- Chassis # WBSBF91090JC39630
- Finished In Rare And Striking "Single Stage" Dakar Yellow With Black Leather "Vader" Interior
- A Highly Original "Slick top" Example Wearing Mostly Original Paint
- Desirable "Euro" Spec. Model Featuring The 282 HP 3.0 Liter S50 Engine
- Featuring Continuous Documented Proper Service History Since New
- Includes Factory Spare, Books, 2 Sets Of Keys, And Available Service Records

Since its introduction in 1986 with the E30, the M3 chassis has been dubbed one of the greatest driving cars of all time with a total of six generations under its belt. The second generation arrived in 1992 with the E36 M3. While it was initially only available as a coupe, convertible and sedan versions were added later in 1994.

The E36 M3 was initially available with a 5-speed manual transmission and the 3.0 L S50 I6 engine that put out 282 hp in Europe and most other countries. US versions of the car received the downgraded S50B30US version of the engine that put out a lesser 240 hp and used single-piece brake rotors rather than floating rotors. Another important difference is in the headlights: Euro-spec headlights featured glass lenses and projectors while US-spec headlights used plastic lenses and omitted the superior ellipsoid projectors.

The E36 chassis received a facelift in 1995 that introduced new wheels, clear indicator lenses, a 6-speed manual transmission, and the upgraded 3.2 L S50 I6 engine that now made 316 hp. The US-spec post-facelift version stayed at the original 240 hp, still equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission.

This particular example, Chassis # WBSBF91090JC39630, is a French market vehicle finished in its original single-stage Dakar Yellow paint job over a black leather interior with the upgraded “Vader” style seats and a slick top (no sunroof). It is a remarkably original example that has always been properly cared for by its owners. It was originally delivered to its first owner in 1994, who held on to the car for the next five years. During that period, the car was always serviced according to the manufacturer’s schedule at the BMW Car Avenue Epinal dealership in Chavelot, France, including its first belt service in August of 1997.

Sometime in 1999, the BMW made its way to its second owner with a reported 53,000 km (32,932 mi) on the odometer. The regular services continued for the next seven years, this time at several approved BMW dealers scattered throughout the country. One big service item to note is the water pump, which was replaced in September of 2006 at 112,216 km (69,727 mi).

The car changed hands yet again in 2007 with 113,000 km (70,214 mi) on the odometer. The Vanos filter was changed twice during this period, once in April of 2007 and again in July. It spent only a year under its third owner before being sold in 2008 with 120,000 km (74,564 mi) on the odometer. Regular servicing continued under its fourth owner as well, with an AC recharge, second belt replacement, and tensioner replacement coming along in April of 2009 at Eurl Auto-Technic in Arc-lès-Gray. After two years of enjoyment, the car was sold to its most recent owner in 2009 who continued the meticulous maintenance. It underwent a comprehensive filter, gasket, and fluid service in September of 2011 at BMW Equation Castres in Castres, France that also included the Vanos filter. They also insisted that only BMW oil was used and left notes requesting that the engine not be revved past 4,000 RPM until the oil reached proper operating temperature. BMW Equation Castres continued taking care of this car according to the factory schedule until we got the car in mid-2022 with around 134,000 km (83,000 mi) on the odometer.

Owing to the servicing done to this BMW over the past 28 years, we had little maintenance of our own to perform. The experts at Leading Edge Autosport in West Chester, PA treated the car to new tires and shocks as well as a dry ice cleaning. The body bears no rust, the factory option paper is still stapled under the rear seat, and the car is protected by a dealer-installed Cobra alarm. While the Clarion radio is not the stock unit that it shipped with, it is a period-correct replacement that perfectly matches the interior and looks right at home.

As it sits, this slick top Euro-spec BMW E36 M3 is the best pre-facelift version one could own and a perfect candidate for the lawns of RADWood. Not being a US-spec car means it’s equipped with the more powerful 3.0 L S50 I6 engine that put out 282 hp as well as the better glass ellipsoid projector headlights. It’s also finished in Dakar Yellow, one of the rarest and most desirable shades of this generation.

Upon purchase, the new owner will receive the original owner’s books, the factory toolkit, the numerous service records, and an extra pair of keys.

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