Specifications
Highlights
• Outstanding Color Combo
• Two-Time Rejuvenation Recipient
• Perfect Dove Gray Interior
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
Finished in Avus Blue Metallic over Dove Gray Nappa Leather, this is a particularly desirable color combination and an exterior color only found on early E36 M3s in the US. Showing Just 44,290 miles, the car remains in exceptional condition and shows no significant blemishes anywhere on the vehicle. Sitting on a set of DS1 “Motorsport” wheels, the car has that great first-year E36 M3 look, and they are wrapped in sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. A stainless SuperSprint exhaust has been added recently and still looks essentially brand new, but we are also happy to return it to a stock setup at the new owner’s request.
Opening the door of this M3 and settling into the interior is like stepping into a time machine. If you are familiar with the E36 chassis, you know that one of the first things to start looking worn is the seats - and Dove Gray was always the worst culprit. Owing to how well this car has been kept, the seats and door cards remain in exceptional condition, with hardly any perceptible wear on the stunning Vader seats and the tri-color M stripe on the backrest still shining like new. Everything on this car remains untouched, including the factory BMW cassette stereo and 4-spoke airbag steering wheel.
Under the hood sits the US spec S52 3.2-liter Inline-6, rated at 240 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. Open the hood and the engine bay is immaculate- if you were told that this car just rolled off the showroom floor, it would be hard to deny. This is backed up by a 5-speed manual gearbox that sends power to the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential.
History
EAG has had the fortune of knowing this vehicle since 2014 and we spared no expense preserving this example. All services performed were in an effort to allow someone to purchase the first example of the second generation M3 and come in the form of both cosmetic and mechanical.
When we received the vehicle in 2014 all of the baselines had to be reset so we opted for an early, but complete, Inspection II service. We then replaced the valve cover gasket, the infamous cooling system with a new water pump and thermostat, new engine drive belts, rear trailing arm bushings were replaced and upgraded, door handle bezels, rocker molding gaskets, and of course the brake light switch to remove any unnecessary warnings from the OBC.
In 2022 we received the vehicle back after our client enjoyed it and approached services with time being the major factor and did everything. Another Inspection II service was performed along with a power steering fluid flush, brake fluid flush, and coolant flush. The later performed in conjunction with complete cooling system overhaul with updated parts. We refinished the wheels along with the front bumper out of cosmetic sympathy. The rear shocks were replaced, shifter linkage rebuilt, clutch pedal replaced, front door cards replaced, seat heater elements on the drivers seat, all the way to replacing the spare tire hold down rubber gasket.
We know the importance of delivering what BMW ///M envisioned as a final product no matter the years separated from production, so we go the Extra Mile to make sure the next owner has the opportunity to indulge.
Gallery
Documentation
