Digging Into a 1998 BMW M3 Sedan
Let’s talk about this 1998 BMW M3 sedan. With a 3.2-liter inline-six engine and a trusty five-speed manual transmission, this beast of a car has undergone some serious modifications. We’ve got H&R lowering springs, UUC sway bars, Bilstein struts, a K&N intake system, an M50 intake manifold, an aluminum radiator, and a Billy Boat exhaust system. It’s like a dream team of custom parts all rolled into one shiny package.
Oh, did I mention it’s dressed up in Arctic Silver Metallic, paired with a snazzy Light Gray Nappa leather interior? To add to the cool factor, it flaunts a limited-slip differential, a sunroof, 17″ Style 22 wheels, heated front sport seats, a cassette stereo (talk about a blast from the past!), and dual-zone climate control.
A Trip Through Time
This car has been on a bit of a journey recently. Sold in August 2021, it was then snapped up by its current owner in April 2023. Not one to sit on the sidelines, it’s covered 125k miles but is now being offered without reserve. What comes with it? A handy owner’s manual, detailed service records, a neat car cover, spare parts, a squeaky-clean Carfax, and a clear Nevada title.
The Silver Bullet Affair
Let’s explore the exterior details. Cloaked in Arctic Silver Metallic (that’s color code 309 for the enthusiasts), it boasts a power-operated sunroof, a rear spoiler, dual exhaust outlets, and factory aerodynamic elements like bumpers, side sills, and mirrors. Spot anything else? We’ve got amber fog lights, clear side markers, and European-style taillights to boot.
Had a bit of a run-in with a dent on the right side, but no worries—that was patched up back in 2023. Plus, some upgrades, like turn signal bulbs and the windshield washer fluid sensor, were tackled too.
Mechanically, it’s equipped with trusty H&R lowering springs, UUC sway bars, and Bilstein strut assemblies for a full driving experience. In 2021, new lower control arms and a spiffy brake switch were added to keep it in top form.
- Lowering Springs: H&R
- Sway Bars: UUC
- Struts: Bilstein
- Brakes and Control Arms: Replaced in 2021
On The Inside
Heading indoors, luxury isn’t skimped. The heated sport seats, upholstered in plush Light Gray Nappa leather, are as comfy as they sound, paired with matching door panels and carpets. The car packs in tech like cruise control, an onboard computer, a CD stereo, a trunk-mounted CD changer, and smart dual-zone automatic climate control.
Need repairs? The upholstery saw some TLC under the current ownership. The sunroof switch panel and shift boot got a modern refresh, though word on the street is the speakers could use a swap.
- Seating: Heated Sport Seats
- Tech: Cruise Control, Onboard Computer, CD Stereo
- Climate: Dual-Zone Automatic
- Recent Fixes: Upholstery, Sunroof Switch, Shift Boot
Numbers Game
Take a seat behind the wheel, and you’ll find a coveted 160-mph speedometer, a tachometer, and gauges to keep tabs on coolant temperature, fuel economy, and fuel levels. The digital odometer reads 125k miles, with about 3k courtesy of the current ownership. All good and well, except for an airbag warning light that likes to glow a bit too enthusiastically.
Under the Hood
The beating heart of this amazing machine, the 3.2-liter S52B32 engine, now features an upgraded K&N intake system, an M50 intake manifold, and a sleek aluminum radiator. The oil pan gasket was replaced in 2021, and more recently, the valve cover and fuel injectors have been refreshed in 2023. One thing’s missing, though—a custom splash shield was recently taken off.
Power, as you’d expect, makes its way to the rear wheels through that classic five-speed manual transmission and a sporty limited-slip differential. And for exhaust aficionados, a Billy Boat exhaust system adds a powerful growl. Worth noting, the clutch and flywheel both enjoyed a change in 2022 to keep shifting smooth as silk.
All in all, this car’s history checks out—no accidents or surprises on the Carfax report, just an iconic driving machine waiting for its next adventure.