1997 BMW M3

This one-family, two-owner, 180,000-mile example was purchased nearly new in 1998 by Associate Publisher Joe Gearin’s dad.

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1997 BMW M3

Latest updates

May 15, 2018 | BMW
Our E36 M3 Packs on the Miles

Our 20-year-old BMW M3 has been getting a lot of exercise lately.

Sep 2, 2016 | BMW
Fixing the Gear in our M3’s Rear

Our E36-chassis M3 battles back from some rear subframe woes.

Aug 28, 2015 | BMW
Use the BMW, Abuse the BMW

Our poor E36-Chassis BMW M3. It never asked for this sort of abuse.

Sep 24, 2014 | BMW
A Little Love for an Old Friend

We restore our M3's paint with 303.

May 19, 2014 | BMW
M3 Road Trip

We took our E36 M3 for a road trip up to Road America.

May 18, 2014 | BMW
The Enlightened E36

The E36-chassis BMW reaches its full potential with upgrades for its factory flaws.

May 16, 2012 | BMW
Our M3 Gets a Mitty Workout

Our M3 grabs a few laps during the Mitty.

Nov 13, 2009 | BMW
Fresh Friction

We install an Advanced Clutch Technologies clutch and flywheel in the E36 M3.

Mar 11, 2009 | BMW
Take a Deep Breath

We replace our M3's worn air filter with a new K&N unit.

Sep 25, 2008 | BMW
Underpanel Goodness

While the E36 BMWs are wonderfully designed machines, their engine-protecting plastic undertray pieces leave much to be desired.

Jul 24, 2008 | BMW
New Suspenders

The E36 M3 gets new suspenders.

Feb 18, 2008 | BMW
Attitude Adjustment

Time ravages all things, and the once-mighty M3 suspension is not immune.

May 4, 2007 | BMW
Upgrading the E36 M3 Brakes

This beloved E36 M3 was due for a braking upgrade.

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