Vehicle Description
1997 BMW M3 4 Door Sedan
"The M3 sedan is essentially the same car as the coupe, same
engine, same gearbox, same wheels, same tires, same brakes, same
suspension tuning, same wheelbase, same track, even the same
overall length. About the only visible differences are the door
count and the sedan's slightly more upright windshield. The M3
coupe comes exclusively with a manual gearbox, whereas the sedan
can be fitted with a 5-speed automatic as a $1,200 option." Road
and Track, May 1997
For consignment, a 1997 BMW M3 4 door sedan with a title verified
141,310 actual miles, owned by our consignors for 23 years, and
well maintained including recent struts, brakes, and alignment. In
the Road and Track test drive, they note, "in the slalom, it
doesn't feel like a 4 door, it has the great balance and edgy
aggression of the M3 coupe.".
Exterior
Our car presents in its original Alpinweiss and clear lenses on the
front marker lights give the front end a clean icy look, while the
black kidney grille, headlight bezels, and rubber band on the
bumper cover offer sharp contrast. The piano keyboard impact
continues on the profile where side body molding, black door
handles, and a conspicuous black B-pillar offer contrast to the
clean white. Out back, the understated fascia carries the coveted M
emblem and a slightly more aggressive valance making room for twin
exhaust tips. The 17-inch cast alloy BMW wheels look great, the
rears are one inch wider and front and back wear staggered size
tires. Imperfections are few on this clean M3, with some cloudiness
on the headlight covers, some delamination on the nose emblem, and
some scrapes under the chin spoiler.
Interior
Black is the dominant color on the interior and it begins with the
black leather inserts on black door panels with the driver's insert
showing just a bit of age, but overall they are clean and of
course, efficient. There's some wear on the driver's leather seat,
but holding up well and the passenger seat and rear are in great
shape. A contoured leather wrapped steering wheel presents to the
driver in front of the simple and easy to read dash E36 owners have
come to adore and includes a light bar indicating oil condition.
The center stack is a flowing array of buttons. Lots of buttons.
And they're there to control the AM/FM/Cassette radio, the climate
control, and a comprehensive trip and information computer. Wood
grain applique frames the lower stack and spills onto the console
where more buttons and a matching shifter are strategically
positioned, showing some patina but in generally very good
condition. Black carpet is protected by carpeted mats and the
palette is complete with the black headliner surrounding the
overhead console and sunroof. The trunk is finished with gray cloth
panels and is clean.
Drivetrain
Under the hood, cloaked in plastic panels, is BMW venerable 3.2
liter DOHC inline six cylinder, good for 240 horsepower, fuel
injected and mated to a ZF 5HP19 5-speed automatic transmission.
Power is routed to the rear wheels with 3.38 gears in the axle. New
brakes are on board and they are power discs all the way
around.
Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath with typical patina discoloration to the
metals and notable oil on the pan and blowing back to the
transmission bottom and exhaust. Those exhaust run in tandem
through catalytic converters and into an original equipment muffler
which begets a pair of chrome tips for display and exhaust out
back. MacPherson struts on front and back benefit from new Bilstein
struts and the front is equipped with an SPC adjustable strut
kit.
Drive-Ability
This ultimate driving machine has held up well considering the
mileage, a sign that it was well cared for. We roll out in the
gleaming white sedan and recognize that the 3.2 still puts out a
respectable bit of grunt, steering is tight, and the somewhat firm
suspension on new struts is both livable and at the same time,
performance oriented. The ABS light comes on intermittently but
beyond that, all functions perform, speaking of performance, as
expected. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions
were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee
these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
There's a legend in our midst and its name is M3. Touted and
revered as one of best balanced sports coupes, (and sedans), ever
created, the M3 is a respected moniker, and deservedly so. The
seating, controls, and visibility are driver focused and it pays
off when you're in the left seat using your right foot. This one
has some miles but has been well maintained and has many smile
filled twisties in its future.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
