1995 BMW M3 Saloon (E36)

Highlights

• Early, original E36 M3 four door saloon
• Only one owner previous to the couple who own it now
• In current ownership for over 26 years
• Stacks of history and paperwork
• Desirable Avus Blue

Overview

One of the best ways to tell if a car is a good one is to gauge how long the previous owner has kept it. When the answer is over 26 years, then it’s fair to say that it has got under their skin.

When you look at this one, though, it’s hardly surprising. Firstly, it’s a BMW E36, which was very much the high watermark for compact executive cars in the Nineties. Secondly, it’s not just any old E36 – it’s an M3, and a saloon at that, meaning it’s a track-honed, hand-finished, enthusiast-engineered legend with four door practicality. Thirdly, it’s Avus Blue. The very best colour for the model in the eyes of many an M-enthusiast.

It’s no wonder, then, that the current keeper has had it for as long as they have, nor would they be getting rid were it not for the pesky London Ultra-Low Emissions Zone. Why would you want to part with something so exciting to drive, or as agonisingly cool otherwise? You wouldn’t.

But living on the edge of the ULEZ means that the owner can no longer head south or west with impunity, so after more than quarter of a century it’s time to replace their beloved M3 with something newer that won’t upset the Mayor of London, meaning that you now have a super-rare chance to get your hands on an M3 that hasn’t had multiple owners, but has been in the care of the same husband and wife since 1998.

The car is a great example of the seminal E36 M3 – a car that was the most successful of the M3 lineage, with average sales of around 10,000 a year.

It made its debut at the Paris Motor Show in October 1992 and was a more civilised and luxurious car than the E30 M3, which was – in essence – a homologation special. Whereas the E30 had been hardcore, the E36 M3 offered German refinement with fantastic levels of performance – 284bhp, from a 3.0-litre straight-six.

This 1995 example is no trailer queen. In total it has clocked up almost 161,000 miles, over 90,000 of which were in its first three years, but it has been well maintained for all of its life and although not perfect, is still in great original condition. It’s part of the family and we dare say a tear will be shed when it moves on to pastures new, but if it’s going to find a good home anywhere then it’ll be with a committed PHer.

History and documentation

• UK V5C in the name of the vendor
• Owned by a married couple since May 1998 with just one previous owner
• MOT to May 2025 – no advisory notes
• Believed to be one of only 415 RHD pre-Evo models made
• Original handbooks, leather BMW wallet and service history book
• Two sets of keys plus BMW emergency key
• TRACKER – will need subscription
• Supplied new by Cronk BMW of Redhill, Surrey
• Service booked stamped at PDI (1995, main dealer), 1,185 miles (1995 - main dealer), 8,586 miles (1995 - main dealer), 15,197 miles (1995 – main dealer), 23,316 miles (1996 – main dealer), 30,148 miles (1996 – main dealer), 37,954 miles (1996 – main dealer), 44,956 miles (1996 – main dealer), 52,741 miles (1997 – main dealer), 60,287 miles (1997 – main dealer), 68,430 miles (1997 – main dealer), 75,583 miles (1997 – main dealer), 82,630 miles (1997 – main dealer), 90,825 miles (1998 – main dealer), 96,575 miles (1999 – main dealer), 102,675 miles (2000 – main dealer), 110,019 miles (2001 – specialist), 116,744 miles (2002 – specialist), 122,652 miles (2003 – specialist), 124,257 miles (2005 – specialist) ), 128,217 miles (2007 – specialist) ), 135,697miles (2009 – specialist) ), 139,197 miles (2011 – specialist), 140,778 miles (2012 – specialist), 148,313 miles (2016 – specialist), 156,871 miles (2021 – specialist), 160,407 miles (2023 – specialist)
• Selection of parts receipts and maintenance invoices showing dedicated level of care
• Original blue V5C

Interior

• Smart black leather sports seats in excellent condition for the mileage
• Slight wear to driver’s seat bolster
• Wooden trim inlays and M-Sport gearknob
• BMW trip computer
• Electric tilt and slide sunroof
• Electric windows
• Air conditioning
• Original BMW mats
• Modernised USB stereo (original radio and CD changer available)
• M-Sport steering wheel
• Original BMW tool kit and first aid kit

Exterior

• Lovely Avus Blue colour scheme
• Various small chips and marks to paintwork but generally still very good
• No dents or accident damage
• Motorsport rear spoiler
• Original wheels, refurbished with new wheel centres and Continental Sport Contact tyres all-round
• Vendor reports that the car is good and solid underneath but isn’t concours

Mechanical

• 3.0-litre straight-six
• 284bhp
• Five-speed manual
• 0-60 in 5.2 secs
• Recent rear suspension rebuild
• New battery in 2024
• Milltek stainless steel exhaust and sports cats
• Otherwise standard
• Vendor reports that that car drives superbly, accelerates and stops in a straight line and handles beautifully, with a very slight tappet noise when first started that soon disappears when warm

Summary

We won’t lie – we adore this car. Sure, it’s not a low-milage museum piece and it wears a few minor marks, but it’s a genuine, unspoilt, unrestored and original M3 that has been properly loved by its owners – and it shows.

They’d keep it if they could and we’re gutted for them that they can’t – but by the same token we’re delighted for you, as it means you have a chance to own it.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Hornchurch, Essex.