This E36 BMW M3 Coupe Is A Great Track Toy 25 Years Later
BMW’s M3 is an icon among sports car enthusiasts, providing the needed space to hold four passengers while combining a masterful synergy of performance and German quality. Though the E36 M3 is still polarizing among the BMW faithful for putting the M3 into more mass-market territory and for its less-powerful U.S.-spec engine, it has also become a favorite for those entering M territory for an affordable price. This example of a BMW M3 E36 up for sale on Marqued is for the latter camp or those looking for an affordable entry to local track days.
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The E36 Sported A 3.0- Or 3.2-Liter Engine
Marqued
1997 BMW M3 E36 Coupe
The E36 BMW M3 is a revolutionary model in the German manufacturer’s history of sports cars as it was the first to be fitted with a 3.0-liter, inline-six. This model features the larger U.S.-spec 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine dishing out 240 horsepower and 236-pound feet of torque. It sports a five-speed manual transmission accompanied by a superb rear-wheel drive system and updated chassis. When new, it was capable of a 0-60 mph spring in under five seconds.
This E36 M3 is finished in a dashing Arctic Silver paint with aerodynamic M-spec side skirts, dual exhaust tips, and updated M3 front and rear bumpers. The body is rust free, with this engaging coupe ripe and ready to cause a spike of interest with its boxy design. The stylish BMW is complimented with spoke forged wheels covered in four new Kumho Ecsta tires. However, it’s important to note, although the exterior is in good condition, there two main scratches along the left-fender.
This E36 Has Notable Upgrades
Marqued
1997 BMW M3 E36 Coupe
The second generation M3’s front seats are upgraded to manual ‘’Vader’’ sports seats covered in black leather with a Euro M3 steering wheel and BMW ZHP weighted shift knob for lightning-fast changes on the track. This particular M3 is fitted with an H&R street performance coilover suspension kit, allowing for athleticism during high-speed cornering. Equipment on the E36 includes airbags for driver and front passenger, a lift and slide electric sunroof, and automatic air-conditioning. A rear spoiler is fitted with updated aerodynamic M3 front and rear bumpers. It’s also fitted with an on-board computer, a HiFi speaker system, and BMW six-CD changer.
The listing reports over $12,000 has been spent on maintaining this 90s sports car. Though there is normal wear and tear of a vehicle this age notable scratches are seen on the wheels, its missing its spare tire and there are a few “minor” issues with interior switches.
RELATED: Watch The New AMG SL55 Race Against A BMW M850i, Porsche 911 Turbo GTS And Jaguar F-Type RThe 1997 BMW M3 E36 is larger and more powerful than the baseline M3 that preceded it. And no matter its reputation among the BMW faithful, this E36 could certainly be a fun and affordable track day toy.
