The Bids for This E36 BMW M3 Will Cause M4 Owners to Wincede | Carscoops

      This exceptionally well-preserved 1990s BMW is demonstrating that nostalgia still has a market.

      This 1995 BMW M3 has only recorded 3,600 miles and is mostly in its original condition.

      The pristine Alpine White exterior conceals a Light Gray interior.

      It stayed with its first owner until it was acquired by the seller this year.

      If there's a BMW dealership in your area, you may notice that you can still purchase a brand-new M3 for just under $80,000. While that amount isn't insignificant, considering the performance, it represents a reasonable price in the current market.

      So, what compels someone to pay even more for a car that has been parked for three decades? There must be a reason, and no, it's not because this is a very rare E36 M3 Lightweight – those aftermarket decals may be misleading, but this isn’t one of those models.

      What this car is, however, is a beautifully preserved, low-mileage time capsule adorned with the M badge.

      The original E30 M3 has seen its value skyrocket over the years, and prices for low-mileage E36 models are also increasing. This specific 1995 model, up for auction on Bring a Trailer, has only 3,600 miles (5,793 km) recorded, and as of now, bidding has already reached $85,000.

      The original E30 M3 has truly become a collector's favorite, and well-maintained E36 examples are beginning to follow suit. This particular 1995 M3 on Bring a Trailer shows a mere 3,600 miles (5,793 km).

      Currently, bidding has soared to $85,000, highlighting that nostalgia and originality can often surpass modern power and occasionally, even practicality.

      The originality of this E36 M3 is a key factor behind its high expected sale price. Before the selling dealer acquired it earlier this year, it had been with the original owner since it was new. Its condition appears to be immaculate.

      Other than the E36 M3 Lightweight style decals, this vehicle remains entirely original. It features an Alpine White finish with 17-inch staggered wheels, and the interior is adorned with Light Gray Nappa leather upholstery. Factory options include an AM/FM radio, cruise control, and most notably, a five-speed manual transmission.

      Power is generated by a 3.0-liter naturally aspirated six-cylinder engine producing 240 hp and 225 lb-ft (305 Nm) of torque. While the listing does not detail the car's service history, it clearly seems to have been well maintained, making it an ideal canyon carver for the next owner or a car to be preserved as a collector's item.

      According to its original window sticker, the first owner paid $42,545 in August 1995. Considering inflation, that translates to approximately $90,377 today, which is more than the current base price of the M4, starting at $81,300 before additional options.

      If you’re interested in this pristine M3 and don’t mind spending new-car money for classic appeal, you can still place a bid on Bring a Trailer here. Just act quickly, as there is only one day left before the auction concludes.