Pre-bids

1997 BMW E36 328i M Sport Coupe

Highlights

  • One keeper from brand new 
  • Desirable M Sport with 193bhp 2.8L engine and 5spd box 
  • Conservatively used with low mileage
  • Full service history by main dealer and local specialist 
  • Maintained with prompt repairs
  • Factory-standard car in smart Montreal Blue metallic 
  • MOT to February 2026 

The Appeal

The two-door E36 is about as close to coupe perfection as BMW has ever got - before or since. Coming at the sweet spot that balances driver engagement with reliable technology, good examples of these cars make brilliant modern classics. 
If you don’t need the all-out performance of a M3 then the E36 coupe you want is this one, the 328i. Ideally, with the manual box, as here. This car has the added advantage of being finished in Montreal Blue with M Sport body kit so looks to all intents and purposes just like its more potent sibling. 
The car was carefully specified from new by the current keeper. He has used it very sparingly since, covering less than 80,000 miles. Throughout its 28 years, the car has been serviced by the supplying BMW main dealer and then the same local specialist mechanic. It remains fully factory standard, save for a useful battery cut off switch. 
The car is very reluctantly for sale and deserves an equally fastidious new keeper. There is a long MOT to February 2026. Whether you use it for daily commuting or longer pan-European tours, this lovely, rewarding car looks tempting. 
The vendor says: 
“The car has been great and in truth and I'm loathe to part with it. It runs and looks like a genuine thoroughbred. However, I'm 71 years of age, obviously getting older and I've bought an SUV that has a more desirable higher seated position - something that will be more comfortable for me when getting in and out of a vehicle.”

The History and Paperwork

  • First registered on 7th January 1997
  • Original keeper who specified the car via BMW main dealer Lloyds Cumbria Ltd
  • DVLA records three keepers due to reissuing the V5 as the DVLA updated this paperwork through the years 
  • Maintained and serviced by the supplying dealer to 2008
  • Then maintained by the same local specialist mechanic
  • Warranty and Service Handbook stamped until 08-07-2005
  • Service invoice from 11-03-2008 
  • Vendor advises that car has been regularly serviced since but book was not stamped 
  • Conservatively used with low mileage due to minimal commuting needs
  • Current and previous V5Cs in current keeper’s name 
  • Specification list shown in photos 
  • Factory handbooks and wallet
  • 2 set of keys with two battery isolator fobs
  • Always dry garage stored when not in use
  • MOT to 10th February 2026 with minor advisories 

The Condition

  • Well maintained and very original car in Montreal Blue metallic with M Sport body kit 
  • Paintwork presents well with a few minor marks and stone chips to note in photos 
  • These include some light scuffs to bonnet as shown in photos 
  • Bodywork presents as straight with no reported damage 
  • Arches, sills and panel edges all present well in photos 
  • Some detail trim areas show light aging typical of a car of this era
  • These include light aging to door rubber seals and window trims as shown 
  • Vendor advises that any minor paintwork damage has been rectified immediately as required
  • Bolted lattice-style factory alloy wheels in good order with some light kerbing to note 
  • Vendor advises that he has had the wheels refurbished a couple of times
  • Mix of tyres all showing decent remaining tread 
  • Retains its front and rear supplying dealer plates as shown 
  • M Sport body kit and fittings in good order 
  • Later facelift car with clear indicator lenses
  • Two-tone grey interior with smart grey leather seats in very good condition 
  • Seats show little wear with driver’s seat showing some light aging to usual areas of bolster and squab
  • Two-tone door cards in good order as shown 
  • Dashboard, carpets, headlining and switchgear all in good order
  • Vendor reports that the electrics and switchgear all work correctly except cigarette lighter
  • Features include a sliding steel sunroof 
  • Fitted with a modern Pioneer stereo as shown 
  • No structural advisories on current MOT but underside shows some surface corrosion 

The Mechanics

  • 2,793cc straight six 24V 193bhp engine 
  • 5spd manual gearbox 
  • Factory standard car without mechanical modifications 
  • We are told that the engine starts easily and runs smoothly
  • Battery cut-off/isolator installed in June 2022 with remote keyfob operation 
  • First aid kit and tools as shown 
  • No reported running or driving issues
  • Minor advisories to note on current long MOT 
image.png 3.8 MB


BEFORE YOU BUY 
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 
The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions.. 
We request that a non-refundable fee  be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. 
This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. 
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 
We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. 
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own  full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle. 
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. 

Pre-bids

2 Bids

7 Watching

What are pre-bids?

A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction. You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.

Auction Details

  • Year1997
  • MakeBMW
  • Model3 Series
  • ColourBlue
  • Odometer79,394 Miles
  • Engine size2793cc
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownWorkington
  • CountyCumbria
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

Comments

No comments yet

Ask a question, share your knowledge, or show this auction some love!

Buying with Car & Classic

How bidding works

All you need to know about the bidding process on Car & Classic

animation

Five steps to buying safely

We make it safe and simple to secure your dream classic

animation

Shipping & transport

Useful information on collecting your new vehicle

animation

Secure payments

How we protect you and your money, to make Car & Classic the safest place to transact

More FAQs

Gallery