Few cars defined the spirit of 1990s performance like the E36-generation BMW M3. With its high-revving inline-six, impeccable balance, and understated styling, the M3 quickly established itself as one of the world’s best all-around driver’s cars. This 1995 BMW M3, now offered for sale here on eBay, is an outstanding two-owner example finished in the iconic Dakar Yellow over black leather, the very color scheme BMW chose to represent the model in magazines and posters of the era.
According to the seller, this M3 has just 82,523 original miles and remains 100% stock and unmodified. In a world where many E36s have been tracked, tuned, or abused, finding one in this level of originality is increasingly rare. This car has been preserved in a climate-controlled environment as part of a private collection and represents a true time capsule of mid-’90s BMW performance engineering.
Inside, the black leather interior looks remarkably well preserved, with factory finishes still intact. The five-speed manual gearbox is the only way to experience BMW’s S50 3.0-liter DOHC inline-six, which was rated at 240 horsepower when new. Power delivery is linear and responsive, and combined with the M3’s legendary chassis tuning, it makes for a sports coupe that remains highly engaging even today.
This car’s appeal goes beyond mechanicals. Dakar Yellow was not only bold but instantly recognizable, making it a standout at the time of launch. It became the “poster car” for enthusiasts, splashed across the pages of Car and Driver and Road & Track in 1995. Today, it is one of the most desirable factory finishes for collectors and fans of the model.
The seller describes this M3 as “mint”, emphasizing that it has never been modified or tampered with—an important factor given how many E36s were altered with aftermarket parts over the years. With a clean title, two-owner history, and careful storage, this coupe stands out as a collector-grade example of one of BMW’s most beloved performance icons.
Would you preserve this M3 as a collectible piece of 1990s performance history, or would you put it back on the road where it was meant to shine?
Buddy had one. But dark green. Sweet and fast is how I remembered the ride.
Sold for $17,000.
I thought it would go for more
Actually, the auction ended at 17K with Reserve Not Met.
So, you are right, it will have to go for more than that.
Looks like they have it listed for sale……. at $57800!
Nice car and I love these but that is a reach I would say.
Had a ’98 dark green also. It got totaled in a really stupid accident and I always regretted not keeping it as a salvage title. These cars have never been duplicated successfully at the same dollar value since. If I didn’t already have 4 cars I would bid on this. And yes, the Dakar Yellow was THE BEST COLOR!!
I have an unmolested 1998 e36 328ic with 5 speed and factory hardtop. I owned it for ten years. It’s a favorite of all the cars I’ve owned and still have. Not an M but a fast car. I personally like the look of the convertible with the hard top. It has a much different look that the 2dr sedan. In 98 the price was around 40 grand for my car. Still get honks and offers to sale.