1996 BMW M3 E36 Coupe

An eye-catching, well-preserved and original example of the involving modern classic sports coupe. Under the bonnet is a naturally aspirated ‘S50B32’ 3.2-litre inline-six, delivering 240kW and 350Nm of torque to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. An Australian-market car, it was built in September 1996 and first registered three months later in December. It was purchased by the seller, its third owner, in 2006 following a pre-purchase inspection with Keith McCracken Auto, where the car has been maintained ever since. It was originally used as a daily driver, though has only been driven on weekends since 2012. There have also been several shorter periods where the car was dormant, during which time it was in covered storage, and trickle charged and periodically started up. The seller notes that in addition to the maintenance recorded in the service book, they have replaced the engine oil every six months regardless of the mileage covered, and the VANOS microfilter has been replaced twice as a maintenance procedure. The car is finished in the attractive combination of Dakar Yellow II over a black Walknappa leather-trimmed interior featuring the desirable ‘Vader’ seats and M-tricolour detailing. It rides on a set of 17-inch ‘Style 39’ alloy wheels, shod with Maxxis Victra Z4S tyres. Factory-fitted equipment includes an electric sunroof, front armrest, mechanically adjustable rear headrests, cruise control, automatic air conditioning, top-tinted windscreen, and an onboard computer. The vehicle comes with the complete original tool kit, and the cassette for the CD stacker. Accompanying the vehicle will be the original owner’s manuals and service book, along with a collection of maintenance invoices, a chronological maintenance breakdown from Keith McCracken Auto, a spare wheel, a spare main key, and a set of privacy keys. Its Dakar Yellow II paintwork is reported to be in excellent condition, with the seller noting that the bonnet was resprayed in late 2005 to rectify damage caused by vandals, who attempted to remove the BMW roundel pedestal, and the front air dam was resprayed in 2012 to rectify various paint chips. There are now touched-in stone chips on the front air dam, several small cracks in the right-side of the boot spoiler, and scratches around the rear M3 badge. The inner door panels, boot shuts, spare wheel well, and battery compartment have light wear. A small patch of rust has been treated around the fixing bolt on the underside of the boot lid, where the spoiler is attached. There is a small inverse dent in the bonnet near the left-side washer jet, and a pinhole dent on the right-rear quarter panel. The right front fog lamp has a small stone crack. Inside, the headlining has recently been replaced (March 2023) due to material shrinkage and droop, the right-hand door card has recently been repaired, with mounting surfaces re-glued, and refitted with new fastener clips (March 2023), while the left-hand door card has had several fastener clips replaced circa 2018. There is wear on the driver’s seat outer bolsters, along with small scuff marks on the front seats, door cards and centre console plastics. Minor wear can be seen on the driver’s footrest and on the interior wheel well panel, near the accelerator. The driver’s side floor mat has been replaced with an after-market mat, and includes the original retainers and fasteners. A new cabin air filter is supplied (not fitted), having previously been replaced at 118,872 and 142,849 kms. The rear window tints are beginning to lift. The seller is not aware of any electrical or mechanical faults, though notes that they do not have the PIN code used to operate the stereo. Differential pinion seal replacement was completed on 7 May 2023 to rectify a small leak prior to auction. Its most recent service was in March 2023 at 161,647 km, when technicians at Keith McCracken Auto replaced the engine and differential oils, along with the brake lamp switch. Various checks were carried out, the doors were lubricated, a front end vibration was inspected and rectified by adjusting an incorrectly overinflated front tyre, and a loose lower RH air intake vent was refitted. Prior to this, in May 2021 at 161,103 km, Keith McCracken Auto replaced the engine oil and the brake/clutch master cylinders, before lubricating the doors. In September 2020 at 160,925 km, technicians at Keith McCracken Auto replaced the engine oil and oil filter, lubricated the doors, and bled the brakes. The seller notes that in addition to the maintenance recorded in the service book, the engine oil has been replaced every six months by the owner, regardless of the mileage covered. The front indicator pods were replaced with OEM units in 2015. Following the Pre-Purchase Inspection in January 2006, and prior to purchase, a number of issues noted were rectified by Keith McCracken Autos at the dealership’s expense, including a new clutch fitment, new Giubo (tail shaft coupling) joint, new reverse and stop light switches, new selector seal and shifter bush, cleaning of throttle and idle valve, replacement of power steering reservoir, replacement RH lower sway bar link boot, new rear brake discs, new upper shock bushes. Service record: Mar 2023 - 161,647 km - Keith McCracken Auto May 2021 - 161,103 km - Keith McCracken Auto Sep 2020 - 160,925 km - Keith McCracken Auto May 2019 - 160,208 km - Keith McCracken Auto Feb 2018 - 160,000 km - Keith McCracken Auto (Brake fluid only) Jun 2016 - 158,742 km - Keith McCracken Auto Nov 2015 - 158,450 km - Keith McCracken Auto (Air conditioning service) Jun 2015 - 157,708 km - Keith McCracken Auto Oct 2014 - 156,480 km - Keith McCracken Auto Mar 2014 - 156,045 km - Keith McCracken Auto Jul 2013 - 155,481 km - Keith McCracken Auto Dec 2012 - 154,630 km - Keith McCracken Auto Oct 2009 - 142,849 km - Keith McCracken Auto (Brake service and ABS repair) Jan 2008 - 136,874 km - Keith McCracken Auto Jun 2007 - 134,667 km - Keith McCracken Auto Nov 2006 - 132,878 km - Keith McCracken Auto May 2006 - 130,307 km - Keith McCracken Auto Apr 2005 - 118,872 km - Auto Classic (WA) BMW May 2004 - 107,435 km - Auto Classic (WA) BMW May 2003 - 94,669 km - Auto Classic (WA) BMW Jun 2002 - 82,563 km - Auto Classic (WA) BMW Jun 2001 - 70,000 km - Auto Classic (WA) BMW Nov 2000 - 63,206 km - Auto Classic (WA) BMW Aug 1999 - 44,671 km - Auto Classic (WA) BMW Feb 1999 - 40,547 km - Auto Classic (WA) BMW Nov 1998 - 31,102 km - Alto BMW Artarmon Feb 1998 - 21,184 km - Alto BMW Artarmon Jun 1997 - 10,681 km - Alto BMW Artarmon Jan 1997 - 2,989 km - Alto BMW Artarmon (Running-in inspection) The E36-generation BMW M3 is famed for its responsive driving dynamics, handsome styling, and howling straight-six soundtrack. Having been very well-maintained, this example would now make an entertaining weekend toy, or a smart addition to a collection of desirable modern classics. The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details. This vehicle’s VIN has been checked against the Australian Personal Property Securities Register, and there is no security interest or other registration kind logged against the serial number. This vehicle has been checked through the Austroads NEVDIS system, and there are no markers under the written-off or stolen databases.