The 1997 BMW M3 would seem to offer an ideal blend of desirable attributes. With compact exterior dimensions, comfortable interior appointments, a high build quality, and exhilarating performance, it appears to tick every box an enthusiast would want. However, there is a catch, because these cars also tend to be quite expensive. That is where our feature car rides to the rescue. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Barney for spotting this M3 listed here on Craigslist in Leland, North Carolina. In an era when these cars consistently change hands for figures beyond $25,000, you could become this classic’s new owner for $17,500.

BMW launched the original M3 as a homologation special for Group A rally and touring car competition in 1986. The initial production run lasted until 1991, with a Second Generation landing on showroom floors in November 1992. As with its predecessor, it was originally only offered in Coupe form, although Sedan and Convertible variants were added later. This 1997 example left the factory finished in dazzling Alpine White. It is a two-owner vehicle that spent its first ten years in sunny California. It found its way to its current location when purchased by its current owner in 2007, and its garage-kept history has allowed it to remain rust-free. The seller has listed this BMW on behalf of their father, who has discovered that his advancing years have left him no longer capable of driving and enjoying his pride and joy. That is a sad situation, but scrutinizing the supplied images suggests that he has treated the car respectfully for the past eighteen years. The paint shines impressively, there are no visible panel defects, and the aerodynamic additions are free from cracks and other physical damage. The M3 rolls on its original and clean 17″ alloy wheels, and the glass exhibits no evidence of damage.

Lifting the hood reveals what separates the M3 from mere mortals. The engine bay houses a 3.2-liter DOHC six that has been enhanced by BMW’s M-Power division. This motor should produce 240hp and 236 ft/lbs of torque, bringing us to an interesting fact regarding North American examples. Those figures might be quite respectable by the standards of the day, but the North American cars utilized the less potent S52 engine. Those sold in other markets received the S50 powerplant, and while there was little to separate the pair in capacity terms, cars destined for those countries placed 316hp and 258 ft/lbs of torque at the driver’s disposal. A slick five-speed manual transmission handles shifting duties, while power assistance for the steering and four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes were standard equipment. Potential buyers can rest assured that this classic has been appropriately maintained throughout its life. The engine received a specialist top-end rebuild in 2012 and is in excellent health. The seller estimates that the 2″ stack of Service Records and Invoices tallies somewhere around $15,000, suggesting that the current owner has left no stone unturned, ensuring that this M3 is in tip-top health. It is a turnkey proposition that someone can enjoy immediately.

One area where this BMW shows some evidence of its age is inside this classic. It isn’t horrendous, and the overall condition is comfortably acceptable for a survivor-grade vehicle of this vintage. However, the leather trim shows slight stretching, and I doubt that even a specialist could return it to a pristine state. There are no holes or signs of significant wear, and it could be a case where the buyer fits a set of high-quality slipcovers to prevent further deterioration. The short-throw shifter is the only obvious addition to an interior featuring airbags, air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player.

The only downside to owning a car like this 1997 BMW M3 is that it is impossible to legally exploit the full potential hidden within. These cars were designed to stretch their legs on autobahns where they could nudge 150mph all day. Do that here, and law enforcement officials will hit you with a “please explain.” However, where these vehicles excel is as long-distance tourers, capable of effortlessly devouring hundreds of miles without batting an eyelid. The biggest danger with purchasing secondhand examples is that many haven’t been maintained appropriately, raising the possibility of some pretty expensive repair bills if something goes wrong. That doesn’t seem to be the case here, and the seller’s price is well below the market average. This M3 has only been on the market for a short time, and I suspect that someone will snap it up pretty quickly. Could that person be you?