Highlights Post-face lift Evolution model Rarer and more practical four door example 316bhp, 3.2-litre straight-six engine Six-speed manual gearbox Excellent BMW service history Recent specialist Inspection II service Low mileage for the year Overview You can be forgiven a fair amount when your engine is as good as BMW's S50 3.2-litre straight-six as found in the E36 M3.

Perhaps a questionable design choice can be overlooked.

Maybe sub-standard handling characteristics will be surreptitiously swept under the carpet and the topic of conversation hastily diverted when interior comfort and practicality comes up for discussion.

The thing is though, in the case of BMW's second iteration of its venerable high performance sporting 3 Series, nothing has to be forgiven because it's all utterly superb.

From the subtle, muscular design to the exquisite chassis and analogue yet dynamic handling the boffins in Bavaria struck gold once more and the E36 M3 remains one of the best M cars to ever g...