e36 m3

1997 BMW M3 Coupe | Estoril Blue / Black | S52 + 420G 6-Speed Up for sale is my 1997 BMW M3 finished in desirable Estoril Blue over Black Vader interior. This is a well-sorted driver’s car that has been enthusiast-owned, thoughtfully upgraded, and mechanically maintained with reliability and performance in mind. While the exterior shows the signs of a car that’s been enjoyed, it remains one of the most engaging and rewarding E36 M3s you’ll find in this price range. Power comes from a refreshed and largely stock S52B32 that starts, idles, and pulls exactly as it should. The engine does not leak or consume oil, presents no fault codes, and is backed by documentation from a previous top-end refresh. Under my ownership, the car received one of the most desirable E36 upgrades available: a Getrag 420G 6-speed transmission swap, paired with a 3.38 limited-slip differential for quicker acceleration while still maintaining comfortable highway cruising. This M3 spent most of its life in the South and remains impressively rust-free for its age. Jacking points, wheel arches, subframes, and common problem areas are all structurally sound. The chassis feels tight and responsive thanks to extensive suspension, driveline, and bushing upgrades throughout. The interior features heated power Vader seats, a freshly wrapped Alcantara headliner, and all major amenities functioning as intended. A modern Continental radio has been installed, though speakers still need to be added to take full advantage of it. Highlights 1997 BMW M3 Coupe Estoril Blue over Black 205,000 miles Clean title in my name Factory S52B32 inline-six Getrag 420G 6-speed manual conversion 3.38 LSD with RacingDiffs Street Pack 3-clutch upgrade Heated power Vader seats Southern-owned for most of its life Minimal rust No DTCs Recent brake overhaul with Zimmerman rotors and Akebono ceramic pads Continental ExtremeContact DWS06+ tires Performance & Reliability Upgrades M50 intake manifold swap ARP head studs S54 oil filter housing Setrab oil cooler with -10AN lines Mishimoto radiator Stewart high-flow water pump SPAL electric fan and relay Turner Motorsport axle-back exhaust Revshift 95A engine, transmission, and differential mounts ECS E34 M5 single-mass flywheel Turner Motorsport chassis-mount shifter Custom driveshaft with serviceable U-joints Suspension & Chassis ECS coilovers Hotchkis 32mm front sway bar AKG 75D subframe bushings AKG weld-in sway bar reinforcements Powerflex FCABs and RTABs Adjustable rear lower control arms OEM X-brace Stainless braided brake and clutch lines Turner Motorsport flush-fitment kit Genuine ZKW glass headlights What It Needs Paintwork/cosmetic attention (see photos) A- and C-pillar trim recovered and installed (materials included) A/C recharge Speakers installed (spares included) Minor power steering leak Minor coolant leak The CARFAX shows two minor incidents in 1997. To the best of my knowledge, repairs were completed by the original owner, and there is no visible evidence of accident damage today. This is not a perfect collector car—it is a properly sorted, highly enjoyable driver’s M3 with thousands invested in tasteful upgrades and maintenance. Finding an Estoril Blue E36 M3 with a 420G 6-speed swap, rust-free chassis, documented care, and this level of supporting modifications is becoming increasingly difficult.