1996 BMW M3 Evolution Convertible (E36) |

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1996 BMW M3 Evolution Convertible (E36)

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Mileage~99,500 miles on clock
TransmissionManual
Engine3.2L
LocationGravesend

Market Auction

The seller has supplied the images and written the description - we have actioned seller ID, V5 and HPi checks - learn more

Market Auction

The seller has supplied the images and written the description - we have actioned seller ID, V5 and HPi checks - learn more

AUCTION CLOSED

1996 BMW M3 Evolution Convertible (E36)

I’M INTERESTED

Introduction

The E36 is a very cool looking classic car. As it’s manual, you get to actually ‘drive’ the car. There's a lovely rasp from the exhaust, and if you give a little blip on the down shift it sounds great. Roof down means you can hear it even more!

I bought the car at the end of last summer. I have spent time and money improving it. Whilst I am enjoying driving with the roof down in the lovely weather we have been having, I am looking to purchase an E93 M3 V8.

While the first M3, the E30, had been something of a rough and ready homologation special, its successor, the E36, always seemed significantly more developed - both dynamically and in terms of usability. A further improved version came along in late 1995, the ‘Evolution’, which had a new and enlarged 3.2-litre straight-six while a six-speed Getrag manual replaced the outgoing five-speed ZF unit.

These E36 M3s, especially the Evo models, are now highly sought-after modern classics - and so this supremely original 1996 example, which comes with a well-documented service history and a long advisory-free MOT, is definitely one to look at.

The numerous invoices and well-stamped original service book demonstrate that a great deal of time and money have been lavished on this car over the years, ensuring it’s an exceedingly usable example. Its factory hard top is present and several important jobs have been completed in recent years including a complete brake pipe replacement, VANOS replacement, and new soft top.

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

Market Auction

Jay, the seller, has created this listing themselves using our free Market Auction tool. Unlike our Curated Auctions, we haven’t photographed the car or written the listing, however we have completed 3 important security checks for your peace of mind.

V5C Checked

Jay provided a copy of the V5C logbook, which we verified against his photo ID for name and address confirmation.

ID Checked

Jay provided his photo ID, which we verified against the name and address on the V5C logbook.

History Checked

History check actioned using HPi, the industry’s top verification service, for finance, write-offs, and stolen records.

V5C Checked

Josh provided a copy of the V5C logbook, which we verified against his photo ID for name and address confirmation.

ID Checked

Josh provided his photo ID, which we verified against the name and address on the V5C logbook.

History Checked

History check actioned using HPi, the industry’s top verification service, for finance, write-offs, and stolen records.

Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

Exterior

It looks very cool with the roof down and attracts plenty of admiring glances!

Wheels and Tyres

All four wheels are in unmarked condition.

Matching Continental tyres on the rear with good tread. The fronts do not match at the moment but I am including a Hankook evo2 tyre to be fitted so they will be matching.

Bodywork

The E36’s distinctive body lines appear unbroken across the vehicle's exterior, with no signs of visible damage. All panel gaps also appear to be straight and true, not showing any obvious signs of repair.

I've highlighted in more detail my observations through images, so please take time to look through them for a detailed view at what’s on offer, so you can assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Overall excellent condition. A couple of minor ‘dings’ that do not show up in the images. I believe this will be easily sorted using paintless dent repair.

Paint

The "Cosmosschwartz-Metallic" paintwork looks to be in very good condition for its age: a couple of stonechips are visible on the front of the car and bonnet.

The texture, tone, and shade of colour all appear to be even and matching across the vehicle.

Again, please see images of the car for you to assess the condition of the bodywork for yourselves. Please bear in mind the car is 29 years old and not in concours condition.

Glass and Trim

The glass is in excellent condition, with no stone chips to the windscreen.

As the roof is relatively new and spent most of it time locked away as the hard top has been fitted, it is in excellent condition with hardly any fading or wear. The plastic rear screen is clear. The car also comes with genuine hardtop. This is in excellent condition including the rear glass. The headliner is starting to sag which is a common issue so could do with being replaced.

The trims around the body are very good and all fitted securely.

A brand new, genuine, scuttle panel fitted as the original had faded to grey and the rubber seal was disintegrating.

A brand new, genuine, front lip/splitter has been fitted.

A brand new, genuine, aerial grommet and new aerial have also been fitted.

The door handle seals have been replaced. Originals had disintegrated with age as is common.

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Interior

The full leather black interior is in very good condition and the seats are very comfortable.

Seats and Carpets

The seats are in very good condition. There's minor wear and tear as should be expected. Please see pics for details.

The glove box works perfectly, avoiding is a common issue on E36s.

The door cards have been rebuilt, which is another common issue on E36s - the glue holding the door bins and fittings fails. New door card clips were used when refitting and they're all solid now. At the same time brand new upgraded genuine vapour seals were fitted. I've included a "during repair" photo to show this.

Dashboard

The dashboard is in excellent condition, with no fading or cracks. Everything works as it should.

An aftermarket Kenwood head unit has been fitted.

The car comes with the full computer that is fully working. It also benefits from digital dual zone climate control. Again, this works as it should but the A/C is not functioning at the moment. I believe it just requires a re-gas.

All clocks in the instrument cluster work as they should. All green service lights are illuminated as the car has just been serviced.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

Brand new genuine BMW gearknob fitted.

Steering wheel very good with some minor wear to the top.

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Mechanics

Powered by a 3.2 litre in-line straight-six engine, capable of producing ~321bhp, it has more than enough power to outshine even some modern performance cars.

Engine and Gearbox

Super smooth 3.2 litre in-line straight-six engine. The all important 6-speed manual gearbox is also smooth with no issues selecting any gears.

The car has just been serviced, including oil, oil filter, air filter, and fuel filter.

The engine bay is smart and clean as can be seen in the images.

I've recorded a short video of the engine starting: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/VNaNm0CE3eM

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension seems to be in good condition, with no untoward noises coming from any corner.

Likewise the brakes are in good working order, stopping the car quickly and efficiently.

The Drive

The car drives very well, as you would expect from any M car. The engine fires into life effortlessly and performs excellently, providing plenty of power and torque.

The suspension handles corners precisely and without worry, and the interior is both a comfortable and an enjoyable place to be: and on sunny summer days the ability to take the roof down really just adds to the experience.

Electrics and Other

No electrical issues with the car, all lights and electrical systems work as expected, including the fully electric convertible roof.

The car is also fitted with a Kenwood aftermarket stereo which is in fully working order.

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History and Paperwork

This car presents very well, both inside and out. It's a well maintained example of an iconic M-Power car with what is relatively low mileage for its age.

99,500 miles - Just serviced.
Original service book present with numerous main dealer and specialist stamps.
MOT until 27th April 2026.

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From Trade Classics:
This is a Market Auction listing, meaning we have not visited and photographed the car - instead the seller has supplied the images and written the description. However we’ve done all our usual seller checks, including photo ID that matches the 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.

Viewings are welcomed, so please get in touch with us via the 'contact us' page - we just need to speak to you first on the phone, have you register on the site, and also send in valid photo ID before confirming a suitable time to visit.

Like all our auctions, 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 bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - the Buyer's Premium is not refundable in any instance, just like a traditional auction house.

Key Details

ModelM3 Evolution convertible
TransmissionManual
Reg. Date29-08-1996
CC3201
Mileage99,500
ColourBlack (Cosmosschwartz-Metallic)
Interior ColourBlack
Interior TrimLeather
Last Service29-05-2025
MOT27-04-2026
Former Keepers14
VisitedNo - Seller created listing.
Sale TypePrivate
Owned0-1
Vehicle RegistrationP998 LLF
Driver’s SideRHD
Fuel TypePetrol
Body TypeConvertible
Auction ID1864

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Vehicle Location

Gravesend

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Auction Closed

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This car didn't meet its reserve price and may soon be available as a private sale - please contact us for more information or let us know if you want to be notified when a similar car comes to market.

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Seller : Jay

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1 Comment

Ollie Juggins - Trade Classics

Admin

5 months ago

The seller has added a video of the engine starting: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/VNaNm0CE3eM

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Vehicle Location

Gravesend

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