Photos provided by the vendor

highlights

Iconic E36 M3 Evolution with desirable 6-speed manual gearbox in the stunning combination of Techno Violet with grey leather interior
Exceptional documented service history with a considerable maintenance spend whilst under current ownership
Generously optioned from factory and supplied with original factory hard-top and stand
Fabulous 17-inch ‘Style 24’ alloy wheels benefiting from recent reconditioning
Recent interior leather reconditioning, now presenting to a very high standard

The Appeal

Launched in 1995 to widespread critical acclaim, the E36 M3 Evolution took the already brilliant M3 formula and turned everything up a notch. Building on the knowledge gained from their shared development work relating to the McLaren F1, BMW Motorsport brought in a raft of improvements to the M3, encompassing changes to the engine, gearbox, and suspension.

Key improvements included an increase in the engine capacity from 3 to 3.2 litres, a new Double Vanos system, and a new engine management system. These changes, in addition to numerous internal improvements to the engine, resulted in an increase in power from 286 BPH to 321 BPH. This increased grunt was also now delivered to the rear wheels via a new 6-speed Getrag manual gearbox, in place of the previous 5-speed unit.

Key suspension upgrades for the Evolution model included stiffer springs and shocks, stronger wheel hubs and increased front wheel castor to reduce oversteer. These changes, combined with a new quicker steering rack, took the handling of the M3 up to the next level.

The late-production example offered here is in the highly desirable combination of Techo Violet metallic with a grey leather interior. The subject of extensive recent spending and with lots of documentation detailing a cared-for life, this manual M3 coming out of long-term ownership presents a fabulous opportunity to get behind the wheel of a truly iconic BMW M car.

The History and Paperwork

V5C present
MOT valid until 10/11/2023
24 stamps in service booklet, by a combination of BMW and BMW specialists
Original specification sheet from BMW detailing numerous original factory options
Recent BMW specialist service January 2023, including an Inspection 2 service with valve shim adjustment and rear shock absorber replacement – totalling over £1000 spend
July 2021 – Clutch and flywheel replacement and diamond-cut refurbishment of alloy wheels – totalling over £1500 spend
Numerous invoices for servicing and preventative maintenance whilst under current ownership, detailed as per supplied photographs, amounting to a considerable spend.
Works including but not limited to: replacement of prop shaft centre bearing and rubbering coupling, gearbox selector shaft seal, air conditioning condenser, radiator and associated hoses, thermostat, water pump, throttle housing coolant hoses, power steering hoses and battery.
Recent braking system overhaul and previous suspension refresh
3 x BMW keys with remote fobs
Original owner’s manual and book pack

The Interior

Beautiful grey leather interior, benefiting from recent restorative treatment
All cabin equipment original from factory and operational without any reported faults
Optional polished burr walnut trim, heated and electrically operated front seats and climate control with upgraded sound system

Getting into the driver’s seat of this M3, you can immediately feel this car’s sporting intent. With a clear set of white on black analogue gauges upfront and other ancillary controls angled toward the driver, this truly is the 90’s interpretation of the ultimate driving machine.

The interior of this particular M3 really is a testament to the care and attention the car has received over the years. Presenting in virtually unmarked condition, the recently restored grey leather interior contrasts very pleasingly against the dazzling exterior paint colour.

Clearly a very highly optioned car from new, it’s great to see the interior in such original condition, especially given so many cars of this era have succumbed to ugly modifications at some point in their lives

The Exterior

Stunning Techno Violet paintwork in excellent condition and benefiting from a previous 3-stage ceramic treatment
Recently refurbished original 17-inch ‘Style 24’ alloy wheels shod in Avon ZV-7s with good tread
New folding hood fitted in 2018 and presenting in fantastic condition
Original factory hard top with stand supplied in matching body colour

The angular and purposeful design of the E36 comes from a simpler and more sophisticated time for BMW. Doing without the unnecessary fussiness that seems to afflict most modern BMWs, the E36 cuts a sleek profile and looks gorgeous whether the roof is up or down.

This car, benefiting from a paint correction process under current ownership looks very smart indeed, the paintwork and wheels dazzling in the sunlight. The vendor reports that, as would be expected in a car of this age, there has been some attention paid to the paintwork of the front and rear bumpers of the car, along with the rear arches. As can be seen from the photographs though, this has clearly been completed to a very high standard.

The Mechanics

3.2-litre straight six engine delivering 321 BHP to the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox
Fastidious attention paid to the mechanical upkeep of the car both in current and previous ownership as evidenced by ample documentation
Reported to be in excellent running condition and free of any significant leaks or mechanical concerns

The vendor reports that this E36 M3 is in fine mechanical fettle, and this would certainly be consistent with the substantial maintenance history provided with the car.

The car is reported to start first time and drive just as BMW intended, without any rattles or knocks from the engine or suspension. The car has been stored in a heated garage since current ownership began in 2013 and the vendor reports there is no evidence of any significant leaks or underbody corrosion.

Summary

A beautifully presented and original E36 M3 in desirable manual Evolution specification. The stunning condition of this car really does belie its age and mileage and presents a wonderful opportunity to get behind the wheel of an iconic BMW M3.

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