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Closed Auction- Unsold

1997 BMW M3 Evolution (E36)

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  • Mileage~148,000
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine3.2L
  • LocationWelwyn Garden City

AUCTION CLOSED

1997 BMW M3 Evolution (E36)

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Introduction

Josh Sharples
Professional Consigner

The iconic E36 BMW M3 is perhaps one of the most universally loved M-Power cars to have ever rolled off the production line.

First introduced at the Paris Motor Show in 1992, the brand new E36 BMW M3 was received by a captivated audience and went on to be a massive commercial success; selling nearly 29,000 models by 1995.

Not wanting to let the success of their latest M-Power car drop off, BMW decided to release the ‘Evolution’ variant in September of 1995. This new and improved variant of the already popular E36 M3 was powered by a new and updated 3.2L inline six engine, along with a new and much more capable six speed Getrag gearbox.

With noticeable gains in the power department, the E36 M3 Evolution soon became the car to have, with a power output of ~321bhp this was the first BMW to ever break 100bhp per litre of displacement.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Josh after meeting Gary the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

Since 2016 this E36 M3 Evolution has been Gary’s absolute pride and joy and he’s ensured the car has been extremely well looked after during his ownership.

Having originally purchased the car in June 2016, Gary had every intention of putting plenty of miles on the clock, enjoying his E36 M3 for what it truly is; a driver's car.

Sadly due to health restrictions Gary has managed to put only a few hundred miles on the car. In spite of this he has kept on top of maintenance, ensuring all required work was carried out when necessary, and even having had the Vanos system rebuilt just last year in 2021.

Due to ongoing health restrictions, Gary is looking to sell the car to a new owner who will get the use and enjoyment out of it that he knows it has to offer.

Gary
Vehicle Owner

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Exterior

In great overall condition this example of the Evolution M3 shows little signs of wear, the Estoril Blue paintwork highlighting the famous body lines of BMW’s most popular M-Power car; the E36 M3.

Wheels and Tyres

The 5 spoke alloy wheels appear to be in great condition, with little signs of damage save some minor curb damage to the outer lip. The wheels as a whole are free of corrosion and look in good shape.

The front tyres are Michelin Pilot Sport 3’s, with the rear wheels wearing sound but non-branded tyres. The tread across the board looks ok, with the newer Michelin tyres having more tread than the older rear tyres.

Bodywork

The E36’s distinctive body lines appear unbroken across the vehicle's exterior, with no signs of damage that we could see. All panel gaps also appeared straight and true, not showing any obvious signs of repair. We could not see any major signs of rust or corrosion during our time with the vehicle either, and all body panels were free of any major dents or scrapes too.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view at what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The Estoril Blue paintwork looks to be in remarkable condition for its age, showing no sign of heavy oxidation, bubbling, peeling clear coat, or stone chips and scratches. The texture, tone, and shade of colour appears to be even and matching across the vehicle too.

Again, we have taken high resolution images and videos of the car for you to assess the condition of the bodywork for yourselves. The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The glass is in good condition, with little to comment on.

All glass panes are free from any visible damage or major chips, cracks, and scratches.

There is a light scrape to the black plastic bump strip along the side of the vehicle, however this is only slight and thankfully is isolated to the bump strip alone and has not affected the surrounding bodywork or paint.

Interior

With light grey leather interior, modern and attractive dashboard, and plenty of modern conveniences, the E36 M3 provides a comfortable and amicable cabin for both driver and passenger.

Seats and Carpets

The seats appear to be in great condition visually, with no obvious damage to the hide in the form of splits, cracks, or tears. Likewise the carpets are in good condition too, with no visible spots of wear or discolouration that could be seen on the day of our visit.

Dashboard

The dashboard is in good condition on the whole, with no major scratches, cracks, or wear. However there are four screw holes on the passenger side of the centre console, presumably from where a previous car phone system was mounted, such as a parrot or something similar. Whilst not ideal, this kind of damage is not beyond repair and is otherwise the only point of note in the interior.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel is the typical chunky BMW steering wheel we all know and love - it presents in fairly good condition with no obvious blemishes or damage to be seen. The leather is in good condition and the same can be said for the stitching, which appears to be in good condition too.

The gear stick is in similar condition to that of the rest of the interior, with no damage to speak of. The leather gear knob and gear gaiter are not visibly damaged and the surrounding centre console is also in good condition.

Mechanics

Brimming with advanced features the 3.2-litre inline six powering the car produces ~321bhp and holds the title of first BMW engine ever made to put out more than 100bhp per litre of displacement.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine was revolutionary for its time, with double Vanos valve timing and increased power output of an additional 35bhp over its predecessor.

This example has had the Vanos valve timing system rebuilt in November 2021 at a cost of ~£1200 only a few hundred miles ago and this shows in the way the engine starts, drives, and runs which can be seen during our ‘On The Road’ video.

The Getrag six speed manual gearbox also benefits from having had a new clutch and flywheel fitted in 2016. The car appeared to change gears easily and without any grinding or crunching during our time with the car. This can again be seen during our ‘On The Road’ video.

Suspension and Brakes

Gary tells us that the suspension has been maintained as required during his ownership, having completed a number of suspension related jobs such as new rear shocks and springs along with lower suspension arms for the front.

We noted that the car felt comfortable to ride in and didn’t seem too crashy or stiff when out on the road, with very capable handling that leaves no doubt as to the quality of the typically reliable German engineering.

The Drive

The car drives really as it should, as you would expect from any M-Power car. The engine performs well, providing plenty of power and torque, the suspension handles corners precisely and without worry, and the interior is a comfortable and enjoyable place to be and on sunny summer days, the ability to take the roof down really just adds to the experience.

Electrics and Other

We noted no electrical issues with the car during our visit, noting that all lights and electrical systems worked as expected, including the convertible roof. The car is also fitted with a Pioneer aftermarket stereo which Gary tells us is in fully working order.

Gary also informs us the air conditioning works well too.

History and Paperwork

With a good service history and plenty of paperwork to back up all important works carried out, this 1997 BMW M3 Evolution is supported not only by its heritage but it’s personal history as well.

Gary has made an effort to keep all documentation for the vehicle, including service stamps, paperwork, and invoices. This all ties together to create a solid amalgamation of the cars history, especially including works carried out in recent years. The car has spent some time off the road in the current ownership too, and so servicing has been in line with use over that time.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a HPi check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in high resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
16.09.1997 Service 1,959
14.04.1998 Service 8,135
15.10.1999 Service 18,695
16.11.2001 Service 39,004
24.05.2002 Service 43,776
10.05.2003 Service 51,577
19.05.2004 Service 58,082
16.09.2005 Service 72,200
02.02.2007 Service 86,438
24.04.2008 Service 96,599
12.11.2008 Service 100,728
11.07.2016 New Clutch / Flywheel -
01.07.2016 Service 147,610
02.06.2020 Service 148,003
Key Details
  • ModelM3 Evolution (E36)
  • TransmissionManual
  • Reg. Date01.08.1997 - R85 NKC
  • CC3201
  • Mileage~148,000
  • HistorySee Paperwork
  • ColourEstoril Blue
  • Interior ColourLight Grey
  • Interior TrimLeather
  • Chassis #WBSBK92080EX65814
  • Engine #60151546
  • MOTYes Exp. 15.09.2022
  • MOT ExemptNo
  • Road Tax ExemptNo
  • Former Keepers6
  • Tyre TreadGood
  • Tyre BrandMichelin / Infinity
  • # of Keys2
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~6 years
  • Key FeatureCondition
  • Auction ID496339






Auction Closed

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2 Comments
SiShaw
SiShaw
2 years ago

Hi, I was just wondering when the current MOT runs out? Would you expect it to need anything to pass next time around? thanks 🙂

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Vehicle Location

Welwyn Garden City

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