1998 BMW E36 M3 Convertible

About:

After the famed E30 the E36 built on this legend and became the new direction of the M division with its straight 6 and more advanced electronics. Being the predecessor to the E46 often described as the epitome of what an M car should be, the E36 M3 is often overlooked as an awkward middle child however it shares a lot of the best traits with the E46 and sets the groundwork for its success such as the fantastic straight 6 engine albeit a lower specification. The car also shares some of the best characteristics of the E30 about it, such as the great turn-in and great chassis feel. Being somewhat overlooked the car is a great mid-point between the mechanical E30 and the more refined E46, a car that is still very underrated.

Exterior:

Looks wise the car is a great bit of design of the 1990s with understated lines and aggressive side skirts it looks great, especially with the roof down the car lines are accentuated by the lack of roof line. The iconic M-forged alloy wheels that the car comes with look great and speaks for the car's dynamic approach. The condition of the car is fantastic with minor paint chips and scratches as expected for its age the car looks great!

Interior:

The Grey leather interior contrasts well with the black of the steering wheel and the centre console and goes very well with the Estoril blue of the car’s exterior. The car’s interior is in great condition and wanting for nothing. Gear Stick is in a lovely wood colour with an illuminating top panel, with the centre control in a lovely wood trim also, there is some slight wear around the buttons and chips in the gear stick but the rest of the wood effect is in great condition. The rest of the interior is very functional in design with the classic BMW dials.

Engine:

The M50 engine developed from BMW’s long line of straight 6 engines was a great addition to the M range with the engine as sonorous and raspy as ever in this M3. The Vanos system and Bosch fuel inject help give the car a real push with great lower down torque 350 Nm @ 3250 rpm and 316 bhp more than enough to give this car fantastic performance on the road, to be enjoyed with the roof down!

Drivetrain:

The front-engined car sends power through the mid-mounted to the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential which provides well-predictable handling, the car feels well connected and well set up for the road, with the rear axle feeling particularly well connected having poly bushes all around.

Transmission:

The manual gearbox is great to use it is very BMW being both notchy and mechanical to modulate with its unique light-up badge being a luminous addition. The manual transmission gives the car more engagement to the drive and suits the convertible experience with the straight 6 sound adding to make this a great driving experience.

Chassis:

The unibody chassis is very good and provides ample stiffness for the road to give you a great open-top driving experience. The stiffness can be enhanced if needed either by a hard top roof or chassis bracing however for a relaxed and swift drive in a convertible you will not be wanting for much more.

Suspension:

The ride of the car is very good, being more supple over the bumps than the coupe and drop-top character of this car suits the road drive very well being comfortable but firm enough to enjoy. The poly-bushed rear suspension really gives this car a well-connected feel to drive with the whole rear feeling tighter as a result. 

Steering:

The steering gives great mechanical feedback and is very intuitive to use like all BMW steering of this era. This allows you to place the car on the road very well and enjoy the drive even more.

Brakes:

The brakes are very good and give good feedback to the driver and are easy to modulate as with the coupe, giving you the confidence to push the car down the road.

Wheels:

The car has the classic E36 double-spoke forged M3 alloy wheels in great condition they very much complement the look of the car are have a somewhat iconic status for the E36.

Tyres:

The car is running on Altimax Sports a High-Performance Summer tyre for the car and offers good grip for the road.

History:

The car comes with a big folder full of invoices and service history.