1999 BMW M3

When BMW finished production of the E30 M3, they would have been pretty pleased with themselves. Originally launched as a homologation special, that would also, of course, help propel the newly formed M division forward in showroom sales, they ended up selling over 17.000 units, all versions considered. But by the early 90s the E30 had been on the market a long time, and the competition were snapping at BMW’s heels. Towards the end of 1992 the E36 M3 was launched as a very effective 3.0 coupe, and without the constraints of a race car homologation to follow, BMW knew they were able to throw plenty of ideas at their new M3, to make that great leap forward. But within a short time it was obvious that the buying public wanted that little bit more. In late 1995 BMW M launched the new 3.2 litre engine to massive world-wide acclaim (in the UK it was given the badge ‘Evo’ to distinguish it from the earlier 3.0 cars) and – as they had hoped – the voices of dissent evaporated almost over night.

By mid 1998 it became clear – the E36 M3 had become one of the key cars to place BMW as *the* performance enthusiast’s marque of choice. The second generation M3 had been a huge success after all, selling over 70,000 units worldwide. So to commemorate this success in the UK, and to celebrate the end of production of this landmark car, BMW produced 50 examples of what has become known as the M3 GT2 Imola Edition (or sometimes M3 Imola Individual Edition). With its beautiful, eye-catching Imola Red (405) paintwork, and stunning interior trimmed in bicolor Imola Red leather with Anthracite Amaretta suede bolsters, and with individual Imola stitching on the steering wheel and handbrake to finish off the look – this was without doubt the ultimate E36 M3. With a nod to the earlier, limited run 3.0 GT produced as a homologation special in LHD, the GT2/Imola Edition also featured additional front splitters, GT-spec rear spoiler and forged M double spoke alloys.

As with many lovely cars from the 90s, the E36 M3 went through a difficult patch in the early 00s. Values of the Imola Edition predictably stayed higher than the standard cars, but they also got used! Many of the 50 originals now have high mileage or questionable provenance. This particular car, on the other hand, is an absolute peach. With low miles and a good, solid service history, including time spent at Munich Legends, low ownership, and benefitting from a recent complete, high quality repaint, this really is a car for the collector and true enthusiast. Mechanically sound, without a spot of corrosion and totally original, this is a car that is really difficult to fault. We’re selling the car on behalf of a good friend of the business and serial M car owner and fanatic, someone who really knows a good car, and how to look after it properly.

Our technical team have carried out a full inspection, and are impressed with the results – all bar a few minor items to be taken care of at pre-delivery stage, this beautiful E36 M3 Imola Edition is ready for the next chapter of its very special story. For more information, or to book a viewing – by appointment only please – contact our showroom team