1998 BMW M3 Coupe Evolution (E36)

Highlights

• Facelift Evolution model with increased performance
• Six-speed manual gearbox
• Excellent main dealer and specialist service history
• Vanos refreshed
• In excellent original condition throughout
• Long, advisory-free MOT
• Personalised M3 registration included

Overview

The E36 M3 marked a bit of a change when it came to BMW's high performance version of its hugely successful 3 Series. The E30 M3 was very much geared towards competition, with the car being a true homologation special, built so that the Germans could compete in Group A racing and the results speak for themselves. Second time around, however, the big wigs in Bavaria were less concerned about track success, instead preferring to make a supremely capable road car that could be used every day.

That's not to say performance took a back seat though. Far from it. The S50 straight-six in the E36 was significantly more powerful than its predecessor, it's just that the end goal for the second-generation M3 was for it to be a complete package rather than a circuit specific weapon and in case you've been living under a rock since the early '90s, BMW absolutely nailed the brief.

Producing 282bhp from that aforementioned 3.0-litre engine the original E36 M3 could hit 60mph from parked in under six seconds and when combined with hugely responsive handling the car really did have it all: power, understated design, comfort and the potential for everyday use, as declared by Gerhard Richter, BMW's head of the E36's chassis development. And we can't really argue with him.

The E36 M3 was face-lifted in 1995 which saw an increase in engine displacement to 3.2-litres, hiking power to 316bhp in the process. A six-speed manual and six-speed SMG gearbox were also introduced as well as a number of minor styling tweaks such as new wheels and clear indicator lenses.

The car we have available here is one such face-lifted Evolution model. A 1998 example to be exact, and it comes to market in exceptional condition throughout resplendent in clean, Arctic Silver Metallic paintwork over a crisp grey leather interior. Complete with an impressive and fully documented service history and a long, advisory-free MOT the car looks stunning and is reportedly driving like new. A six-speed manual gearbox keeps things engaging and everything works as it should so if you're after an excellent example of one of Bavaria's best then keep reading.

History and documentation

• 1998 model year
• Two keys
• Original book pack and wallet
• Printout showing selected factory options
• V5C present and correct
• First registered 07 Jan 1998
• In current ownership since 08 Oct 2023
• M3 WRY registration included
• Thatcham category BMW anti-theft system certificate of compliance
• Full service history with original service book showing main dealer and specialist inspections at the following intervals: pre-delivery inspection (1997 – main dealer), running in service at 1,505 miles (1998 – main dealer), oil service at 6,974 miles (1998 – main dealer), Inspection I+microfilter at 14,523 miles (1998 – main dealer), oil service at 22,809 miles (1999 – main dealer), Inspection II+microfilter+brake fluid at 29,151 miles (1999 – main dealer), oil service at 36,888 miles (2000 – main dealer), Inspection I at 45,474 miles (2001 – main dealer), brake fluid+coolant at 48,792 miles (2002 – main dealer), oil service at 53,218 miles (2002 – main dealer), Inspection II at 59,268 miles (2003 – main dealer), oil service at 67,148 miles (2004 – main dealer), oil service at 74,206 miles (2005 – main dealer), brake fluid+coolant at 74,567 miles (specialist), Inspection I at 77,463 miles (2006 – specialist), Inspection II at 81,915 miles (2007 – specialist), oil service at 88,731 miles (2010 – specialist), oil service at 93,286 miles (2011 – specialist), Inspection I at 95,617 miles (2012 – specialist), Inspection II+brake fluid at 99,855 miles (2015 – main dealer), oil service+brake fluid at 99,897 miles (2017 – specialist), Inspection I at 110,932 miles (2019 – specialist), oil service+brake fluid at 111,993 miles (2019 – specialist), Inspection II at 116,037 miles (2020 – specialist), Inspection II+brake fluid at 121,906 miles (2023 – specialist)
• Numerous receipts and invoices for servicing and maintenance
• Multiple old MOT certificates
• Vanos refreshed 18 Sep 2011
• Undersealed 21 Nov 2016
• Advisory-free MOT until 17 Nov 2026
• HPI clear
• 123,414 indicated miles

Interior

• The light grey leather interior is in very good condition
• Wholly original
• Vendor reports that everything works
• “Vader” leather seats are wearing well
• Some very light wear and tear here and there to high traffic areas
• No major damage to report
• No apparent pixel problems with the dash display or reports of any warning lights
• Door cards present well but the leather is starting to bubble slightly in places
• Carpets appear clean and dry
• Leather sports steering wheel and illuminated gear knob are not overly worn
• Dashboard looks to be unmarked
• Factory BMW torch
• Boot space is tidy and the factory warning triangle is present along with a full size spare wheel
• Factory tool kit looks to be complete
• The engine bay is clean and presents well

Exterior

• In superb shape overall
• The Arctic Silver Metallic paintwork appears to be free from any major marks or blemishes
• Body panels are free from damage and all shut lines are uniform
• No evidence of any corrosion aside from a very small area of bubbling paint under the driver's door handle
• All glasswork is in good order
• Spoiler and kidney grilles in fine fettle
• Black body trim has not faded
• The 17” double spoke M lightweight alloy wheels are in great condition with only some very light marks here and there to note
• Tyres are Goodyear Eagle models with no reports of any issues
• All BMW badging is in great shape

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)
• No mechanical issues to report
• The vendor informs us that the car is a very good example that starts perfectly, drives like new and stops well

Summary

Fast, well-balanced and comfortable the BMW E36 M3 remains to this day one of the best all-round driver's cars money can buy and with its well-earned modern classic status would make a welcome addition to anyone's driveway or indeed collection. An original, analogue '90s hero this particular M3 Evolution has been fastidiously maintained with the service stamps to prove it and looks to be in rude health. Add to that the car's excellent overall condition and you really are on to a winner here.

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 Newry, Northern Ireland.