1997 BMW M3 Evolution (E36)

Highlights 

• Post-face lift Evolution model

• Rarer and more practical four door example

• 316bhp, 3.2-litre straight-six engine

• Six-speed manual gearbox

• Excellent BMW service history

• Recent specialist Inspection II service

• Low mileage for the year

Overview

You can be forgiven a fair amount when your engine is as good as BMW's S50 3.2-litre straight-six as found in the E36 M3. Perhaps a questionable design choice can be overlooked. Maybe sub-standard handling characteristics will be surreptitiously swept under the carpet and the topic of conversation hastily diverted when interior comfort and practicality comes up for discussion. The thing is though, in the case of BMW's second iteration of its venerable high performance sporting 3 Series, nothing has to be forgiven because it's all utterly superb.

From the subtle, muscular design to the exquisite chassis and analogue yet dynamic handling the boffins in Bavaria struck gold once more and the E36 M3 remains one of the best M cars to ever grace tarmac. Geared more towards a performance car for the road rather than the E30's track-focussed homologation disposition the E46 is a much easier car to live with yet still has the performance credentials to satisfy all but the most fervent of speed freaks.

Initially sporting a 282bhp, 3.0-litre version of the aforementioned straight-six, the E46 M3 benefited from a face lift in '95 which not only implemented certain design tweaks such as new wheels and clear indicator lenses but also meant an increase in engine displacement to 3.2-litres, along with the introduction of a six-speed manual and six-speed SMG gearbox. Known as the M3 Evolution power was now pushed to 316bhp and the car remains an utterly entertaining and hugely capable car to this day.

This particular post-face lift 1997 Evolution is the rarer four-door variant making it a sought-after model for those seeking a touch more exclusivity and indeed practicality from their E36 M3. Fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox the car comes with that all-important BMW service history and presents in decent original condition. With a major Inspection II service just completed by BMW specialists and a host of recent new parts the car is reportedly driving beautifully.

Yes there are a few minor issues to address, both aesthetically and mechanically; the bodywork carries some minor rust and blemishes, for example and the alloy wheels need a refurb, there are some slight oil leaks and problems with a few of the ancillaries (as noted as advisories on the current MOT) but the vendor reports that all of the car's imperfections are easily fixable and the car drives “like new” despite these infractions, evinced by a recent 500 mile round trip with the car displaying no issues whatsoever.

History and documentation

• 1997 model year

• Two keys

• Original alarm plus remotes

• Original book pack and wallet

• V5C present and correct in the vendor's name

• First registered 29 Aug 1997

• In current ownership since 15 Jan 2005

• Two former keepers

• Tracker

• BMW service history (excluding the latest specialist service) with original service book showing inspections at the following intervals: 1997 pre-delivery inspection, 1997 @ 1,307 miles (running in), 1998 @ 7,681 miles (oil), 1999 @ 13,951 miles (Inspection I), 2000 @ 21,345 miles (oil,brake fluid), 2001 @ 27,196 miles (Inspection II), 2002 @ 35,194 miles (oil), 2003 @ 44,818 miles (Inspection I), 2004 @ 55,348 miles (oil), 2004 @ 59,372 miles (Inspection II), 2006 @ 67,591 miles (oil,brake fluid,coolant), 2006 @ 74,431 miles (Inspection I), 2007 @ 82,030 miles (oil,brake fluid), 2013 @ 88,506 miles (Inspection II,brake fluid,coolant,microfilter), 2016 @ 91,186 miles (brake fluid), 2018 @ 94,928 miles (oil,brake fluid), 2025 @ 102,927 miles (Inspection II,brake fluid, specialist)

• Numerous receipts and invoices for parts, servicing and maintenance

• Last service (Inspection II) 15 Sep 2025 at BME specialist

• MOT until 10 Sep 2026

• HPI clear

• 103,529 miles

Interior

• The black leather with wood trim interior is in good shape overall with light wear and tear in places – especially high traffic areas – commensurate with the car's age and mileage

• All original

• Rear seats and carpets in excellent condition

• Vendor reports that everything works with the exception of the air conditioning 

• No signs of any damage

• Door cards and dashboard present well

• After market face-off Sony stereo/cassette with CD auto changer in boot

• Electric sunroof

• BMW torch in glove box

• No reports of any warning lights or missing pixels

• The boot area is tidy and the factory tool kit looks to be complete

•  First aid kit, warning triangle, jack and full size matching spare wheel present

• The engine bay presents honestly, if a little dirty in places

Exterior

• The bodywork looks to be solid and free from any significant damage

• All panel gaps appear to be uniform

• There are some minor marks and scratches to the paintwork

• No evidence of any major corrosion but there are some minor rust spots to the rear wheel arches and bottom of the doors

• The offside front fog light lens has cracked and condensation is present inside

• Vendor reports the front indicator lenses have recently been replaced 

• No apparent issues with any of the window glass

• The 17” Contour alloy wheels need refurbishing as there are some kerb marks as well as significant oxidisation in places

• The vendor reports that all tyres (Avons at the front, Falkens on the rear) are good with low mileage

• Vendor informs us that the recent service by Barkers (BMW specialist) completed an inspection of the chassis, reporting it as sound and in good condition

Mechanical

• 316bhp, 3.2-litre straight-six engine

• Six-speed manual gearbox

• Rear-wheel drive

• Limited slip differential

• 0-62mph in 5.5seconds

• 155mph top speed (limited)

• Recent Inspection II specialist service

• The vendor informs us of a  new radiator, recent viscous fan coupling, brake master cylinder, clutch master and slave cylinders and braided clutch pipe as well as a new ABS sensor

• Multiple MOT advisories to report, including minor play in steering rack, a couple of minor oil leaks, and corrosion to the brake pipes and suspension

• Oil level sensor not working on start-up and the secondary electric fan does not work (it is free) 

• Vendor reports the car starts straight up, drives extremely smoothly, stops well with no issues and working ABS, handles great and sounds like it did on day one 

Summary

Despite some minor issues to address this BMW E36 M3 Evo still represents an excellent opportunity to own one of Bavaria's best. Fast, well-balanced and comfortable, not to mention incredibly practical thanks to those two extra doors, the second-gen M3 remains one of the greatest all-round modern classic driver's cars. With '90s heroes still enjoying a renaissance this particular car could be an affordable entry for those prepared to put in a little extra effort returning it to its Bahnstorming best. 

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Godalming, Surrey.