1999 | BMW M3

• 1999 BMW M3 Evo for sale
• Only 32,000 miles with two owners
• Supplied new to the Channel Islands
• 3.2-litre straight-six with 321bhp

Built during the final year of E36 production, this BMW M3 Evo is a rare low-mileage Convertible that has had only two owners from new.

Supplied to Jacksons BMW on the Channel Island of Jersey on 9 June 1999, it was specified with the Individual package that enabled owners to choose from a range of custom colours and trim options. In this case, the M3 was delivered in Brilliant Red with Grey leather.

Its service book is full of stamps from the supplying dealer, from the 1200-mile running-in service in October 1999 all the way up to 2010, by which time it had covered 23,090 miles. From then until 2014, it was serviced by independent marque specialists and the mileage rose to 29,491 miles.

The BMW was sold to its second owner in 2015, and was then kept in Estepona in southern Spain until being transported to the UK in 2022. It was used only sparingly during that time, as demonstrated by the fact that it had still covered just 31,920 miles when it went through its MoT test on 19 March 2022.

This BMW E36 M3 Convertible is being offered for sale complete with its original tool kit, a full set of documents and manuals, and a matching hardtop. Being an Evolution model, it features the sublime 3.2-litre straight-six engine, which produces 321bhp and drives through a six-speed manual gearbox. Michelin tyres are fitted all round.

For many years, the E36 has been an underrated choice of M3 but it’s now starting to attract a strong following, and this is a rare opportunity to acquire a well-maintained, low-mileage example.

MODEL HISTORY

When the E36 BMW M3 was launched in late 1992, it was designed to be a much more versatile car than the homologation-special, track-focused E30 M3. The E36 also replaced its predecessor’s four-cylinder engine with the 3-litre, six-cylinder S50B30 – a smooth, sonorous and powerful unit that won universal praise. 

The engine featured individual throttle bodies and produced 286bhp at 7000rpm – enough to fire the M3 to 60mph in just over five seconds – but in late 1995 the facelifted Evo model was introduced. The updated S50B32 engine had a capacity of 3.2 litres, a higher compression ratio, a double VANOS system that offered variable valve timing on both inlet and exhaust, and a power output of 321bhp. 

This latest engine was mated to a six-speed gearbox developed from that used in the E34 M5, while chassis upgrades included stiffer springs and dampers, plus quicker steering. Ventilated disc brakes were fitted all round and body styles included saloon, coupé and convertible.

From 1997 onwards, there was the option of a Sequential M Gearbox (SMG) that enabled the driver to make clutchless sequential changes, as well as choosing between Sport and Economy modes. 

In 1997, Car and Driver magazine named the E36 M3 the ‘best-handling car at any price’ and Car magazine recently stated that ‘body control is a step on from the E30 and the quicker steering, strong traction and more locked-down feel give a sharper, more immediate feel’.

BMW produced a number of limited-edition E36 M3s, including the LHD-only, homologation-special GT, the UK-market Evolution Imola Individual, and the US-only Lightweight. Production of the saloon model came to an end in December 1997, with the coupé lasting until 1998 and the Convertible until December 1999. The E36 was then replaced by the next generation of M3, which was based on the new E46 model.