example
MOT until 25th February 2025
143,000 miles (mostly accrued on motorways)
In current ownership for seven years
No expense spared on mechanical upkeep during current ownership
The vendor notes: "During my ownership I have replaced many new parts to maintain roadworthiness as I used it to commute to work and needed reliability"
Comprehensive service history from years prior to current ownership
Reportedly includes every booklet and wallet from new
Comes with all four original keys, including a rare plastic valet key

The Condition

Presents very well overall for its age and mileage
Cosmos black paint presents well for its age, with some stone chips and minor scratches noted
Extended black leather interior remains in good condition with minimal bolster wear
Manual soft top in good condition with a new headliner fitted in 2021
Soft top rarely used but in good condition with no holes or leaks
Original factory-fitted hardtop included and currently fitted
All four jacking mounts and underside are reportedly in solid condition with no corrosion

The vendor notes that if they were keeping the car:

"I would have the bumpers resprayed to get rid of stone chips and minor scratches from 26 years on the road (all shown on pics). A cut and polish would really bring the car up to showroom condition. Paintwork correction can be arranged for the new owner at cost (quoted £350) if required."

The Mechanics

3.2-litre straight-six producing 321bhp
Six-speed manual transmission
Full underside restoration in 2019 with reinforced rear subframe and diff cradle - known weak points on these cars
Extensive list of parts replaced; see list provided by the vendor below
Reconditioned six-speed gearbox and new clutch kit with brass clutch release pin upgrade
Regularly serviced with engine oil and filter changed every year
The vendor adds: "I regularly start and run the car up to temp’ to keep it ready to go if needed and the battery in good order"

Work completed/parts replaced reportedly include:

Differential mounts
Differential cradle (reinforced)
Reconditioned differential (by Heasman diffs)
Diff cover plate and diff oil
Exhaust
Front control arms and brackets
Bonnet release cable
Window regulators
Rear chamber arms
Intake manifold plenum and hose
Idle control valve
Spark plugs
Complete Vanos restoration with new gears, seals and sensors (by Mr Vanos)
Crankshaft sensor
Crankshaft oil seal
Eengine mounts and brackets
Rocker cover gasket
Pre-cat lambda sensors
Battery, rear wheel bearings
Front and rear drop links
Handbrake cables
Front and rear suspension shock absorbers and springs (Bilstein, Eibach
Front and rear topmounts and bump stops
Front propshaft guibo coupling
Centre propshaft bearing
Drive shaft bolts and brackets
Braided steel brake lines
Brake discs and pads all round
Brake fluid renewal
Front brake vents
Undertray
Intake airbox
Heatshield vent and filter
Reconditioned gearbox and fresh fluid
Sach dual mass flywheel
Luk clutch kit with brass clutch release pin upgrade
Alternator
Water pump
Many vacuum lines and coolant pipes and coolant

BEFORE YOU BUY

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