1998 BMW M3 Sedan

Much of my affinity for BMW’s Estoril Blue was my introduction to it on my friend’s father’s E36 M3 sedan. It was part of the car’s identity, always referred to as “the Blue car” and perfectly supporting the E36 M3’s understated aggression with a hue that is gorgeous but not extreme. Techno Violet may carry a more intimidating name, but it serves a similar purpose in the BMW palette. It shines a deep, gorgeous purple, but is neither garish nor loud. The E36 M3 sedan is one of my favorite performance values – maybe not moreso than the E39 5-series, but available for even less money.

Today’s M3 looks well cared-for, with just one large blemish: a rust spot in the rear fender from a “low-speed slide into a guard rail,” aka someone hit the gas too hard in the rain. Beyond that, the maintenance records, clean interior, and restrained upgrades (Dinan suspension and chip are no-brainers) make for a high-mileage M3 that’s worth taking seriously. With a Buy-It-Now of under $6,500, it’s clear the seller is serious about selling it, too.

Click for details: 1998 BMW M3 Sedan on eBay

Year: 1998
Model: M3 Sedan
Engine: 3.2 liter inline-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 152,252 mi
Price: Reserve auction, $6,495 Buy It Now

For sale is a very clean 1998 E36 BMW M3 4-door Sedan. Rare Techno Violet exterior paint with Dove Gray interior leather. Great condition, minor normal wear-and-tear, babied/pampered since original purchase. Owned by two adult enthusiasts that were able to (and did) conduct regular maintenance and repairs. No kid-racers, no neglected upkeep. I have maintenance and repair records, and the original window sticker!

Original owner (my previous manager) had a Dinan Stage III Suspension and Dinan chip installed at BMW/Dinan dealer. Includes beefier anti-sway bars, -3 degree camber plates in front, upgraded shocks/struts. Rear shocks have since been replaced with OEM equipment.

Brand new: Inspection Service II, all four tires (Toyo Proxes 4 Plus A/S), rear shocks (OEM), fan clutch, shift bushings, exhaust hangers.

Exterior is nearly flawless, except minor rust spot at driver’s side rear wheel well and modest curb rash(see pictures). One accident: slid into a guard rail at low speed. Left side body repairs were done flawlessly. Paint all around looks new. Interior is nearly flawless. Driver’s seat has some modest normal wear. Nothing else to report…it’s in great shape.

Factory Options Include: Leather Upholstery, Electric Seats, Cruise Control, Automatic Climate Control, Front Driver and Passenger Airbags, Side-Impact Side Airbags, Rear Headrests, Power Sliding Sunroof and Staggered Wheels.

· 152252 original miles

· Garaged entire life, except last 4 years (BMW car cover used during winter)

· Adult/enthusiast owned

· Exterior in excellent condition -looks new

· Interior in excellent condition -looks new

It’s no garage queen and it’s certainly been around the block a few times, but I’d consider buying this M3 more seriously than so many of the possibly-abused, poorly-documented examples out there, even if they have fewer miles. You could go for a sub-100k mile example, but Techno Violet is hard to come by and you’d like spend almost double this price. However many miles it has left in it, this is a lot of fun for $6.5k.

-NR