The second generation of the M3 high-performance 3-Series debuted in 1992 with a new body style, chassis, and 6-cylinder S50 engine which offered an increase of nearly 100 HP over the original M3. This European-market 1997 M3 Sedan comes finished in Arctic Silver Metallic over a black full leather interior and showcases a "slicktop" sunroof delete and optional BMW Individual Fine Wood Trim. It is said to have been cared for by two previous owners and initially purchased from BMW Horizon Paris in 1997. Reportedly kept in France until arriving in Switzerland upon the seller’s acquisition, this example is now being offered for auction while showing just under 73k kilometers on the odometer.
This example comes finished in Arctic Silver Metallic and features a 4-door configuration as well as a desirable "slicktop" roof. The M3 can be differentiated from a standard 3-Series by its aggressive lower front air dam, sculpted rockers, rounded aero mirrors, and lower rear diffuser with larger diameter exhaust tips. Exterior details include Euro-spec glass headlights and front & rear fog lamps. Detailed images are provided in the gallery along with a clean CARFAX report.
The cabin is appointed with black leather and highlighted by a pair of sought-after Vader sport seats with a Motorsport accent stripe on the backrests. Optional BMW Individual Fine Wood Trim decorates the interior, and amenities include an onboard computer, an electric sunroof, power windows, central locking, cruise control, automatic climate control, and a cassette stereo.
This post-facelift M3 is equipped with a 3.2L S50 inline-six engine sending as much as 321 HP and 258 lb.-ft of torque to the rear wheels through a 6-speed manual transmission. Generating over 80 HP more than the U.S.-spec version, the European-market E36 M3 engine features continuously variable VANOS valve timing on both camshafts, larger intake & exhaust valves, a 3.5” mass airflow meter, a higher 11:3:1 compression ratio, individual throttle bodies & intake runners, specially tuned exhaust headers, graphite-coated connecting rods, and larger Bosch fuel injectors. The seller adds that recent maintenance documents will accompany the sale along with the original service booklet.
This sale will include a clean title, owner’s manuals, a window sticker, a toolkit, and sales literature.
The seller would like you to know: “One of the most original and mint M3 Sedans available. Top conditions, delivered new to France in 1997 and has seen two owners since. The car was subject this month to major service and inspection with new tires and brakes as well.”
Comments (48)
Sold for $37,250
Bid in the amount of $37,250
Car has a COC and can be registered in EU without any import duties or vat
Bid in the amount of $37,000
Car has just been serviced with tires, brakes, plugs, belts, oil, filters, gearbox oil, dif oil
Bid in the amount of $36,500
Bid in the amount of $36,000
Furthermore we certify the car being 100% first paint with average of 130um throughout
We take car of the administration and coordination from door to door
@Footnfan yes we do!
Bid in the amount of $35,000
Bid in the amount of $34,000
Bid in the amount of $33,000
Bid in the amount of $31,000
Bid in the amount of $30,000
Bid in the amount of $28,500
Bid in the amount of $27,100
Bid in the amount of $26,000
Bid in the amount of $24,250
Bid in the amount of $23,500
Bid in the amount of $21,250
Bid in the amount of $20,000
@Porschegstaad Thank you, so do you administer this process with West Coast Shipping, or does the purchaser do this on their own?
Thanks. again.
@MANDREWS hello, we use West Coast Shipping, they are the very good and very competitive. It usually costs about 5k usd for such a car from CH to the US by sea freight. Delivered to your home.
@MANDREWS Thank you VERY much.
cars international is who I use. www.carsusa.com. google can provide others I am sure. If you call Porsche Gstaad, the listing dealer, they may have someone they've worked with. But order of magnitude is going to be be close to what I posted. You won't find someone that is half that, or double that rate.
@MANDREWS Can you suggest 2-3 that I could call and get a quote from? Thank you
Bid in the amount of $15,000
You guys should really be getting a quote from an importer to understand exact costs. But here is a list of fee's you'll incur. I did this for a car out of rotterdam recently, so these may be similar, fees, but don't rely on me. This was a full service importer. You will find people that are cheaper, but I've heard horrifying stories about the cheap guys. When I do this, I pay 10-20% more, but have someone I can call, and they pick up. There is a geo tag on my container I can track all the way across the ocean. I always know where my car is.
1. transport the car from Switzerland to port. ???
2. export documentation costs - $400
3. shared 40ft container - $3300 (you'll need to wait for a 2nd car to share the container or pay to ship solo - this was rotterdam to port of LA)
4. Transit insurance - it varies - probably about 1% of purchase price
5. handling and unloading of container - $1250 - more if its solo shipment
6. US customs clearance - $500
7. Port congestion and fuel surcharges - $750
8. Import Duty: 2.5% (of value of vehicle)
9. Harbour Maintenance Fee: 0.125% (ocean freight only)
10. Customs Surety Bond: 0.525% (min. $250 / max. $1500)
11. Merchandise Processing Fee: 0.3464% (min $29.66 / max. $575.35)
12. Delivery from port to you - ???
You'll then need to register the car and pay your state taxes, just like any other car purchase.
Additional content has been added to the gallery for this listing.
For an import newbie, what would be the fees to get the car in the USA, delivered to P Car market? Thanks very much.
Dear All, we have just uploaded a few videos of the car as well as details from the underbody. We will provide paint measurments asap.
Bid in the amount of $5,000
Your description reads like this is an original paint car. Could you please post paint meter readings? Both this, and your 550 are spectacular looking.
@pancuronium hello, yes we will upload them tomorrow morning
Images provided look good! Any pics available representing the condition of the underside?
@MANDREWS Much appreciated. Thank you.
@Cunninghamjl States do emissions testing. The fed does not. Fed cares about certification, and after 25 years, the process gets a lot easier. You'll need to understand your state's vehicle registration and emissions requirements. Some are easy. Some are near impossible. Then find an importer to work with to do the vin check and federalization work.
Bid in the amount of $3,929
Bid in the amount of $1,997
Anyone has any idea of what it would cost to bring this car to the states. European spec cars are so cool no emission bs more power I had a few BMWs and Mercedes’ that were euro spec . Where I live no emission requirements at all csr is over twenty five years old
Also, thoughts on passing US emissions testing?
Looks excellent! Thoughts on shipping costs to the US?
Also would I need to do any maintenance on the engine, transmission or the electronics?
It would be a long-term ownership I would intend to drive often.
Thank you,
Larry C.
@Footnfan Thank you!
Beautiful and rare car, good luck to you @seller.
@M3BUM lol, its worth the import $ as Im a believe that these sky rocket in value.
@Dom33 I have one more thing to ask for .......... I wish this M3/4/5 was already on the other side of the pond :-)
3.2L/ITB's.. Slick Top... 4 Doors... What else can you ask for! Incredible!