Lot #50 - In 1997, BMW offered a 4-door M3 for the first time and, in one brilliant stroke, eclipsed all other sport sedan pretenders. This car was sold new to its first owner in Hialeah, FL, on January 2, 1997. The second owner in Naperville, IL, purchased it on June 23, 2000. When the second owner purchased the car, it had 23,198 miles. Until now, the car remained in the second owner's care for 17 years. During this time, this car was treated like a baby and was driven less than 6,000 miles. The oil was changed every year and it was always garaged. The original owner's manuals, floor mats and car cover are included. The car is in showroom condition and was never modified. All 3-series models received a reshaped kidney grille for 1997, and subtle detail changes all around to bring the design more in line with their 5- and 7-series siblings. But what has always set the M3 apart visually is its menacing stance, a look that transfers easily to the sedan. The low front spoiler and side cladding visually glue the car to the ground, while the wheel wells are stuffed with M-edition 17" double-spoke forged alloys. Keeping it all off the ground, but just barely, is a fat set of Michelin 225/54s up front and 255/40s in the rear. It's finished in beautiful Estoril Blue, and the Dove Gray interior complements it perfectly. Inside, luxury and sport are artfully blended to yield a driving environment like no other. The space is well laid-out and functional in the finest BMW tradition. The leather surfaces hint at luxury, but the omnipresent "M" logos are a constant reminder of the car's true purpose. The engine compartment is highly detailed. Under the hood is an M-powered 3.2-liter 24-valve inline-6 engine with 240hp at a rev-happy 6,000 rpm, while the torque peak of 236 ft/lbs is accomplished at a lower 3,800 rpm. The quarter-mile time was 14.3 seconds at 98 miles per hour. The undercarriage is also highly detailed. This car has recently been inspected by a BMW dealership and passed with flying colors. A brand-new set of Michelin Pilot Sport tires and carpeted floor mats were just added. Clean CARFAX report and 29,027 original miles. From the MS Classic Cars Collection.