2012 BMW M3

This is a car that’s being sold reluctantly, or as the owner put it: “It’s a regretful sale to make way for a new car.” Having only done 2000 miles a year (10k in total with the current owner), the vendor explains that he is unable to use it enough. In his words: “It’s a shame because these V8s don’t like to sit around as this is a car that needs to be driven.” With only 35,777 miles on the clock, this is a lot of car for the money.

This M3 has been well looked after and benefitted from regular services by various London-based BMW garages – from Islington to Bromley. Don’t be alarmed that there’s not a full stamp book, as all the services that are not stamped are held on digital record, which the seller is happy to supply on request.

Though many E92s have fallen into the clutches of modders with questionable taste, the seller of this car is a bit of a purist, so the car retains its factory state and all of its original OEM parts. The owner hasn’t had to do too much to it over the 7 years he’s owned it either, apart from some work to the rear diff, new brake discs and some small bits of bodywork. As an added bonus, the motor comes with Michelin Pilot Sport 4s all round that still have some decent tread left on them.

On the inside, the car’s equipped with the mod-cons you’d expect, including black leather upholstery, electric sports seats, climate control, rear parking sensors, automatic xenon lights and wipers and the i-drive computer system.

With its carbon fibre roof, muscular bulge on the bonnet and pumped-up wheel arches, the M3 certainly looks like it means business. Donning a striking Monte Carlo blue, the paintwork appears tidy throughout. Judging by the look of them, the 18-inch alloy wheels must have been restored at some point. The M3 accents make all the difference, including those quad rear exhausts tips, kidney grills and M side gill elements.

Though relatively understated, the cabin lets you know you’re driving an M3, as it rightfully should. The car comes with an Alcantara multi-function M steering wheel with the M3 Checkered Flag logo inlay. The door sill finishers are marked with the M3 Checkered Flag logo, too. The Black Novillo leather upholstery with black stitching is complemented by its Palladium Silver dashboard and accents on the door panel, handles, centre console and gear stick. The only imperfections to highlight are a slight discolouration to the carpet under the front passenger seat and the front passenger’s car mat, and some mild wear to the driver’s seat, commensurate with the car’s 10 years of age.

As for the electrics, the onboard i-drive computer system can be a bit tricky to master to start with, but once you’re used to it, it’s a pretty neat function. From speaking to the owner, the electrics are as you’d want them, so there aren’t any electrical gremlins to be made aware of. The vendor also highlighted that the aircon still retains the ability to keep the cabin freezing cold.

It’s worth mentioning the highly practical 11 cubic feet of boot space, so this is a car that packs a punch while being a worthy companion to the supermarket.

It’s hard not to look back at the E92 fondly as the last naturally-aspirated M3, and the only one to have ever had a V8. It packs ample midrange power complemented by an addictive high-end rush as it winds out to an 8,400-rpm redline. Sending 414 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels, in a straight line, the M3 is nearly as quick as a Porsche 911.

Under the bonnet looks remarkably clean. Everything in the engine bay is in its right and proper place. The car passed a health check in December 2021 which proves the gearbox is in good order and that the throttle actuators are in sound condition. The car has barely been used since then, so this should give piece of mind that there’s nothing to worry about here.

Anyone interested in this car will already be aware that fuel consumption is far from its best asset, but that’s the price you pay for driving an aggressive, 414bhp, torque-filled powerhouse. While some naturally-aspirated V8s can return surprisingly good economy figures when driven conservatively, the E92 M3 is a thirsty scoundrel however gently you treat the throttle.

Thanks to its supremely balanced chassis and adaptive suspension dampers, the M3’s cornering is steady and true without sacrificing ride comfort. Though masked with muck and grime, the undersides of the car look structurally sound and dry.

The car has had three owners, with the current owner purchasing the vehicle in 2016. The car comes with a comprehensive history (some of which is on digital record). In January this year, it passed its most recent MOT with an advisory to service the nearside rear brake. It also comes with record of previous MOTs from 2017 and 2019. There are some BMW service invoices from a while back, which the owner believes were to sort the rear slip diff that needed oil.

The E92 is in a sweet spot - old enough to be affordable, but new enough to be fast and dynamically accomplished. This car is in really good nick, considering it’s 10 years old, so it has clearly been well looked after. It’s a lot of car for the £20,000 - £25,000 estimate, but is being sold at NO RESERVE - so bid away!

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.