Jay Kay’s Boston Green E36 M3 for sale

It’s amazing to think, all these years later, that there was a time when the E36 M3 wasn’t all that loved by the M purists. Imagine what they’d make of the current crop. Perhaps it was inevitable: replacing a four-cylinder, super-focused homologation hero with a larger and more luxurious mini M5 was never going to cut the mustard with traditionalists. Despite the critical acclaim received by the first six-cylinder M3 in the early 1990s (and the sales success), for a long time it struggled to shake off a rep as being somehow not as great. 

Even now, and probably forever, an E36 won’t command the crazy prices of the E30 – most likely because of the tangible motorsport link of the old car. However, the later car has enjoyed a resurgence of late; as prices of the original M3 climbed, along with the later E46 that’s always been loved, so those priced out were drawn to the next best thing. And as so many E36s, when they were cheap, were sacrificed for track and drift builds, demand was there where it hadn’t been for a while and the supply was no longer as plentiful. Long story short, the cheapest E36 M3 on PH right now is £10k and it needs trailering away. Bravo all those who bought good ones at £6k.

This one looks absolutely bob on. It’s a later, 3.2-litre Evolution, typically regarded as the more desirable model than the earlier 3.0 thanks to additional power, some extra kit and a six-speed gearbox (though some still prefer the original simplicity). It’s a four-door saloon, too, which makes a nice break from the more common coupes and cabrios; same for Boston Green – good to know every E36 isn’t Estoril Blue or silver. The light grey Nappa leather and wood inside look superb for almost 30 years of use and there’s a documented service history. All tickety-boo. 

Oh yes, and it’s come from Jay Kay’s private collection. He must have more cars than socks. Whether that will hold much additional appeal to a prospective customer remains to be seen – Virtual Insanity is now as old as this BMW – but it makes this M3 just a little more interesting than most. And another M car in a great spec with Mr Jamiroquai as a previous owner. The wording of the advert would suggest his was the last name on the V5, in fact. 

Even without that, this looks a pretty glorious example of an M3 that’s finally being properly appreciated. The asking price is £35,900; probably about what it cost new, but bear in mind that there’s not a single Evo saloon on PH for less than £20k and cars beyond 100,000 miles at £25k and it’s easy to understand that asking price. It’s far from the most expensive example, put it that way.

Fewer than 50,000 miles would be notable for any car from the mid-1990s, let alone an M car that was so rewarding to drive. Hopefully still should be, actually. For those who love the E36 M3 (and there are plenty of reasons why you should), there can’t be many, if any, better ones out there.