Specifications
Highlights
• Quintessential E36 M3 Combo of Daytona Violet Over Dove Gray Leather Vaders.
• Beautiful Style-24 Motorsport Wheels in the Proper Finish.
• Rare OBD-1 Equipped Example.
• Nearly $10,000 in Rejuvenation Including Suspension Bushings and Numerous Seals.
EAG Impressions
The E36 represented a dramatic leap forward for the 3-Series, with its more aerodynamic design and sophisticated multilink rear suspension. While European customers enjoyed a full range of engine options from frugal four-cylinders to potent inline-sixes, U.S. buyers initially only received six-cylinder models. The disparity was most noticeable with the M3. European M3s boasted a sophisticated 3.0L (later 3.2L) inline-6, while U.S. models made do with a less powerful 3.0L engine derived from the 325i. This difference in specification would remain a point of contention among American BMW enthusiasts for years to come.
Overview
The E36 is frequently cited as the unloved M-car. But at EAG, we don’t think that’s fair at all. Although we didn’t receive the high-revving ITB-equipped engine in the United States that the rest of the world was offered, that isn’t nearly the detractor that people make it out to be. The S50B30US is a stouter engine with significant low-down torque that frankly makes the US cars more enjoyable to drive in town and, with 240 horsepower, has more than enough punch to be fun to drive. Combining that with the sublime neutral handling provided by the E36 chassis makes it hard to imagine you would need anything more.
This 1995 BMW E36 M3 is a pretty early US delivery, arriving with its first owner in Wisconsin in October of 1994. With just 3 total owners, the car currently shows 39,219 miles at the time of cataloging. Finished in Daytona Violet over Dove Gray leather, this color combination went on to become one of the E36 M3’s signature specs and fits the car incredibly well. The E36 shape does an impressive job of bridging the gap between the angular E30 that came before and the smooth, aerodynamic E46 that follows it, creating a design that looks classic, yet still fresh even more than 30 years after its debut. This example sits on a set of desirable BMW Style 24 wheels, which are forged and instantly recognizable as the wheels from the E36 M3 Lightweight.
On the interior, the Dove Gray Vader seats are in exceptional condition and are barely creased. Anybody who has looked for an M3 with this interior setup knows that finding these seats in this condition is, in itself, quite a feat. As a 1995, this car is still fitted with the manual HVAC controls, which were soon replaced by a digital climate control unit, but this increases that classic-car feel. The 4-spoke steering wheel frames BMW’s famous white-on-black gauge cluster with a 160-mph speedometer, 8,000 RPM tachometer, and fuel and water temp gauges off to either side. This is, without a doubt, one of BMW’s best interiors, thanks to its simplicity and those amazing-looking seats, and sitting in such a nice one is an absolute treat.
Powering the US-market E36 M3 is the S50B30US - an engine only put in this car for 1994 and 1995. Still using OBD1, this engine was upgraded from the factory with performance cams, crankshaft, pistons, and connecting rods, which helped it produce 240 horsepower and give it a 7,000 RPM redline. This engine is backed up by a Getrag 5-speed manual transmission that sends power through a limited-slip differential to the rear wheels.
History
Upon receiving this M3, we did our thorough list of checks and found that, although very low mileage for its age, there were a number of items that needed to be addressed - mostly due to age. To start, we replaced the VANOS gasket and access plug, along with the valve cover gasket, timing chain tensioner seal, and the fan clutch. We then replaced the power steering intake line, clutch pedal assembly, and drive shaft flex disc. With the suspension, we replaced the front bump stops, rear trailing arm bushings, rear shock mounts, front diff mount, and the rear sway bar end links. All of these changes ensure that the car drives like new, and you won’t have to be concerned about leaks or seeps with your M3 for some time.
Gallery
Documentation
