Introduced in 1992 based on the E36 platform, BMW’s second-generation M3 was only sold in North America from 1995 to 1999. This 1997 example comes finished Arctic Silver over a black leather interior and features a 5-speed manual gearbox paired with its S52 inline-six engine. Showing approximately 112k miles on the odometer, this M3 has reportedly been cared for by the same owner since 2001 and is now offered for auction out of New Jersey.
This E36 wears exterior Arctic Silver paint and features a sunroof, aerodynamic M side skirts and mirrors, a dual exhaust tip, and M3-specific front and rear bumpers. It was ordered new with desirable Style 24 double-spoke forged wheels that are currently dressed in General G-MAX RS tires. One small ding is noted on the left rear fender as well as two scratches throughout the exterior. The CARFAX report shows an accident in May of 1998 which is said to have resulted in refinishing the nose section, detailed images are provided in the gallery.
Inside, this M3 features manual-adjustable black leather “Vader” sport seats, automatic climate control, a Harman Kardon sound system, and an 11-button onboard computer. A new headliner was installed in July of 2021 and the trip computer has been refurbished. An upgraded BMWCD43 head unit replaces the original radio, the right tweeter speaker is cracked and sometimes buzzes, and the seller notes that the airbag warning light is present due to a faulty seatbelt receptacle.
An S52 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine develops up to 240 HP and 236 lb.-ft of torque, driving the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential. An X-brace has been added to the front suspension and the CARFAX shows the thermostat to have been replaced in 2012 at just under 107k miles.
The sale of this vehicle includes a clean title, a car cover, and the original head unit.
Comments (42)
Sold for $20,000
Offer in the amount of $19,000
Offer in the amount of $17,000
Thanks for the bids. Just a few days left! I uploaded pictures of the service records file
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Offer in the amount of $16,000
Thank you to everyone who participated. We were getting close. See you in the Deal Tank!
Bid in the amount of $15,000
Bid in the amount of $14,750
Bid in the amount of $14,000
Bid in the amount of $13,750
Bid in the amount of $13,000
Bid in the amount of $12,750
Bid in the amount of $12,500
Bid in the amount of $11,600
Bid in the amount of $11,350
Bid in the amount of $11,100
Original BMW cassette and flashlight in the glovebox. Complete tool kit in trunk. Clear headlight lenses. Very original condition
Bid in the amount of $10,750
@besi Two keys and two factory remotes
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Bid in the amount of $10,500
Bid in the amount of $10,000
@besi Bently Manual included
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Hi folks - Last day of the auction is here. Don’t miss your chance to get this M3 with Vader seats. I think clean e36 M3s are at the inflection point for values and is now appreciating. So it’s like money in the bank. But don’t buy it for the value, buy it to drive it!
Bid in the amount of $9,500
Bid in the amount of $7,000
I got a couple DMs about shipping and storage. The car will remain garaged for the winner while shipping arrangements are made, no problem
Thank you bidders and commenters. With the holiday weekend, this auction seemed to pass quickly. We have less than 24 hours to go!
“Did you get anything good for Black Friday?”
“Yeah, a 240hp Bavarian sports sedan that accelerates like it’s angry at something (but it has a back seat so I can pretend it’s practical)”
With a super clean example like this car is, Arctic Silver can get that killer blue-ish look in mid to late day sunlight - I absolutely love it. Paired with the black Vader manual seats and a 5 speed, this car is the text book E36 M3. Someone will be getting a stunner here!
Bid in the amount of $6,000
Bid in the amount of $1,500
Original C33 cassette radio included (in the CD43 box)
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@besi Who remembers the 1997 Car and Driver article that declared the M3 “The best handling car at any price”? It beat many exotics
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@bdonahue54 Thank you! No paintwork under current ownership (since February 2001). The meter shows 0.2mm consistently except the nose shows 0.1mm. I uploaded a few pictures. The accident was during the original lease back in 1998, the dealer said it was a minor impact to the nose. All panels fit like factory original should.
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Being one owner for more than 20 years now means a lot on this great car in history.
Pretty car. Any paintwork? Able to provide meter readings? I know it was many moons ago, But Being a one owner car, any further info on accident? Nice car again, I’ll be following!
Hi Everyone and welcome to the auction! Here’s a chance to get one of these understated powerhouses that hasn’t been modified or raced. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you!