For Sale – 1995 Rare original low mileage BMW M3 3.0 S ...

1995 'M' plate 5 speed manual model with only 4 owners from new. It even comes with the original sales invoice from the original BMW dealer that supplied the car new as well as the original road test in Autocar from 1994 when it was at the time the quickest accelerating 4 door car in the world. It also had a less aggressive suspension set up and a more rigid body shell than the more common coupe models meaning it is supremely refined and comfortable when not pressing on. It is in fantastic condition throughout and much has been spent to get it to where it is today. This original individual order colour is BMW M model specific and really helps it stand out as something special and I love how it looks sophisticated and subtle yet unique. I've owned it now for over 3 years. When I first got the car it had some very mild rust appearing in the usual places, these being the front and rear wheel arches and the edge of the boot. I wanted this fixed properly so instead of repairing sections I replaced both front wings and rear arches completely with new items and sourced a genuine boot lid to ensure a perfect fit. I have photographs of the work and was delighted to find that all the inner wings were in as-new condition, testament to the thorough job BMW did in developing the E36 model, for me the best model they have yet created. Once the new panels were fitted the car then had a full repaint which had been exceptionally well done by Chris from renowned coach worker California's of Darwin. Various rubber components such as the door channels and rear window and sunroof surrounds were also renewed with genuine (and hard to find) BMW items. Mechanically it has completed just 104,000 genuine miles from new and has spent most of its life on the Isle of Mann, helping to explain the low figure which is also backed up by an extensive service history. The tyres are all matching high quality Continental Sport Contact 5 with excellent tread depth and condition. As you can imagine, it has wanted for nothing with any items renewed with genuine parts as required. Since I have bought the car I've taken time to ensure all is well condition wise. I have had the front seats restored with new foams and a reconnolisation session so they are now exceptionally comfortable and look fantastic. I have also fitted a new stereo and replaced the electric window module and indicator switch, both of which can fail on older E36's. The standard specification includes a full leather interior, a lovely M Sport 3 spoke Leather steering wheel, Limited Slip Differential (LSD), ABS, Trip Computer, Front fog lamps, Remote central locking with alarm, Genuine wood veneer interior including gear knob, All round electric windows and a drivers airbag. Further options fitted at the factory on this car include a full electric sunroof, Matching deep-pile floor mats, Rear parking sensors, Ski hatch, Full first aid kit and a Full-sized spare wheel. I was relieved this car came without the troublesome and power-sapping air conditioning option with can cause all number of issues as it ages. It was also spared the heavy and complex electric seats meaning that for me this was the ideal spec when I was looking for an M3. The centre piece of this era of M3 is its engine and this car does not disappoint; there are no rattles, leaks, creaks, smoke or other noises as you would expect from such a well cared for car. It sounds fantastic and smooth and everything works exactly as it should with no warning lights or service reminders. This model was only built for just under two years and comes with the desirable, tuneful and tough naturally aspirated single Vanos 3.0 M Power straight 6 engine that produces an effortless and smooth 286 bhp. Thanks to its high power and the cars light weight it is exceptionally quick yet still refined. It's limited to 155mph and it accelerates from 0-60 in 5.9 seconds (quicker than a contemporary Porsche Boxster) yet is exceptionally smooth at all road speeds. This engine is know for its durability and efficiency as well as its performance, being able to return 30mpg on a run and cover vast mileages with ease. The later, more common 3.2 EVO cars were more powerful but can suffer from mechanical issues due to their more complex dual Vanos valve control system and notchy 6 speed gearbox. The differential and gearbox are also in great shape with no cluncks, whirrs or rattles and the clutch is also fine. The brakes work very well with both discs and pads being healthy with no sticking callipers or wharped discs. The suspension and steering feel great, this being helped by the recent work that has been completed. I have just given the suspension a thorough going over and replaced the rear trailing arm bushes (a common E36 weak spot) with tougher uprated ones as well new front and rear anti-roll bar bushes. This work was completed by a full geo suspension set up back to the original factory settings to ensure it handles like new. It has a full 12 months MOT until xxx, is HPI clear also qualifies for cheap road tax and classic car insurance. It has just had its full service so won't need another one for some time (and then it will just be the minor inspection 1 oil service). The underside of the car was in good shape when I bought it and to help preserve this condition long into the future I have had it professionally waxoiled to reduce the risk of any corrosion forming in future. This is almost certainly the best 3.0 M3 saloon on sale and makes a great alternative to the far more common and heavier later M3's such as the E36 3.2 Evo and E46 M3. Thanks to it being the more practical saloon body style rather than the more common Coupe and Convertible models It's also far rarer than even the limited run CSL and 1M models. It's also far more efficient and nimble than the bigger and more common E34, E39 or E60 M5 models with much lower running costs also.