This BMW E36 M3 got away, but there are more like it here.

This 1997 BMW M3 Sedan shows 93k miles and is finished in Techno Violet with a Mulberry leather interior. The car is powered by a 3.2L S52 inline-six backed by a 5-speed manual transmission, and is equipped with a sunroof. The original owner was an armed services member who brought the car to Belgium on deployment before bringing it back to the US in 2002. The second owner purchased the car in 2013, and it was sold to the seller three months and 1k miles ago. Included service records date back to from 1997, and maintenance addressed since 2010 includes a new valve cover, oil filter housing gaskets, the power steering reservoir and lines, the clutch pedal and bushing, and the headliner in 2017. The suspension was refreshed and Bilstein shocks were installed in 2012. Other modifications include cross-drilled brake rotors, and an aftermarket head unit. This E36 M3/4/5 is sold with service records, a Carfax report, a spare wheel, factory first aid and tool kits, a service booklet, and a clear South Carolina title.

1997 BMW M3 Sedan 5-Speed

The Techno Violet Metallic paint is said to be original, and just 40 cars in this color were delivered with a manual transmission. The optional Luxury Package was selected at purchase, and included different side skirts, a revised front air dam, and a delete of the black plastic chin spoiler. The seller believes that the car wears original paint and states that all body panels match the VIN.

1997 BMW M3 Sedan 5-Speed

Visible blemishes include a few stone chips around the nose of the car and two dings on the trunk and roof that have not disturbed the paint. An un-drilled front bumper trim, extra hood roundel, and side mirror bras are included, along with the original wheel locks. 17″ Style 23 //M Contour wheels show a few small instances of curb rash, and wear Kumho Ecsta ASX tires with approximately 60% tread depth remaining, according to the seller. A matching fifth wheel wearing an OEM Michelin tire is included with the sale.

1997 BMW M3 Sedan 5-Speed

The Mulberry leather interior features Luxury Package accents such as wood accents, revised door cards, and heated Comfort seats. Factory stickers on the instrument cluster and glove box have been preserved. Minor blemishes on the center stack trim and steering wheel are pictured in gallery closeups below. A Harman-Kardon sound system is equipped, though the factory head unit has been replaced by a Pioneer CD player. The seller states that all interior equipment functions as-designed, including the onboard computer, cruise control, A/C, and heated seats. 93,104 miles are shown on the digital odometer.

1997 BMW M3 Sedan 5-Speed

Minor creasing can be seen on the front seats, consistent with the age and mileage of the vehicle. The black headliner was redone in 2017, and interior pillars were wrapped to match. The clutch pedal and bushing were replaced in July.

1997 BMW M3 Sedan 5-Speed

The 3.2 Liter S52 inline six-cylinder motor is backed by a 5-speed manual transmission, and was rated at 240hp from the factory. The results of a recent dyno run at CES Motorsports showed 207hp developed at the wheels. Service records are said to be extensive from 1997 to present, and the radiator and water pump were replaced in 2012. An oil service was performed in July of this year.

1997 BMW M3 Sedan 5-Speed

A complete factory tool kit can be found under the rear decklid, and a BMW warning triangle, first-aid kit, and cargo net are also included.

1997 BMW M3 Sedan 5-Speed

The underside condition is documented here and in gallery photographs below. Cross-drilled brake rotors and Bilstein shocks were installed by a previous owner.

1997 BMW M3 Sedan 5-Speed

A recent Carfax report records an accident-free history under three owners. A walk-around and cold start can be seen in the videos below, and dynamometer runs can be seen in the linked videos.

Filed under: 3 series, 3-series, e36, e36 m3

Road Tests

Auction Result

Winning Bid USD $16,000 by mstinnett
Auction Ended September 21, 2017 at 3:15PM PT
Bids 26
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BaT Essentials

Seller: Zacm829
Listing Details
  • Chassis: WBSCD9327VEE06852
  • 93,104 Miles
  • 3.2 Liter S52 Inline-Six Motor
  • 5-Speed Manual Transmission
  • Techno Violet
  • Sunroof
  • Three Owners
  • Mulberry Interior and Luxury Package
  • Recently Serviced
  • Spares Included
  • Accident-Free Carfax
Private Party or Dealer: Private Party
Lot #5998