Ever since the motor sport arm of manufacturer BMW produced its 3.0 CSL back in 1979, any car sporting the red, white and blue stripes has become an instantly desirable hero vehicle, and therefore a genuine future classic in its own right. Since then, BMW Motorsport has produced some of the most well received vehicles of recent years, mixing just the right amount of luxury and performance to create both a comfortable and frighteningly quick car.

Perhaps the best known of all M-cars is the M3, an iconic German hound now well into its fourth generation. Considering the very first M3, the E30, is already well into classic car status, logic would suggest that the following generation, the E36, is next in line.

Blood Lines

After the success of the E30 M3, when the regular E36 3 Series vehicles hit showroom floors in 1990, the public and press alike knew it was only a matter of time before a M3 was produced using the new generation of 3 Series Bimmers. Two years later, in 1992, that became a reality.

Debuting in February, the E36 M3 was very well received, winning various awards for its road-holding abilities and stonking performance prowess.

This first version of E36 came in coupe form only, and featured a 213kW 3000cc straight-six motor, backed up by a five-speed manual gearbox from Getrag.

It wasn’t until 1994 that both a cabriolet and a sedan version of the M3 was offered. These were less popular, and now command higher prices as their rarity is becoming more apparent.

In 1996, all three variants copped a massive upgrade as the 3.0-litre S50 B30 motor was binned in favour of a new 3.2-litre S50 B32, raising power levels by 26kW to 239kW. The five-speed ’box was also replaced with a six-speed item and a year later, in ’97, a SMG sequential gearbox option was offered.

After a long, eight year run during which certain special limited editions (GT, GT-R, R, CSL and the Imola Individual GT2) were sold in small numbers, the E36 M3 was finally replaced with the now quite common E46. During those years, 71,242 examples were sold, of which over half were coupes, while the convertible and sedan versions made up the remainder.

Copy Cats

Of all the four M3 generations, the E36 is by far the most sedate when it comes to appearance. For some reason BMW decided not to beef up the look of the E36 with an aggressive body kit and bulging, pumped guards as it has done with other generations. Although this does make for a great ‘sleeper’ car, it also unfortunately makes it easy for imitators to turn their run of the mill BMWs into M3 look-a-likes. With the addition of a few simple badges, a front bumper, and some off-the-shelf mirrors, it is hard to distinguish a copycat from the real thing, at least from the outside. Obviously, once you pop the hood the lack of M-Power motor quickly gives things away, as does the absence of the leather M-embroidered seats and unique steering wheel.

With so many impostors on the streets of New Zealand the E36 does seem to lose a little bit of its charm, but hopefully as time goes on this practice will become less common, and the flower will outlive the weeds.

Clubs

There are two Kiwi clubs that cater to all things BMW. The first is the official BMW club www.bmwclub.co.nz), and there’s the bigger Bimmersport community www.bimmersport.co.nz). Both have good technical and ‘for sale’ sections.

Buying Guide

In general, the E36 M3 is a solid car, and holds up well to the rigors of time and travel. However, there are a few things one should be aware of when shopping around. First off, the twin VANOS variable valve timing system on the later model 3.2-litre M3 is not without its faults. Most commonly, the VANOS solenoid seals fail at around the 70,000km mark. If the car has done this sort of distance, check to see whether they have been replaced, or prepare to factor the cost into your purchase.

Next, lift the car up and down from the rear guard and check for play in the rear shock mounts — a common problem with E36 BMWs. Also, make sure to have a look underneath the car, as the muffler and catalytic converter assembly is prone to rusting where they mount to the exhaust pipes.

Body-wise the M3 is not particularly susceptible to rot, although it pays to check the M-Sport side mouldings as these tend to rust underneath and come away from the car.

Generally the E36 is a solid, reliable car, so providing you perform the usual checks, along with the ones listed above, you could well be on your way to dependable M3 ownership.

Parts Supply

As with any other high-end European car, parts are available but they aren’t cheap, especially when buying genuine new direct from the dealer. Some second hand parts may occasionally come up through a wrecker, Trade Me or club websites (as listed above), but it pays not to hold your breath.

BMW M3 – Specifications

Built: 1992-1999, 71,242 built
Engine: 3000cc/3200cc six-cylinder 213kW-239kW
Bodies: Two-door coupe, two-door convertible, four-door sedan
Performance: Electronically limited top speed 250kph, 0-100kph 5.4/ 5.2 seconds

Words: Peter Kelly

This article is from Classic Car issue 224. Click here to check it out.