Description
14th Sep, 2024 10:00
The September 2024 Auction
1995 BMW M3 (E36) 3. 0
Extremely rare 4-door example of BMW’s iconic M-car
Estimate
£4, 500 - £5, 500
Buyer's premium: 15. 00%
Lot details
Registration: N658PVL
Chassis: WBSCB92060EW30299
Odometer: 193, 000
Transmission: Manual
MOT: March 2025
One owner example
17 service stamps
Nappa leather
Air conditioning
The BMW E36 M3, produced from 1992 to 1999, represents a significant chapter in the M3 lineage, marking the car’s evolution from a track-oriented machine to a more refined, yet still highly capable, sports car. Unlike its predecessor, the E30 M3, which was developed primarily for homologation purposes, the E36 M3 was designed with a broader appeal in mind. It was the first M3 to be offered with a six-cylinder engine, the 3. 0-litre S50 inline-six, which later grew to 3. 2 litres in the EVO version. This engine provided a substantial boost in power and torque, making the E36 M3 faster and more powerful. The E36 M3 was available in various body styles, including coupe, 4-door saloon and convertible, and introduced features like a multi-link rear suspension and an available automatic transmission, appealing to a wider range of drivers. Though more sophisticated than the E30, the E36 M3 maintained BMW's commitment to performance, agility, and driver engagement, solidifying its status as a classic in the world of sports cars.
We are pleased to offer this 1995 BMW M3 in August 1995 in Cosmos Black with black leather interior. First registered in August 1995 and supplied by Sytner of Leicester, the car has been in the vendor’s ownership since new, originally registered to his company and then to him. The original order form is present confirming that it was specified with leather, air conditioning, front centre armrest, rear boot spoiler and BMW Business RDS radio cassette. The current mileage of just over 193, 000 miles is not inconsiderable but it has a service book stamped 17 times and it is also noted in there that it received a new engine from the supplying dealer in 1999 at 38, 000 miles. It also benefits from an advisory-free MOT taking it through to next March. Please don’t be alarmed by the lack of number plates - a cherished plate has been removed and the new number is as above.
Externally, there are a few areas where there is bubbling and there is some more significant corrosion on the offside rear arch. The car sits nicely on some attractive Alpina-replica wheels. Being the extremely rare 4-door saloon, this M3 has a purposeful look but with a subtlety that is lacking in the current BMW line up. Inside, the dash and plastics appear free from any obvious damage or cracking but there is some patina to the leather seats, particularly the bolsters. The headlining is sagging and will need replacement. We have also noted some corrosion showing on the inside of the boot floor which appears to be surface rust at this stage but merits further investigation. We would always suggest you view any potential purchase yourself and we would be more than happy to facilitate an inspection at our purpose-built facility in Runcorn.
The car comes with V5C, current and previous MOTs, original order form, old registration documents and full book pack. Even the little torch is still present in the glove box.
In its day, the 4-door E36 M3 was something of a Q-car, offering under-the-radar looks and added practicality over the coupe. That made it a more left-field choice back then and kept sales relatively low. However, in 2024, that makes it a very rare and useable modern classic. This example would benefit from some cosmetic fettling to take it to the next level but that is reflected in the sensible reserve and would undoubtedly be a very satisfying project for the winter months.
