Specifications
Highlights
• A Time Capsule Example
• Well Optioned From the Factory
• Minor Period-Correct Dinan Upgrades
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
This 1999 BMW M3 Coupe is finished in Titanium Silver over a black leather interior. Showing 21,655 miles, this car is in very good overall condition and has remained largely stock over the past 25 years. Fitted with a few select Dinan upgrades and clear corner lights, this E36 is the ultimate time capsule that takes you back to the late 1990s. The BMW M-Contour wheels that are fitted to this example were the wheels fitted to the majority of late-production E36 M3s and are in very good condition around the car.
On the interior, the Vader seats are wrapped in black leather as is the optional center armrest. Owing to that aforementioned time capsule-like quality, basically nothing on the interior has been changed from stock, retaining the original BMW AM/FM Cassette deck with a factory optional 6-CD changer in the trunk. Additionally, the car is fitted with heated front seats and the period-appropriate 3-spoke steering wheel with M-Color stitching.
Powering the E36 M3 is BMW’s S52- a unique powerplant only installed in these cars for the US and Canadian markets. Although frequently cited as “not a real M engine” due to the lack of individual throttle bodies, and a list of bespoke parts, these engines are notoriously stout and require minimal specialized maintenance to keep on the road. Producing 240 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, the US market E36 M3 was down on power over the European model, but performance between the two cars in the real world is nearly identical. This engine is then connected to a 5-speed manual gearbox that sends power through a limited slip differential to the rear wheels. This example is fitted with a CARB-Legal Dinan High Flow Cold Air Intake along with the proper engine performance software and Dinan strut brace under the hood- neither of these dramatically alter how the car drives but the intake makes it sound great and the strut tower brace definitely ties things together.
With less than 22,000 miles on the odometer, this car is a true unicorn. The mileage on this car puts it in a real sweet spot where it is nearly flawless, yet you can still drive it some and enjoy the feeling of being behind the wheel of an essentially new car- without driving the value out of it.
History
This E36 comes to us from a long-time client and dear friend. It was acquired by them in 2020 when it had 20,630 miles. At that time we reset the baseline with services that include our full fluid and filter service, a full cooling system overhaul including belts and fan clutch, power steering intake line, and new Michelin 4S tires. Since that service it's been maintained and serviced at the dealer with it always receiving a need nothing report and a crowd of impressed technicians.
We are thrilled to now have this in our inventory and will be performing an additional final check prior to the vehicle going to its new home to ensure it's ready to be enjoyed.
Gallery
Documentation
