1997 BMW M3/4/5

The E36 M3 Sedan holds a very special place in my heart and played a large part in turning my attention away from Audis and VWs towards BMW M-cars. Colloquially known as the M3/4/5, one car specifically turned the tide: an Estoril Blue M3 with 4-doors, 5-speeds, and some Dinan bits that was the fastest car I’d driven up to that point. It was smooth, connected, and aggressive, packed in a beautiful sedan that is subtle enough to blend in but aggressive enough to put plenty of distance between it and the base-model E36. I had a chance to buy that car a few years back with 47k miles for $14k but I didn’t have the money. A few years on, this red on black example with similar miles is asking almost $11k more. The red/black isn’t quite as sexy as the Estoril/Caramel combo, but the M Double Spoke II wheels are personal favorites. Despite (or because of?) high production numbers, most E36 M3s have been run hard and disrespected. This one looks to be in great shape but not perfect. Are low-mile E36 M3s chasing the E30s, or is this seller hitting the pipe?

Click for details: 1997 BMW M3 on eBay

Year: 1997
Model: M3 Sedan
Engine: 3.2 liter inline-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 49,000 mi
Price: $24,900 OBO

1997 BMW M3
RARE E36 SEDAN

BRIGHT RED

BLACK LEATHER

LOADED WITH OPTIONS

Harman Kardon Sound System

Factory Cassette Radio

17″ Factory M3 Wheels

5 Speed Transmission

Both Keys & Books

New Tires

ONLY 49,000 Miles

I certainly understand that M-cars are getting a big boost, but I think this seller is overly optimistic about the status of the E36 M3. We haven’t seen a non-Lightweight example cross $20k yet. The mileage, transmission, and number of doors are all right (even if I find the spoiler ugly), so I think this M3/4/5 could get to the high teens if someone can talk some sense into the seller.

-NR