Vehicle Details
- Year: 1997
- Make: BMW
- Model: M3 Sedan
- VIN: WBSCD9321VEE05664
- Mileage: 40,634
- Transmission: Manual
- Title Status: Clean
- Color: Alpine White III
- Seller Type: Dealer
- Location: Fort Myers, FL 33916
- Dealer Fees: None
- Lot #: V-0027937
BMW’s second high-performance M3 model, the E36 generation was the first to offer a four-door sedan option and derives power from a naturally aspirated S52 straight-six engine. Finished in Alpine White III over a Grey Nappa Leather interior, this 1997 example was delivered new by Southpointe BMW of Sarasota Florida, and remained under the care of its original owner up until 2021. An extensive service was recently completed in preparation for sale and this M3 is now being offered for auction with approximately 40k miles showing on the odometer.
The M3 rides lowered than a standard E36 3-Series and includes a color-keyed front air dam, side rocker panels, a rear diffuser, M-Style aerodynamic mirrors, quad exhaust tips, and 17” Style 39 wheels. This example is finished in Alpine White III and the seller describes the exterior to be very well-preserved with all factory VIN tags remaining affixed throughout the body. A few small chips are noted on the front end and new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires were mounted in preparation for sale. Detailed images are provided in the gallery along with paint meter readings and a clean CARFAX report.
The cabin is trimmed in Grey Nappa Leather with M-striped sport seats and an M3-branded shift knob, instrument cluster, door sills, and floor mats. The car was equipped with a Harman/Kardon sound system, cruise control, and electric sunroof as factory options. Additional equipment includes digital automatic climate control, a central locking system, power windows and mirrors, a multi-information display with a digital clock, and an AM/FM cassette radio.
A 3.2-liter 24-valve S52 DOHC inline-six engine delivers up to 240 HP to the rear wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential. The car’s original maintenance log shows dealer service stamps and the seller notes that new OEM struts and shock absorbers have been recently installed along with new OEM bump stops, an OEM driveshaft flex joint, a new battery, brake fluid flush, and oil change.
This sale will include the original window sticker and owner’s manuals as well as a spare tire, car cover, toolkit, front bra, and a clean title.
Auction Results
- Sold for: $40,500
- Auction End: Apr 12, 2023 07:18:17PM UTC
- Number of Bids: 22
Comments (47)
Sold for $40,500
Out-of-state buyers: I will assist with enclosed shipping, or pick you up at the airport so you can drive this M3 home.
Bid in the amount of $40,500
*Professional ceramic coating includes rims by the way.
Bid in the amount of $40,000
Fully ceramic coated.
Complete tool kit, new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. NO CORNERS cut to maximize a profit.
Bid in the amount of $38,500
Bid in the amount of $38,250
Zero modifications; ever. Factory paint, factory wheel finishes, factory interior.
Someone is TAKING THIS AMAZING BMW HOME TODAY!
Bid in the amount of $38,000
THE RESERVE IS OFF!!!
Bid in the amount of $37,500
Bid in the amount of $37,000
A stash of gas receipts, for every time the tank was filled. From 1997 until a week ago.
Original window sticker, all keys, all manuals.
Bid in the amount of $36,500
Bid in the amount of $36,000
Bid in the amount of $35,500
Bid in the amount of $35,000
Bid in the amount of $34,500
Bid in the amount of $34,250
Bid in the amount of $34,000
Collector-grade E36 M3/4/5. Lowest mileage and nicest condition I have seen come up in the past 3 years. Virtually a 1-owner car, highly documented and serviced.
It may be a while before another one like it comes up.
EnzosDad.
Bid in the amount of $33,500
Bid in the amount of $33,000
Good afternoon,
Roughly one hour left. I will be monitoring this page, as well as the private message section for last minute questions.
Good luck everyone,
EnzosDad
Bid in the amount of $32,500
Bid in the amount of $28,500
@Nj993c2 Yes, this is 100% original paint.
What you look for is consistency within each panel (reason I took three readings per panel), as well as consistency between similar panels (both front fenders, for example).
That and the fact this car retains all nine VIN stickers intact.
Cheers,
EnzosDad
Can someone please help decipher the paint readings that knows what these left the factory with? Do these readings prove the paint to be all original?
@UncleEnzo Great name Sir; it translates to "The Home Ruler". And it is generally true.
The differences between '97 and '98 aren't 100% by model year, but mostly line up. '98 model year sedans have rear head rests and have side airbags in the front seats - most '97 sedans do not have airbags (as this one does not) and I don't believe any had rear head rests.
Also, BMW discontinued the Lux package after the '97 model year, so any Lux sedan will be a '97.
Not much difference, unless you happen to get T-boned.
I think there may also be some very minor options availability differences.
I too have a '97 M3 Sedan. Have owned for over 20 years. The 1998's added front side airbags and rear seat headrests. That's the only differences that I know of between the two model years for the sedan. A small handful of late 1998's had a "downgraded" leather due to running out of supply as the M3 sedans closed out production I think, but those are not very common.
My son's name is Enzo and I used to own a while e36 M3. Its like the universe is trying to tell me something.
Additional content has been added to the gallery for this listing.
@EnzosDad I swapped out the modern refrigerant R-12 vs R-134. Ok it maintains the original and thanks for the other answers too.
@tvanbem Like you @tvanbem, I am not aware of any changes between 1997 and 1998. That said, I would welcome additional information, if available.
It is my understanding that BMW equips its vehicles with R134a since 1993-94; accordingly, this M3 was equipped with R134a at the factory. There is a green sticker under the hood confirming this (I will upload a couple of pictures for you shortly).
Brake pads are virtually new with roughly 130 miles on them. Additionally, the following maintenance was performed in preparation for sale:
- New OEM struts and shock absorbers all around.
- New OEM suspension bump stops all around.
- Fresh engine oil and filter.
- New OEM air filter.
- New OEM drive shaft flex joint.
- New OEM hood pad.
- New battery.
- Brake fluid flush.
- New Michelin tires all around.
Given the condition of this M3 and recent service performed, I am confident that you could comfortably drive it from FL to Dallas and BACK without a problem.
(R134a sticker pictures coming up).
EnzosDad.
Bid in the amount of $25,000
Additional content has been added to the gallery for this listing.
Good morning everyone,
I am excited to present this beautiful Alpineweiss III E36 M3 Sedan. We are located in Fort Myers, FL; please message me with any specific requests or to schedule an inspection.
This is a lovely car to drive with no rattles, vibrations, or pulling on any direction whether at speed or under braking. The best E36 M3/4/5 I have ever driven.
Purchased and looked-after locally for 27+ years by its original owner, it has never seen harsh weather as evidenced by its overall condition.
By the way, photos of the factory paint readings will be uploaded shortly. You will find them recorded in a log, which is shown in the photo gallery as well.
Kind regards,
EnzosDad
I used to have this spec in a '98, I am not aware of any differences from these two years from BMW. Can you comment on the a/c if it's still set-up to run R-12? Also any comments on the age of the brake pads, last brake fluid flush, oil service, etc? I saw the other comments about recent maintenance and this car looks like it would handle a drive from FL to Dallas no problem.
Bid in the amount of $20,000
Bid in the amount of $6,000
Bid in the amount of $5,000
I have personally seen this car. It is knock down gorgeous. It gives new meaning to the term, “looks and smells like new”!