Price: $39,800
Mileage: 79,100 Miles
Engine: S50B32 3.0L 6-Cylinder Engine
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual Transmission
Exterior color: Boston Green Metallic Exterior
Interior: Dove Grey Nappa Full Leather Interior
Additional features:
Euro Spec M3
3-Spoke Steering Wheel
Manual Vader Seats
Automatic Climate Controls
18-Button On-Board Computer
HiFi Speaker System
Glass Projector Headlights
Headlight Washers
Fog Lights
Rear Fog Light
Hartage Front Swaybar
AP Racing Front Brakes
Front Splitters
Rear Spoiler
17-Inch Forged Style 24 Wheels
Bridgestone RE-71 RS High-Performance Tires
U.K Market Import
Right-Hand Drive
BMW CCA Member Owner
Clean Carfax
Colorado Car
The BMW E36 M3 Evolution was a U.K. Market model branded to distinguish the release of the 1996 model year M3, featuring the 321-horsepower S50B32 engine. Outside of the U.S. Market, the E36 M3 was first released in 1992, powered by the S50B30 3.0-liter engine. In 1995, it was replaced by the S50B32 engine and a 6-speed manual transmission (optional SMGI was to follow in the later years). The S50B32 engine featured individual throttle bodies, 11.3 to 1 compression, dual VANOS, and lightweight pistons. Other notable 3.2 European options include the Getrag 6-speed manual gearbox, aluminum doors (through 1997), a 3-spoke steering wheel, glass headlights with intensive cleaning, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and forged staggered “Lightweight” Style 24 wheels. These were the most potent E36 M3s available, and thanks to the 25-year rule, they are now legal in the United States.
This 1996 BMW E36 M3 Evolution is a truly rare Euro-spec example. Finished in Boston Green over Dove with only 79,100 miles, it is in excellent condition. The Evo’s featured S50B32 engine is a proper motorsport engine, good for 321 horsepower thanks to individual throttle bodies, higher compression, and lightened internals. The Getrag 6-speed manual was also not available in the U.S. E36 M3. Other notable options include manual Vader sport seats, a 3-spoke steering wheel, an 18-button on-board computer, front and rear fog lights, headlight washers, aluminum doors, a rear spoiler, and forged Style 24 staggered wheels. Upgrades include factory front splitters, CD43 CD player, Hartge sway bars, and AP Racing front brakes.
The documentation goes back to the original sale by Castle Motors BMW on 3/11/1996 and includes the sale inspection sheet and post-sale follow-up by Castle Motors Aftersales Director. Regular BMW inspections and MOTs document the next ten years of service. The latter stands for the Ministry of Transportation test and is the U.K.’s stringent annual inspection required for cars over three years old. In 2006, the records show an ownership change at 46K miles. This is followed by a letter of correspondence where the original owners were “…delighted that my much loved M3 has gone to someone who appears to appreciate it” and wished them “…many happy miles of motoring.” In 2007, the clutch was replaced, and the AP racing brakes and Hartge swaybars were installed. It changed hands again in 2017, before being imported in 2022 by an M3 collector and BMW CCA member in Kansas. It came to us via the BMW CCA, and we are happy to offer it on consignment. All import documents and EPA 25-year rule paperwork are included in the records binder.
Since arriving in the States, the ignition lock cylinder, drive belts, and air conditioning condenser have been replaced, and factory front splitters have been installed. In preparation for sale, we replaced the air conditioning compressor and several coolant hoses due to age. The condition is exceptional compared to the average well-cared-for E36 M3. The paint gauges between 3 and 6 mils, with the hood and front fenders being deeper. Those have likely been repainted at some point, but the paint match is perfect. There is minimal undercarriage component corrosion on non-critical components but nothing structural or typical of a U.K. market car or even a U.S. East Coast car. Other mechanical items of note are typical seeps from the power steering lines, oil pan, and valve cover gasket, but none need immediate attention. As it sits, this is an exceptionally rare and unique E36 M3. The power difference is stark compared to the U.S. market cars, and it garners attention at every drive. We’d like to find a new owner who will steward it through the next chapter of its story.
The Boston Green paint presents fantastically; these days, E36 M3s in this condition are hard to come by. Close scrutiny reveals minor flaws, but nothing glaring. with a nearly 30-year-old car. Some panels have been repainted, but the paint match is perfect. The paint gauges from 3 to 6 mils on the original panels up to higher double digits on the painted areas. There are several small, thicker areas elsewhere. There is one small area of visible corrosion above the rear license plate. Underneath, there is minimal undercarriage component corrosion on non-critical components, but nothing structural or typical of a U.K. market car. The VIN sticker and build date are present on the right front strut tower. All glass is clean and clear. All trim is in great condition. The mirror glass does not have de-lamination. The headlights are not yellowed; they are the desirable glass lens type. The taillights and indicators are in excellent condition and are the desirable Euro-spec BMW clear taillights. The forged Style 24 wheels are in perfect condition, with no peeling clear coat or curb rash. They are wrapped in Bridgestone RE71 RS tires with 8/32” tread depth in front and 7/32” in the back and 2022 DOT dates.
The interior is also in great shape, with only a few age-related flaws. There are no stains or foul odors, and it has never been smoked in. The headliner is in good condition, with no sag. The door cards are in great shape, with only slight wrinkling in the armrest padding. The steering wheel has minimal wear. The rest of the steering column is also functional and in great shape. The dashboard is crack-free, and the instrument cluster is fully functional. The “Darth Vader” vent is not broken or sagging. The glovebox also has no sag. All interior lights and switches are functional and undamaged. All power windows/locks function normally, and all switches are unfaded. Climate control blows hot or cold when required. The CD43 stereo functions and sounds great; it is likely a Land Rover version with the M logo over the former. The center console has virtually no wear. The driver seat has light to moderate bolster wear in the typical spots, with the passenger seat having less severe wear. The rear seats are in near-perfect condition, and are the desirable fold-down type. The trunk is unstained and has no odors, the toolkit is complete, and the Euro-spec hazard triangle is present and accounted for. The owner’s manual is present, and two keys (regular and valet) are included in the sale.
This M3 has clearly benefited from proper care and maintenance. In preparation for sale, we replaced the AC compressor, flushed the brake fluid, and replaced several radiator hoses. The S50B32 engine idles smoothly, pulls strong, and has no Vanos rattle or lifter knock. It has typical leaks and seeps from the valve cover, oil pan gasket, and power steering lines, but nothing that needs immediate attention. The cooling system is healthy and does not have the issues that S52 M3s do. The clutch and shifter are factory-crisp. The gearbox has a slight seep from the output shaft seal, but this could be deferred for a long time before it needs addressing. The brakes are powerful, and the suspension is compliant. There is no driveline or wheel-bearing vibration. All suspension bushings and the rear subframe and trailing arm mounts are solid. The exhaust has no leaks or rattles. It will continue to need and deserves the preventative care and maintenance that all BMWs do, but the E36 is a robust platform that will last forever if maintained correctly.
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