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Curated Auction

1994 BMW M3 E36 Coupé

At a Glance

Attractive Avus Blue Finish | Highly Original | 10-Year Ownership | Keen Reserve

  • Mileage~135,102 on clock
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine3.0-litre
  • LocationRedruth, Cornwall

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

CURATED AUCTION

Days
HRS
MIN
SEC
CURRENT BID£1,000
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AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£1,000

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Video #2

Introduction

Jacob Boodrie
Professional Consigner

A true '90s performance icon, combining BMW’s legendary straight-six power, rear-wheel-drive dynamics, and timeless M3 styling.

The BMW M3 E36 arrived in 1992 as the second generation of BMW’s legendary M3, evolving the formula from its motorsport-inspired predecessor into a more refined and usable performance coupé. While retaining the rear-wheel-drive layout and driver-focused character that defined the M3, the E36 brought increased performance, greater refinement, and everyday usability to the formula.

At the heart of the early E36 M3 sits BMW’s 3.0-litre naturally aspirated straight-six, producing ~286bhp and delivering its power through a five-speed manual gearbox. With its smooth power delivery, distinctive soundtrack and finely balanced chassis, the M3 quickly established itself as one of the defining performance cars of the 1990s.

This 1994 example comes from just over 10 years with our vendor and is finished in the highly desirable 'Avus Blue' Metallic and retains a notably original specification, including its BMW Motorsport 17-inch silver alloy wheels and grey M3 interior with the familiar Motorsport colours. Aside from a Scorpion SBM011 exhaust, the car remains largely as BMW intended, even retaining its full-size spare wheel in the boot. With ~135,102 miles recorded, it offers the opportunity to enjoy an increasingly collectible 1990s M3 with plenty of character and genuine originality.

This listing was written from information supplied by Jacob after meeting Gary the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Video #2

Meet the owner

A long-standing connection to BMW, with specialist knowledge within the family and a genuine appreciation for this highly original M3.

Gary has a long-standing connection to BMW, with his father-in-law having owned and operated a BMW specialist garage in Cornwall for many years. This gave the family a wealth of experience with the marque and a genuine appreciation for BMW’s performance cars, making the M3 a particularly fitting car to have within the family.

Gary has enjoyed this E36 M3 for its combination of classic BMW styling, straight-six performance and highly original character. The car has remained largely true to its original specification throughout its life, with the only notable modification being the fitment of a Scorpion SBM011 exhaust.

Gary has thoroughly enjoyed the car throughout his ~10 years of ownership. He was advised by his father-in-law to choose the more reliable 3.0-litre straight-six over the later 3.2-litre engine, and is pleased that he took his advice. He first came across the car advertised in Modern Classic Magazine, a copy of which can be found within the paperwork.

Gary is now bringing the M3 to auction with us and will be on hand in the comments below to answer any questions you may have about the car.

Gary
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER
EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

Finished in iconic Avus Blue Metallic, with classic E36 M3 styling and its distinctive Motorsport character.

Wheels and Tyres

This example sits on its original BMW Motorsport M3 17-inch wheels finished in silver with a full size spare in the boot. The wheels appear in great condition.

The tyres fitted are a mixture of brands, including Aptany Sport Macro on the front dated 2019 and Nexen NFera SU1 on the rear dated 2017.

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

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Bodywork

The bodywork appears to be in great overall condition, with the panel gaps aligning visually well around the car.

As to be expected, there are some minor age-related marks to note, including small stone chips to the front of the car. We also noticed some areas of bubbling along the front edge of the bonnet and between the M3 wing mirrors, along with a small scratch to the rear bumper.

We've provided more detailed observations through our high-resolution images and videos. Please take the time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer and to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

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Paint

Finished in 'Avus Blue Metallic', the paintwork presents in great condition, with even colour and coverage across all panels. There are some stone chips and minor marks to the front bumper, as expected for a car of this age and mileage.

Once again, we've captured high-resolution images and videos of the car for you to assess the condition of the paintwork for yourselves.

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Glass and Trim

The glass is in good condition for the car’s age. During our visit, we didn’t notice any obvious cracks or discolouration.

The window seals appear in good condition and are consistent with the overall presentation of the car. The lower front windscreen seal is showing some signs of age.

The door handles and window surrounds also present well.

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INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

A preserved M3 cabin, combining light sports seats with subtle BMW Motorsport detailing.

Seats and Carpets

The off-white/grey leather sport seats have retained their shape well over the years, with only light creasing visible. The dashboard features a classic Black BMW finish, complemented by matching carpets and door cards.

The black/grey door cards and navy/grey carpets present similarly, showing a consistent level of condition throughout the interior. We did notice that the plastic surround for the passenger side small speaker has cracked.

For a detailed view of the cabin, please take a look through the extensive media.

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Dashboard

The dashboard in this BMW shows no major damage or scuffs during our visit.

The odometer displayed ~135,102 miles at the time of consignment.

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Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The black leather BMW steering wheel was in good condition on our visit.

The black gear selector also looked in good shape too, both consistent with the condition of the car.

For a closer look, check out the image gallery to see the detail.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

Powered by BMW’s celebrated 3.0-litre straight-six, paired with a five-speed manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive for an engaging M3 driving experience.

Engine and Gearbox

This E36 M3 is powered by BMW’s 3.0-litre naturally aspirated straight-six, producing ~286bhp and delivering the smooth, progressive power that has become such an important part of the M3’s character. Power is sent through a five-speed manual gearbox to the rear wheels, giving the car a wonderfully engaging and analogue driving experience.

Gary reports that the car starts from cold with no issues and drives well with its five-speed manual gearbox sending the power to the rear wheels. Take a look at the mechanical video to see the car starting from cold, driving around, and for a closer look underneath the M3.

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Suspension and Brakes

The E36 M3 benefits from BMW’s carefully developed M suspension setup, designed to provide the balance between ride quality, stability and driver involvement that became a hallmark of the model. Combined with rear-wheel drive and powerful disc brakes, it gives the M3 a confident and rewarding character on the road.

During our drive, the M3 felt composed and stable, with the suspension providing good control through the corners. We heard no obvious knocks, bangs, or squeaks from the suspension during our visit.

We cover the underside of the M3 exterior in our “Mechanical” gallery section. Head over to our video section, where we’ve summarised our visit in more detail for you to view for yourself.

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The Drive

The combination of BMW’s naturally aspirated straight-six, five-speed manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive gives the E36 M3 an engaging and rewarding character on the road. The engine delivers its power smoothly and progressively, while the balanced chassis and compact coupé dimensions make the car feel purposeful without sacrificing usability.

With its analogue controls, responsive chassis and distinctive straight-six soundtrack, the E36 M3 offers the kind of involving driving experience that has helped make these cars such enduring modern classics.

Please have a look at the ‘On The Road’ video where Gary takes us for a short drive.

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Electrics and Other

Gary reports that everything apart from the air conditioning is functional and operational, aligning with the overall condition of the car, including the electric sunroof. Gary told us the car used to be fitted with an aftermarket alarm system but it became defective and has been removed.

The car as been fitted with a tasteful Scorpion SBM011 exhaust system.

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Video #2

History and Paperwork

Highly original and closely connected to BMW specialist knowledge, offering an appealing opportunity to own a genuine E36 M3.

Having been carefully maintained throughout Gary’s ownership, this E36 M3 represents an appealing opportunity to acquire a highly original example with genuine long-term provenance.

Take a look at this history and paperwork media to see the previous MOT reports and documentation supplied with the BMW M3.

Gary also reports that the car is supplied with a copy of the Modern Classic Magazine in which the M3 was originally advertised, along with its full-size spare wheel.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
22.06.2026 MOT 134,768
16.05.2025 MOT 133,087
10.05.2024 MOT 132,632
06.06.2023 Service 131,620
18.05.2023 MOT 131,488
08.10.2021 MOT 130,828
08.08.2021 Service 130,623
24.09.2020 MOT 129,420
19.07.2019 MOT 127,886
08.03.2019 Service 126,350
12.11.2018 Service 120,101
03.07.2018 MOT 124,316
05.07.2017 MOT 122,170
21.07.2016 MOT 119,173
02.04.2015 MOT 118,473
09.01.2014 MOT 118,405
19.04.2013 Service 115,799
12.01.2013 MOT 113,522
06.06.2012 Service 108,013
15.01.2012 MOT 105,115
04.07.2011 Service 101,083
08.01.2011 MOT 97,287
31.07.2010 Service 94,147
22.01.2010 MOT 90,054
24.08.2009 Service 87,102
14.01.2009 MOT 82,998
07.11.2008 Service 81,678
25.01.2008 MOT 76,172
29.01.2007 MOT 69,883
24.01.2006 MOT 64,845
09.05.2005 Service 60,024
27.01.2004 Service 50,419
25.02.2003 Service 45,157
25.10.2001 Service 37,368
03.03.2000 Service -
01.02.1999 Service 25,554
03.03.1998 Service 17,035
20.08.1996 Service 11,727
18.10.1995 Service 6,446
18.10.1994 Service 1,143
VIEW ALL
Key Details
  • Model M3 (E36)
  • Transmission Manual
  • Reg. Date 01.08.1994
  • CC 2990CC
  • Mileage ~135,102 on clock
  • History Present
  • Colour Avus Blue Metallic
  • Interior Colour Grey
  • Interior Trim Leather
  • Chassis # WBSBF92050EA67295
  • Engine # 60380828
  • MOT Yes. Exp - 21.06.2027
  • MOT Exempt No
  • Road Tax Exempt No
  • HPi Clear Yes - All Clear
  • Former Keepers 5
  • Tyre Tread Good
  • Tyre Brand Aptany/Nexen
  • Tyre Age 2017/19
  • Security Sys Yes
  • # of Keys 2
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Visited Yes
  • Sale Type Private
  • Owned 10 years, 1 month
  • Key Feature Originality
  • Vehicle Registration M9 PGM
  • Driver’s Side Right
  • Fuel Type Petrol
  • Body Type Coupe
  • Auction ID 4034
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VIEW ALL
Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos



Vehicle Location

Redruth, Cornwall

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    Auction Bidding

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    1994 BMW M3 E36 Coupé
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    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a M3 like this is £212 via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Autumn 2026.

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    Vehicle Location

    Redruth, Cornwall

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