1997 BMW M3

BMW E36 M3 3.2 Evolution Coupe – Arctic Silver Metallic / Classic Red Leather,

153,000 miles

A highly original and increasingly rare E36 M3 Evolution finished in Arctic Silver Metallic with Classic Red leather interior – one of the most desirable and timeless colour combinations available. This is a wonderfully honest example that has clearly been cherished throughout its life, with exceptional provenance and an extensive history file.

A significant part of what makes this car so special is its ownership history. The second owner purchased the car in 1998 (original bill of sale included) and retained it for almost 20 years, covering approximately 130, 000 miles. During this period the car was maintained almost exclusively by BMW main dealers, primarily Bridgegate BMW and Stratstone BMW Chesterfield, following the correct BMW servicing schedule throughout.

Finished in a desirable specification including factory sunroof, Classic Red Vader interior, BMW Hi-Fi audio system, polished alloy wheels and the rare factory option of no rear boot spoiler.

The car remains remarkably original, having never required welding or major body repairs. The bodywork is exceptionally straight and presents beautifully throughout. The factory polished wheels have never been refurbished and although not perfect, still look great. It sits on four recently fitted Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres and benefits from Bilstein suspension, EBC Yellowstuff brake pads with drilled grooved discs that actually really do feel like a brake upgrade.

Powered by the legendary 3.2-litre S50B32 engine with individual throttle bodies, mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and limited-slip differential, it delivers the character and driving experience that made the E36 M3 such an icon. It is a genuinely usable classic and a proper driver’s car.

Additional features include a period style Blaupunkt Frankfurt Bluetooth stereo with hands-free calling, two of keys and the original BMW wallet key.

Service History

The original service book contains an exceptional maintenance record from new, the car was maintained almost exclusively by BMW main dealers, primarily Bridgegate BMW and later Stratstone BMW Chesterfield, with the following recorded services:

3029 miles – 22/04/1998 – Running-in Service – Bridgegate BMW, Chesterfield

7316 miles – 24/05/1999 – Oil Service – Bridgegate BMW, Chesterfield

15,237 miles – 21/11/2000 – Inspection I – Bridgegate BMW, Chesterfield

23,024 miles – 27/10/2001 – Oil Service – Bridgegate BMW, Chesterfield

29,825 miles – 02/04/2002 – Inspection II – Bridgegate BMW, Chesterfield

38,087 miles – 19/10/2002 – Oil Service – Bridgegate BMW, Chesterfield

44,640 miles – 08/03/2003 – Inspection I – Bridgegate BMW, Chesterfield

53,191 miles – 22/12/2003 – Oil Service – Bridgegate BMW, Chesterfield

59,537 miles – 09/11/2004 – Inspection II – Bridgegate BMW, Chesterfield

66,789 miles – 24/11/2005 – Oil Service – Stratstone BMW, Chesterfield

74,272 miles – 25/10/2006 – Inspection I – Stratstone BMW, Chesterfield

80,900 miles – 13/09/2007 – Oil Service – Stratstone BMW, Chesterfield

87,571 miles – 27/06/2008 – Inspection II – Stratstone BMW, Chesterfield

94,694 miles – 16/04/2009 – Oil Service – Stratstone BMW, Chesterfield

101,861 miles – 11/05/2010 – Inspection I – Stratstone BMW, Chesterfield

109,211 miles – 24/05/2011 – Oil Service – XS Racing Specialist

116,215 miles – 17/09/2014 – Inspection II – Sytner BMW, Sheffield

123,765 miles – 18/01/2016 – Oil Service – Stratstone BMW, Chesterfield

132,080 miles – 16/06/2017 – Inspection I – Stratstone BMW, Chesterfield

135,497 miles – Date TBC – Oil Service – Body Motor Works

142,840 miles – 07/09/2023 – Owner Service

146,600 miles – 12/07/2024 – Owner Service

151,200 miles – 24/08/2025 – Owner Service

In addition to the stamped service book, the car is accompanied by a substantial history file containing invoices for all of the service and repair work, MOT certificates, tax discs and supporting documentation covering decades of ownership.

The current MOT carries a small number of age-related advisories. Since the test, the car has covered approximately 1,500 miles and continues to drive exceptionally well. I have inspected the advisories and am happy to discuss the work required with prospective buyers. Some parts have already been procured, but due to an ongoing house renovation project I simply haven’t had the time to carry out the work.

When selling any of my cars, I prefer complete transparency and welcome any inspection. The car can be viewed on a lift in my home workshop.

A reluctant sale but due to an ongoing house renovation project with spiralling costs I urgently need to sell this car!

£18750 or near offers considered

Serious enquiries welcomed but no silly offers please