BMW M3 Evolution Cabriolet

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The M3 version of BMW’s E36 3-Series range of compact saloons was developed by BMW’s famed Motorsports division in 1992 and offered many performance upgrades on the standard car.

Suspension, steering and brakes were all considerably tweaked with the sporting driver in mind but the biggest changes came under the bonnet. The first M3 engines were based on the creamy smooth 2.8-litre six-cylinder unit of the standard car but bored out to 3-litres with 24 valves and a power output of 282bhp.

In 1995 the engine was enlarged yet again to 3.2-litres and a special variable valve timing VANOS unit was added. This upped the power still further to 317bhp. Allied to a six-speed manual box, these Evolution models were capable of sprinting to 60mph in just 5.2 seconds on the way to a top speed electronically limited to 155mph.

First registered in March 1998, this particular M3 Evolution Convertible looks particularly striking in purple with grey leather interior. Ordered from new with a matching hard top, it was purchased by the vendor in 2011 having recently had a new OEM clutch and a stainless exhaust fitted. More recent expenditure has included a new air conditioning compressor and a pair of rear tyres. Described as having a good service history, it has covered 83,700 miles, just 1,200 of those being added since acquisition.

These M3 convertibles are seriously fast machines with all the build quality and reliability that you would expect from one of Germany’s finest marques, this one only coming on the market because of an impending house move and consequent loss of storage space.

Catalogue amendment; Bidders are advised that the hardtop is available for collection from the vendors house near Bridgenorth, Shropshire