From The Classifieds: 1995 BMW M3

BMW’s M3 moved into a new era when it wielded six-cylinder power for the first time (in Australia) in 1994.

With the introduction of the E36 version of the M3, the previously four-cylinder model (not sold locally) moved up to a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine that produced 210kW/320Nm and drove the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission.

BMW’s beautifully aural six-cylinder was perfectly at home in the two-door coupe that was praised by some motoring commentators of the time as bringing the joys of a Porsche 911 for significantly less money.

With its sonorous 3.0-litre engine, beautiful handling balance, nicely compact dimensions and German quality, the E36 M3 was a real enthusiast’s car that could also comfortably meander around suburban streets in a similar fashion to regular 3 series BMWs.

With double overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder the inline six was among the most highly developed of its time, while suspension and brakes were fettled to handle the fact the M3 had a lot more punch than any other 3 series.

The combination of the engine’s serious power and commendable torque for its capacity saw 100km/h coming up at around the mid five-second mark, while top speed was quoted by the factory at 250km/h.

Not the first muscular compact car, the M3 was nevertheless an example of how a relatively large, up-powered engine could be married successfully with a light, agile body. Previously the 105kW/205Nm 2.3-litre six-cylinder E30 323i of the 1980s was judged the performance 3 series.

Things really started rolling when the M3’s engine was upped to 3.2 litres and 236kW/350Nm and a six-speed manual transmission was added in 1996. An E36 convertible version was introduced locally in 1999.

Motorists on the hunt for one of these iconic performance car icons can expect to pay around $20,000 according to Carfacts. www.carfacts.com.au also suggests that cars from this price bracket and era will have clocked up an average of between 157,000 to 158,000 kilometres. Expect to pay a premium for examples that have been pampered and have fewer kilometres under their sporty belts.

Today a number of 3.0-litre E36 M3s are being offered for sale at affordable prices well below the $130,000 starting point in 1995.

The silver 1995 model from Bella Vista in NSW featured here is tagged at $25,500 and is described as being in original, “near concourse” condition by its second owner who has had it for 10 years. The owner says the odometer is showing 115,000km.

The clean-looking M3 is fitted with factory extras including rear spoiler, Alcantara suede trim, rear sunblind and centre armrest. It also comes with a set of new Continental tyres, along with an E36M3 personalised number plate.

Importantly, the owner will supply full service history records. Five months of registration remain and it comes with a roadworthy certificate.

With BMW planning a return to six-cylinder power for the next-generation M3 this, for Australia, is a full-circle experience.