1998 BMW M3 Evolution (E36) Coupé

Please note registration number 44 MXW is being retained by the vendor. The new V5C has been issued and the car is registered as S198 AYA, it's original number.

At the Paris Motor Show in 1992, BMW introduced the successor to the widely adored E30 M3 with the E36 M3. The second incarnation of the model was a different animal to the original 1980's E30, replacing the four-cylinder with a straight-six, sleeker styling, modernised and a more refined demeanour. At the time, the Motorsport Division's new take on the iconic M3 was to utilise the standard M50TU engine (used in other E36s and earlier E34s), however there were numerous upgrades over the standard M50 including individual throttle bodies, continuously variable 'Vanos' valve timing, dual-mass flywheel, lightweight pistons, graphite-coated connecting rods, larger inlet valves and redesigned equal-length exhaust manifolds.

Things continued to improve with the expansion of the range in 1994 with the arrival of the second generation E36 M3 Evolution cars powered by the new S52B32, a 3.2-litre straight-six with the compression ratio raised to 11.3:1, significantly upping the power output from 282bhp to 321bhp at 7,400rpm, mated to either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a sequential DSG transmission. Other changes included a new Cornering Brake Control system and staggered 17" wheels, with meatier 225/45 ZR17 fronts and 245/40 ZR17 rear tyres. The E36 M3 Evolution was and still is regarded as one of the best sports cars of the 1990s and was awarded Best-Handling Car by Car and Driver magazine in 1997. BMW’s E36 M3 Evolution was destined to become a classic from the start but, although unfairly overlooked in recent years, its time will come.

This stunning 1998 E36 M3 Evolution is arguably the best specified example we have ever seen, making it quite possibly the ultimate E36 M3 Evolution. A late car, first registered in October 1998, it's finished in the rare Techno Violet paintwork with the very, very rare Anthracite Alcantara M-Cross + Amaretta interior optioned from new and is fitted with a strong selection of optional extras.

Becoming increasingly popular and difficult to source in excellent condition, this E36 M3 Evolution offers a rare opportunity to own an example that has covered a warranted 60,200 miles in the hands of its two owners from new. Having formed part of a private Collection of modern classics, the car has a history file that is as exemplary as its aesthetics. With 12 main dealer services and three additional BMW specialist services, it is safe to say that the car has been cossetted all its life and needs nothing. Our vendor is a true perfectionist and had the car inspected and detailed by a trusted detailer who has confirmed that (with the exception of the front bumper) the paintwork is all original, increasingly hard to find. There are a few minor stone chips present on the bonnet, but nothing more than what is to be expected.

With so many of these E36 M3s being turned into track cars, race cars or simply not maintained, it is heartening to see such a wonderfully specified, original example in such outstanding condition. Criminally underrated, with values steadily on the rise, these E36 M3s truly warrant their time in the sun.