Up for auction is one of the most well-sorted, iconic, and fun-to-drive cars ever made - the BMW E36 M3 Sedan. Its light weight, ease of repair, and simple-yet-bulletproof design made this model particularly favorable for amateur racers, weekend canyon carvers and professional race teams alike. Its 240 horsepower engine, mated to a responsive 5-speed manual make it all the car you need without becoming a handful.

It rivals new cars such as the FR-S or BR-Z, for a fraction of the price. Here's a look at the finer points of the E36 M3 versus modern competition.

And here's the Wikipedia page for the car if you'd like to know more about the platform.

Here's a detailed description of this particular car. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. You can reach me at (908)247-1055.

Engine/Drivetrain

The 3.2 liter Inline-6 engine in this car starts and runs beautifully. It has 150,661 miles, and had a major cooling overhaul in the past 5000 miles, which included a fan delete, lower temperature thermostat, and a fresh coolant flush. In addition, all gaskets on and around the head were replaced. The car leaks no fluids and runs like new. It has no signs of lifter tick and the VANOS unit functions flawlessly. It has recently had an oil change with Mobil1 synthetic and seafoamed to clear up any carbon buildup. There are no Check Engine fault codes present. The engine is unmodified, other than some heat shielding on the fender arch and airbox with heat-reflective tape.

The Transmission is a very responsive 5-speed manual. There are no crunches of grinds in any gear, and engagement is smooth. The clutch feels a bit on the heavy side, but it's a normal part in owning an E36. The shifter bushings could use replacement, as the shifter can feel a touch sloppy in some instances. The driveline is completely smooth and has no vibration while driving at all.

The car has a factory-installed limited-slip differential that functions beautifully and helps the car handle in quick starts and high-speed bends.

Exhaust

The car's exhaust is stock manifolds and cats followed by a UUC Corsa exhaust. It sounds much more visceral and raunchy than the stock exhaust and really helps the car feel like the race car is so desperately needs to be. It sounds refined without being overpowering while cruising. The stock exhaust is also available with the sale should the buyer decide not to keep the UUC unit. The exhaust hangers could stand to be replaced, as the rear section hangs about 1.5 inches lower what's normal.

If you'd like to know what it sounds like click below for a YouTube video of a similar setup:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItjcjMcjdjE

Exterior

The car's Arctic Silver Metallic exterior is in generally good condition, but it does have a few issues that need to be addressed. Previously, the car was backed into while parked and incurred damage to the hood, kidney grilles, and driver's side fender. The parts were replaced with color-matched OEM replacements and new black kidney grilles. The front nose panel has 2 dings around the kidney grilles, and the front bumper has a few cracks under the bumper trim. The roof has a slight dent in it from a previous owner's installation of a roof ski or bike rack. There are dents on the rear wheel arches from a poor fender rolling job from a previous owner. The paint on the majority of the car looks original and does shine quite well when polished.

The car has some rust around the rear wheel arches, driver's front door near the trim and outer edge, and the passenger's side rocker panel. There is paint bubbling on the panel under the trunk lid.

Interior

The interior is in great shape, especially for a car of this year. The Dove grey sport leather seats are supple and supportive, and the dash and accompanying plastics are in great shape. All electronics work without issue. The passenger's front seat has a 2" tear in the front thigh support. It's very slight and not noticeable, nor does it take away from the overall look of the car. The rear driver's side door panel has a small, V-shaped tear in the leather.

The armrest and shifter boot are custom with "M-style" 3 colored sticking and dove grey leather. There is a shortened ZHP shift knob installed as well, although it has a 6-speed shift pattern shown.

The original owner's manual and all materials are included. Also included is the original window sticker, showing that the car cost $44,140 in 1998. Also included is most of the original tool kit with all wrenches, pliers, and even a printout of the fuses.

Audio/Electronics

The car's audio system is a completely custom system from the ground up. On top of the existing Harman Kardon speakers, there are 6" speakers with satellite tweeters installed in the front kickpanels, powered by an Alpine MRV-F450 Amplifier and Profile California QX10 3-Way Crossover. The amplifiers are housed on a carbon fiber panel in the spare tire well. There is also a Elemental Designs 130V.2 subwoofer in a custom carbon fiber enclosure connected to the access panel to the trunk. Everything has been wired professionally and it looks like a very expensive install with no corners cut. The headunit is an Alpine single-DIN unit with iPod, auxiliary, and USB connectivity built in. This system sounds absolutely spectacular.

All electronics on the car work flawlessly. There is no bleeding on any of the LCD screens, and the removable flashlight works.

Suspension

Installed are a set of brand new Yellow fully adjustable coilovers. The car is lowered nearly 3 inches and handles as if it's glued to the road. It's compliant enough to eat up potholes but firm enough to be a serious threat at the track. All bushings and links are in good condition and the car tracks straight and true.

Climate Control/AC

The dual-zone climate control works flawlessly and has no leaks or issues with either heat or air conditioning. The LCD has no bleeding and works like new.

Wheels/Tires

The Wheels are OEM M3 staggered wheels. They have very minimal/no curb rash, but could use some polishing because of brake dust. Overall very good condition. The tires are a matching set of 225/45/17 Toyo Proxes4 tires with 60 percent tread. These tires are absolutely amazing and very, very grippy - some of the best performance tires you can get for the money.

Drivability

This car will make you fall in love with German cars. It's light, nimble, has a raunchy yet elegant exhaust note, with a capable engine that pushes you back in your supple leather seat. With the choice modifications this car has, it can run circles, literally, around the competition. It's a great example of the Ultimate Driving Machine.

Vehicle History

Below is the AutoCheck report:

Below are the historical events for this vehicle listed in chronological order. Any discrepancies will be in bold text.

Report Run Date: 2014-02-20 23:49:29.357 EST

Vehicle: 1998 BMW M3 (WBSCD9329WEE07244)

Event Date	Event Location	Odometer Reading	Data Source	Event Detail
12/26/1997	VT		Motor Vehicle Dept.	TITLE (Title #:1226972501011) (Leased Vehicle)
12/26/1997	SPRINGFIELD, VT		Motor Vehicle Dept.	REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL (Leased Vehicle)
10/09/1998	SPRINGFIELD, VT		Motor Vehicle Dept.	REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL (Leased Vehicle)
10/06/1999	SPRINGFIELD, VT		Motor Vehicle Dept.	REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL
10/12/2000	SPRINGFIELD, VT		Motor Vehicle Dept.	REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL
10/12/2001	SPRINGFIELD, VT		Motor Vehicle Dept.	REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL
10/09/2002	VT		Motor Vehicle Dept.	REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL
03/20/2003	SPRINGFIELD, VT		Motor Vehicle Dept.	TITLE (Title #:0320032501016) (Lien Reported)
03/20/2003	VT		Motor Vehicle Dept.	REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL
03/11/2004	SPRINGFIELD, VT		Motor Vehicle Dept.	REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL
03/10/2005	SPRINGFIELD, VT		Motor Vehicle Dept.	REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL
03/08/2006	SPRINGFIELD, VT		Motor Vehicle Dept.	REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL
03/07/2007	SPRINGFIELD, VT		Motor Vehicle Dept.	REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL
03/05/2008	SPRINGFIELD, VT		Motor Vehicle Dept.	REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL
03/12/2009	SPRINGFIELD, VT		Motor Vehicle Dept.	REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL
03/04/2010	SPRINGFIELD, VT		Motor Vehicle Dept.	REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL
03/16/2011	SPRINGFIELD, VT		Motor Vehicle Dept.	REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL
01/20/2012	MARBLEHEAD, MA		Motor Vehicle Dept.	REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL
02/03/2012	MARBLEHEAD, MA	115,185	Motor Vehicle Dept.	TITLE (Title #:BK886911)
06/01/2013	MARBLEHEAD, MA		Motor Vehicle Dept.	REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL
06/28/2013	HAVERHILL, MA		Motor Vehicle Dept.	REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL
07/12/2013	HAVERHILL, MA	143,507	Motor Vehicle Dept.	TITLE (Title #:BM577758)
09/18/2013	LONG VALLEY, NJ	147,886	Motor Vehicle Dept.	TITLE (Title #:WA201326100000278)
09/30/2013	LONG VALLEY, NJ		Motor Vehicle Dept.	REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL
12/09/2013	ELIZABETH, NJ	148,441	Motor Vehicle Dept.	TITLE (Title #:ER201334300000109)
12/31/2013	ELIZABETH, NJ		Motor Vehicle Dept.	REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL