Highlights

Note to bidders: The M3 Evolution has developed an instrument cluster fault where the tachometer, coolant temperature gauge and fuel gauge aren’t functioning correctly. A 'Code 1' error also displays on the instrument cluster. The seller has had a replacement coding plug installed by a local shop (the original will be included in the sale) but the same faults are shown. The shop has advised that a BMW or equivalent specialist with access to BMW diagnostic tools will be able to resolve the issue.

In the same family’s ownership since 2004
Part of a small private collection, always garaged and used in dry weather
Standard unmodified late-model E36 M3 with manual transmission
Well-maintained with regular servicing and few miles since last service
Comes with a matching color hard top
MOT/roadworthiness status: valid until March 2027

The Appeal

The E36 brought the M3 into the mainstream. No longer a lightly dressed homologated race car, the newer model was built for the road and the result was one of the greatest sports coupes of the ’90s, if not of all time.

These were popular cars and, due to their many attributes, most have been driven hard. Not so this smartly presented late-model convertible. It’s the one you want too — manual transmission, facelift spec, factory standard throughout and in the right color combination. It has been in the same family since 2004 and has clearly been well cared for.

The paint, interior and bodywork are all in good order, which is supported by the long MOT/roadworthiness certificate that runs to March 2027. The history file shows regular servicing to 2022, with few miles covered since the last work. The factory-matching color hard top is included.

The seller says:

“The car has always been an absolute pleasure to drive, and invariably receives admiring glances or comments. It is regrettably only for sale as I feel my advancing years warrant making an adjustment to the small fleet of modern classic cars that I have had for a number of years.”

Key Information

Mileage: approximately 116,000 miles (last serviced at 115,672 miles in 2022)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Roadworthiness status: valid until March 15, 2027
Technical specs: 3,201cc six-cylinder, six-speed manual
Paperwork: history file containing 13 service records since 2002 and numerous additional invoices, handwritten service intervals, V5C

The vendor says:

“Vehicle has been part of a small private collection, used regularly whilst sparingly. Always garaged and used mainly in dry weather. I originally purchased the vehicle in 2004, since when it has been transferred within the family, and re-registered by myself in 2019. During this latter ownership it has travelled only some 500 miles and received a service at 115,672 miles in 2022. The major amount of the mileage on this vehicle was incurred in its earlier years when it was used mainly for longer distance journeys.”

The Detail

Popular blue metallic over gray leather color combination
Factory standard and well-kept car with tidy paint showing few marks
Blue folding fabric roof and matching hard top
Engine breather system and Vanos unit renewed at approximately 115,000 miles in 2019, along with associated sensors, hoses and O-rings, at a cost of approximately £2,500
Serviced at 115,672 miles in 2022
Vendor states the engine always starts first time and runs smoothly with no known faults
Only approximately 500 miles covered during the current ownership period since 2019
Seats re-leathered approximately six years ago in the original coloring, along with door cards
No visible rust or signs thereof
One very small scratch on the near-side rear, now difficult to detect after light polishing
Wheels described as being in very good condition with bright chrome
Hood in good condition, though a very small slit near the base of the rear window has been noted; the seller will endeavor to replace the glass before sale
Some marks visible on the interior from condensation during storage, which the seller believes would be resolved with a valet

The seller says:

“The vehicle presents as being in very nice condition, as borne out by the photographs. There is no visible rust or signs thereof, and one very small scratch on the near-side rear of the vehicle is now difficult to detect following a very limited amount of polishing. The wheels appear in very good condition with bright chrome, again as supported by photographs. The hood is in good condition, but a very small slit near the base of the rear window has just been spotted. Replacement glass is available, and an effort will be made to locate and replace this quickly. The vehicle also has a matching color hard top.”

“The interior of the car presents well, as per photographs. The seating was re-leathered some 6 years ago in its original coloring, together with the door cards. There are signs of marks in places caused by condensation while stored, which it appears would be solved when valeted.”

“Records are available in the document file showing that there have been 13 services carried out since 2002, to date. There are also numerous other invoices which demonstrate how the vehicle has always been maintained as necessary, regardless of cost. The engine has always started first time, and runs smoothly with no known faults. The car is factory standard to the best of my knowledge. At mileage of some 115,000 in 2019, the engine breather system and Vanos unit were renewed, along with associated sensors, hoses and O-rings, at a cost of some £2,500.”

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..

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