With the return of a straight six to
the M3
, we needed no excuse to rummage through the classifieds for an E36 or 46 to compare and contrast with the new F80. Having featured a temptingly
cheap E46
just a little while back, our search led to the pre-99 second-gen cars.
You may have seen this car previously...
The E36, whether as a saloon, coupe, convertible or estate (see
here
!) was never and will never be as revered as the original E30. The lure of being an homologation special meant the four-cylinder car has become ever more covetable in recent years. That the cheapest
E30 M3
priciest E36
The contemporary criticisms levelled at the E36 will sound awfully familiar in a modern context also when judging most new cars. It's too big, heavy and complicated they said, take it back to the raw and simple driver's tool it used to be.
But that was twenty years ago now, so the E36 M3's perceived complexity and luxury is perhaps no longer so unacceptable. It's rare to find an SMG car and the infotainment looks almost rudimentary by 21st century standards. Of course, that's not to say it's basic, or that there's nothing to potentially fail, but it's fascinating to see how attitudes change.
It says something about the weight loss of the new car that it's actually a similar weight to the E36. Kerb weights for the old car were between 1,460kg and 1,535kg.
PHer Gavin has cared for his Imola
Our featured M3 actually has some previous with PH. This E36 Imola starred in
a Carpool
earlier this year, where owner Gavin told us he loved everything about the car. There were just 50 Imolas in Britain, identifiable by the paint and interior combo, plus the spoiler. Mechanically, it was identical to the 3.2 Evo.
Even without the Carpool, the ad shows this M3 has been cherished. The ad is detailed and properly spelt (it's amazing how often they're not!), and the pics are good too. Amazingly, there is in fact another Imola on PH currently, offered at £9,250 with a few less miles.
Furthermore, though they are older cars now, it shouldn't be forgotten that the E36 M3 was excellent to drive. It's the reason so many are used now for track projects now! It will take some looking after, and the appeal of a later E46 shouldn't be discounted, but perhaps now is the time for the E36 to take a share of the M3 limelight. Maybe.
BMW M3 IMOLA
Engine: 3,201cc straight-six
Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 321@7,400rpm
Torque (lb ft): 258@3,250rpm
MPG: 25.7
CO2: 275g/km
Recorded mileage: 129,000
First registered: 1998
Price new: N/A
Yours for: £6,995
See the original advert here
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