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.