Specifications
Highlights
• In Single Ownership From New Until 2021.
• Coveted Hellrot Over Black Leather Interior.
• Almost Completely Loaded Sans Power Seats and Automatic Transmission.
• A Great Driving Example That Feels Nearly New.
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
For the ultimate blend of classic and modern driving experience, it’s hard to do much better than the E36 M3. First debuting in November of 1992, this was a massive step forward in usability for the M3 range, moving away from the homologation E30 M3. With its six-cylinder engine and improved interior comfort, the E36 M3 proved a sales success, making it much easier for enthusiasts to use an M3 as their only car for everything. In the United States, we began receiving the M3 in 1995 after a letter-writing campaign spearheaded by the BMW Car Club of America. It easily outsold the E30 M3 here, and cemented the M3’s existence in the North American market.
This 1998 BMW M3 is finished in Hellrot Red (also known as Bright Red) and was under the care of a single owner from new until 2021. Currently showing just 30,791 miles, this E36 M3 has been lovingly cared for and is in remarkable original condition throughout. During the original owner’s time with the car, it lived in the north east, and was registered in Maine, New Hampshire and Rhode Island, where it was believed to have been stored in a covered garage and never driven in the rain for essentially his entire ownership. Specially ordered from BMW, this cars sits on a set of lightweight Style 24 wheels, and the exterior features both a decklid spoiler and a power-operated sunroof.
The interior is wrapped in Black Nappa leather, which covers the front Vader seats, as well as the two rear seats. Nearly every option available at the time was ordered, except for power seats, making this a very rare specification. Interior options include a Harman/Kardon stereo with a remote 6-disc CD changer, heated front seats, and dual-zone climate control. To say the interior of this car is nearly immaculate isn’t overstating things. Although there is some minor creasing on the leather, the overall condition is remarkable, with the frequently touched items like the shift knob, steering wheel and arm rest, hardly showing any shine or wear.
Powering this E36 M3 is the North America specific S52 which replaced the S50B30US in 1996 with the change over from OBD1 to OBD2. Although displacement increased from 3.0 to 3.2 liters, the horsepower stayed at 240, but torque increased by 11 lb-ft to 234. This engine is well known as one of the most durable and dependable engines ever put in an M-car and provides outstanding smooth power delivery throughout the rev range. This engine is paired with a 5-speed Getrag manual gearbox, that sends power to the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential.
History
This is a new arrival to EAG and we've completed our comprehensive inspection to ensure we reset the service baseline for its lucky new owner! Services we're performing include oil pan gasket along with oil filter service, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, shift shaft seal replacement, new Michelin 4S tires along with a four wheel alignment, and a host of EAG Extra Mile services like door handle cover replacements, window seal replacement, and other time related services that make a large cumulative difference. This is a turn-key example and opportunity to indulge in an unhindered E36 M3 experience.
Gallery
Documentation
