1999 BMW 3-Series

3.2L Straight 6 Cylinder Gasoline Fuel

Manual

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Excellent all around condition for a 1999 BMW M3 (last year of the E36 M3). I purchased this car 1.5 years ago and had a perfect 1,000 mile drive back to Houston. Shortly after the purchase, I moved to Europe and only get to drive the car every 3-4 months when I return to the U.S., so it's time to sell it as I have another car here as well. It is such a joy to drive that this decision has been difficult to make. It starts first time, every time, which is a testament to BMW E36 M3 build quality. The body and paint are in remarkable shape for a car of this age and mileage. The previous owner did have a minor little 'whoops!' involving the front end during his ownership. I can see no evidence of the repairs other than he went ahead and had the front (including the hood) painted to erase the 'scars' and pits in the paint seen on a car with this many miles. The result was a car that looks many years/miles newer than it actually is. The paint just looks fantastic. For the sake of telling all, I see one small area in the paint on the trunk where there is a bubble which might indicate rust but no rust is visible. It's barely noticeable but I see it. There are no door dings on the car that I can see; the previous owner did touch up a *minor* scratch on the passenger door which didn't bother me at all (it is not dinged/dented). The interior is in good shape; leather, dash, headliner, doors, carpet, instruments, all look remarkably good for their age. I bought new 'M3' carpeted mats for the car. The engine is where this car really shines. It runs strong and smooth. The transmission shifts perfectly and the clutch is in great shape. The shifter is a little 'notchy' indicating the shifter bushings could probably benefit from being replaced (common on these models) but it didn't matter enough to me to have it done. Power steering, power brakes, power locks and windows all operate the way they should. It also has a power sunroof, cruise control, and power mirrors that work perfectly. I do not normally listen to the radio when I drive (the engine/exhaust sound are the music to my ears), but I remember the system having some static/distortion issues when I drove it back when I first picked it up. Since I unhook the battery when I am gone for months at a time, the radio requires a code put in to re-energize it when the power has been off. I have the code, but put it in incorrectly one time. Now it is in 'Code Wait'. BMW informed me I need to drive/have the car 'on' for at least an hour before it will accept a code again. I have not had the car operating for an hour so this is something the next owner will need to do if they want to listen to the radio. I recommend the engine/exhaust note music. This car has the sought after 'Vader' seats. Both driver and passenger seats are electric and work great. Tires are around 90%. All wheels look as new (no scratches); (good) full size spare in trunk. Last visit to the U.S., I replaced the water pump with the newer/better style with the metal impeller (not plastic). The rear shock mounts were broken (common issue) so I replaced them with a stronger designed model. There is a 6 CD changer in the trunk. The weather stripping around the doors and the front and rear glass is in excellent shape. Automatic A/C works great; blows hard and cold. This car has the trip computer system. Clear title in hand. I would not hesitate to drive this car cross country if you wanted to fly in and drive it home. Please check my feedback and see that most of the items I have sold over the years have been cars. I am a 'car person' and do most of my own repairs I try my best to describe a car for sale in the most honest and accurate way I can so there are no surprises. Car is sold 'as is'; ask questions now or email me to arrange a test drive. The car looks and drives fantastic. I would ship it to Europe but it is too expensive; I will miss it. I return to Portugal soon after the auction ends so I need to finalize the sale quickly. The pictures of the dash show a lower mileage on the odometer because I took the pictures lat visit but could not bring myself to sell the car then. On May-25-12 at 15:14:10 PDT, seller added the following information: Answers to a few questions and more information. The front chin spoiler (and entire front) is perfect/like new. Windshield has no cracks or stars but shows the typical pitting from age; it is not an issue. The drivers side seat bolster is in good condition (especially since they stick out so far). Slightly worn but no holes or tears in the leather or stitching whatsoever. I'll add a picture soon. A friend that assisted me with the rear shock mount replacement reminded me that we installed new (rear) Bilstein shocks when we replaced the mounts; something that I had forgotten. The car is in Houston, Texas and has always been garaged during my ownership (it shows). The shipping to UK thing came up because I have been buying on Ebay UK and Ebay France and somehow it thought I was selling in the UK. This is US sale only.