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.
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."
"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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