One to Buy: Dakar Yellow 4800 mile 1995 BMW E36 M3 3.0 Coupe
Compared to the first generation E30 M3 which was a raucous and comparatively unrefined homologation special conceived purely to create the most effective Group A racing car possible, the subsequent E36 version was a far more sophisticated machine.
Powered by one of BMW Motorsport’s renowned silky smooth straight six engines as opposed to a peppy little inline ‘four’, the E36 M3 delivered its spectacular punch in a manner more akin to the legendary M635 CSi of a few years prior.
As per the E30 M3, the E36 version was manufactured as both a Coupe and Cabriolet, in addition to which BMW offered a four-door Saloon which further broadened its appeal. A specially developed iteration for North America was also created to satisfy customers across the Atlantic who had missed out on the original.
A superb 1995 example of the North American E36 M3 Coupe will be heading to auction as part of RM Sotheby’s sale in Phoenix, Arizona, on January 24th.
Configured in the trademark colour scheme for one of these cars, Dakar Yellow with Black upholstery, chassis ‘07580’ was also specified with an electric sunroof and the US market-only Luxury Pack that comprised the side sills and M Contour II wheels from the M3 Saloon, eight-way electric seats, leather door panels, chrome interior door handles, an on-board computer, cruise control, a front armrest and extended wood trim to included the centre console and door pulls.
Remarkably, chassis ‘07580’ has remained in the ownership of one family since new, during which time it has accumulated a little over 4800 miles.
Reprinted below is RM Sotheby’s description:
Estimate: $50,000 - $70,000 USD
Offered Without Reserve
Chassis No.: WBSBF9322SEH07580
Registration: US Title
Single-family ownership from new
Showing just 4,832 miles on the odometer at the time of cataloguing
Sought-after Dakar Yellow exterior over a black extended leather interior
Incredibly well-optioned with Luxury package, heated front seats, power sunroof, onboard computer, and the desirable standard five-speed manual transmission
In the automotive world, few cars carry the pedigree and allure of the BMW M3. Initially introduced to outclass the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 in touring car racing, this beloved homologation special quickly gained a following thanks to its fun handling, stout engine, and racecar looks.
The second-generation M3, based on the E36 chassis, hit dealer floors in 1992, now with BMW’s traditional inline six-cylinder under the hood. More grand tourer than track rat, this new model provided greater comfort and refinement while possessing immense power, especially in European specification.
Despite US regulations preventing this engine from being sold in the North American market due to a lack of compliance, an upgraded version of the code M50 engine dubbed the S50B30US provided a still-impressive and reliable 240 horsepower.
The spectacular Dakar Yellow 1995 BMW M3 on offer is a true “time capsule” example owned by just one family for nearly the past 30 years. Featuring a number of desirable options including heated front seats, a power sunroof, an onboard computer, and the standard five-speed manual transmission, this M3 exhibits the more grown-up nature of the E36 generation to its fullest extent with the additional selection of the Luxury package.
With the tick of this box, the interior of the M3 is transformed with wood trim, extended leather, power sport seats with a center armrest, cruise control, and chrome interior door handles. Outside, the exterior features subtle changes to the front valance with two bars replacing the mesh insert on the lower intake and simplified sculpting on the side skirts. Lastly, all four corners feature the 17-inch M-contour cast wheels.
Sparingly used over the past three decades, just 4,832 miles appear on the odometer at the time of cataloguing. As a result, the totality of the car is incredibly well-preserved and makes for a truly collectible BMW M3. Select invoices on file confirm new brake pads and rotors across both axles were installed, along with the mounting of four new tires, in June 2021. More recently in May 2023, the clutch slave cylinder was replaced.
Rarely seen with so few miles and so well-optioned, the E36 M3 has become increasingly respected by the BMW community as a unique member within the sport saloon’s hallowed lineage. The example on offer will surely make for a fine addition to any serious collection.
