M – One of the most powerful letters in the automotive industry. As soon as you see this character adorning any BMW you know that you’re about to have an unforgettable experience.
In 1992 BMW launched the next generation of its high-performance sports coupe, the E36 M3. With more power and increased comfort, the E36 was a huge step forward for the M3. In 1995 BMW engineers fettled the S50B30 engine, increasing displacement to 3.2L which resulted in an increase in the power figure. Now boasting 321hp from factory with a new 6-speed manual gearbox and improved brakes the facelift version of the E36 is certainly the one to go for.
This example looks to be a very clean example, presented in Estoril blue with a light leather interior it is certainly a looker. The saloon was launched in November 1995 in right-hand drive and only 694 were ever built, making this a well coveted example.
The History and Paperwork
First registered in August 1996
The only paperwork present on the day was its most recent MOT
Expiring in June 2024 it picked up on a few advisories
Looking at the available online MOT data we can deduce that this car has been used sparingly
From 2017-2023 the car has covered less than 1,000 miles
It was mentioned on the day of the photos that this car has recently been through a full-service
Now it is your chance to add to this car’s history
The Interior
Upon opening the door, you are met with a well presented interior
The leather seats are finished in a lovely light, almost ivory, colour
All of these seats are present without any rips, tears, or staining
The front seats are both multi-way adjustable so you can get your perfect seating position
In between the front seats is a comfortable armrest for those longer drivers
In front of you, the driver is a nicely presented 3-spoke steering wheel
To the left of this, you’ll find all of the buttons on the centre console
Surrounded by dark wood veneer it looks rather classy
This veneer is in good condition all round, with only some minor cracking to the handbrake handle
Just below the Alpine stereo are all of the heater controls and just below that is the trip computer/clock
All of the light grey plastic trims are in great condition
This condition is also mirrored by the grey headliner
There was an area of trim just below the glove box that would not behave for the photoshoot
This should hopefully be easy to tuck back up into place before you drive away
Heading towards the boot we are met with a space large enough for a few weekend bags
Trimmed in the same dark grey carpet as the interior floors it looks well-presented
Back here you’ll find the obligatory BMW toolkit on the boot lid
There are a few tools in here but some of the originals appear to have been mislaid at some point
Underneath the boot floor, you’ll find a full sized spare wheel and jack
Overall, the interior is presented in good condition
You shouldn’t need to spend any time getting this up to your standards, it is ready to enjoy
The Exterior
The good news continues externally with this E36
This example is presented in very good exterior condition
Finished in this stunning Estoril Blue it really stands out when the sun hits it
Offered for a short period as a saloon these variants are rarer than coupes
On each corner, you’ll find a well-presented 17-inch M alloy
There doesn’t appear to be any curb marks or other damage present on these alloys
The silver colour complements the Estoril Blue beautifully
A walk around of the exterior didn’t highlight any areas of paint bubbling or other rust
There are some images from underneath this M3 which again paint a positive picture of its condition
The exterior of this M3 is far more sporty than other E36 3 series on sale at the time
The M3 benefits from a rear spoiler, sculpted side skirts, and a front splitter
These additions make this M3 look very aggressive
There are some slight stone chips to the front portion of the splitter but nothing you wouldn’t expect
For a car of its age and mileage, the exterior of this E36 M3 is in very good condition
The Mechanics
The facelift E36 M3 left the factory with 321 of the finest German horses
This power was produced by the new 3.2L S50B32 inline-six engine
With independent throttle bodies and twin-Vanos units, it is a beast of an engine
The engine in this M3 has just been through a full service so runs well
On the day of the photos, the car started up quickly and easily
It would then purr away quietly on idle
After warming up it was maneuvered into place and moved around as required
During this process it performed well, slipping into first and reverse with no issues
There was a slight issue with the ignition barrel, but this should be fixed before you acquire the car
Overall, the mechanical elements of this E36 M3 appear to be in fine fettle
Without a large body of invoices or other paperwork, it is difficult to comment on any previous work
Summary
If you are after a practical modern classic sports saloon, then look no further than this E36 M3 4dr. It’s presented for sale in very good overall condition, with its Estoril Blue paintwork is complemented well by the light leather interior.
Recently going through a full service this car is ready to hit the road. Wherever you take this car you’ll be creating some amazing memories for years to come.
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:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
