Get Your Kicks w/ This E36: 58k-Mile 1996 BMW M3 Coupe 5-Speed

There is something seriously magical about the E36 M3 – especially with a manual transmission. BMW took the already astonishingly agile 3-Series and added a bit of wheelbase and width, a little weight, and made a more comfortable vehicle overall. So, when the M-Wand was waved over it, the result was nothing short of incredible. Enthusiasts everywhere raved over the linear power band, the seemingly limitless ability to tame curves and corners, the sheer balance, and the livable nature of the E36 M3 – it’s a car that could thrash the track all day Saturday and take out a date later than night after a quick wash. Haters dwelled on the heavier curb weight and larger overall size in comparison to the E30 M3, but it didn’t matter much – devotees to the E30 were devoted to the E30, and what a shame for them. Because, yes, the E36 is heavier, but that’s about the only complaint lodged against it. And with the new engine, it really doesn’t matter – the chassis handles the weight in stride, and while maybe the E30 M3 handles a bit better, overall, it’s usually agreed the E36 M3 is a more fulfilling car, a vehicle you could use in various instances and not just running around a racetrack.

All that said, this one ticks a lot of boxes – it’s Hellrot Red with black interior (which we love), it’s got the 5-speed manual transmission (which is necessary), it’s not modified (phew!), and it’s only seen 58k-miles from new. With a healthy service history, this one is ready to roll! The hardtop coupe is a great way to go, and this one has the power sliding steel sunroof, so there’s open top action when needed, and the power window regulators have thankfully both been replaced. The paint looks spectacular, and the trim and lenses look equally as impressive. Inside, the slightest wear is beginning to appear on the driver’s seat, but we think it can be corrected with the right techniques and materials, leaving the interior looking ever so 1996 all over again. The M3 also continues to astonish in the value scale, they raise quickly and aggressively. The E30 showed us that first, but we’re seeing the E36s warming up too – while more E36 M3s were built overall, in coupe, convertible, and sedan, they’ll take a while to achieve the numbers seen by the E30, we guess, but don’t anticipate any disappointments in the future.