As they had with the first generation, with the E36 BMW continued the tradition of chopping the top off its curb-hopping M3 to alter the character of the model substantially. The resulting “BK” models are the least produced of the second generation. In European form, some 3,800 were produced with a bulk of them heading to England starting in 1996. The U.S. model began production as the model’s run came to a close; in March 1998, the first of what would become 6,269 U.S. spec 3.2 M3 Convertibles rolled off the production lines in Regensburg. That meant the M3 outlasted normal E36 production, as if you walked into a dealer you’d find the all-new E46 model being sold along side these topless M3s. As they came towards the end of production, most of these M3s came as well-equipped as the E36 was available, and options included forged M-Double Spoke wheels and a removable hardtop. Extra bracing went in to stiffen the chassis, which resulted in a 10% weight penalty and slower performance – but I’d wager that wasn’t on most buyer’s minds. Of the just over 6,000 models sold here, the majority – about 60% at 4,017 – were sold with the 5-speed automatic. So today’s example is already in the minority; a last year example, it’s also a 5-speed. But to push it just that little more over the top, it’s also in the rare shade of 386 Fern Green Metallic:
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1999 BMW M3 Convertible on eBay
Year: 1999
Model: M3 Convertible
Engine: 3.2 liter inline-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 163,352 mi
Price: No Reserve Auction
Great condition 1999 Rare Fern Green M3 convertible with matching green top. 163352 miles.
20 of these imported in the US in this combination.
Convertible top & rear window is less than 3 years old.
Headlights are glass European Bosch, hard to find in the US and had be imported.
Foglights are imported “French” yellow from ZKW.
New Genuine BMW front bumper, bumper lip, and undercarriage.
5 speed manual with Rogue Short shift kit and new leather shift boot.
New clutch pedal with UUC delrin clutch bushings.
Dove grey interior.
Beyern 18″ CSL rims from BavAuto
Custom exhaust
Conforti intake
UUC adjustable rear control arms
Adjustable rear suspension (height)
New Koni shocks and struts
New Eibach Prokit springs
Tires have 80% tread.
Oil pressure checked 2 months ago and came back flawless. Oil changed religiously with LiquiMoly
10w60. New Genuine BMW (4 months old) driver’s window regulator and motor.
Car runs like a champ and handles like an otherworldly beast. Clean title!
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Buyer responsible for picking up car and/or making shipping arrangements.
CAR IS SOLD AS-IS WITH NO WARRANTY.
I can deliver car anywhere within CA or 500 miles outside for a fee.
Vehicle has existing lien through my credit union.
The seller claims only 20 Fern Green Metallic with N5TT Light Gray Nappa were sold here, but it’s unclear where that information came from. I couldn’t find it, anyway. The color is very similar to the 275 Boston Green Metallic and most would mistake it, but it was a late Coupe/Convertible only color. It’s matched well by option 392 – a dark green convertible top. These cars came standard with limited slip, sport seats and foglights just like every other M3, but this one also had additional airbags (243/260), the rollbar protection (395), automatic top operation (399), heated seats (494), air conditioing and cruise control (534,540), Harmon Kardon and CD (674,692) and the M Forged Double Spoke wheels.
On paper, this sounds like a neat car. Unfortunately, the past has not been so kind to it. It appears the car was in an accident at some point over its 163,000 miles, resulting in most of the front end being replaced. The original wheels are gone, too, and we don’t get to see any pictures of the state of the interior or under the hood. It would appear that a lot of money has been spent on modifications but no indication of maintenance done is provided. With the mileage and poorer-quality respray on the front along with the mods, this isn’t going to be a collector example. But it looks fairly tidy overall as a driver, and the no reserve auction is well below $10,000. As prices of these models continue to rise, this might be a uniquely-toned bargain driver for a DIYer.
-Carter
