BMW E36 M3 Masterpiece: When Years of Obsession Pay Off

The BMW E36 M3, the M3 of the '90s, is not a universal favorite in the car scene. But this one is purple perfection. Turn your speakers up.
The American-spec model especially hasn't been revered like its predecessor the E30 or successors. But Alex Stearling's Techno Violet coupe might change a few minds about that.
[CARISMA is The Drive's new series exploring the connection between enthusiasts and their cars. See the full playlist: • CARISMA ]
The American-spec E36 M3 especially hasn't been revered like its predecessor the E30 or successors. Alex Stearling's Techno Violet coupe might change a few minds about that.
His journey to getting this car to where it's at today will probably sound familiar. He graduated from being obsessed with Hot Wheels as a kid to collecting actual wheels and tinkering with cars, and had a few projects before finding this one.
Getting immersed in car culture through VWVortex in that forum's golden era exposed him to the many ways in which cars can be customized. That clearly powered up a 1,000-watt lightbulb over his head, because as you'll see in this clip, he has refined tastes and a high standard for part selection on this car.
From wheels to door emblems to the e-brake boot, this E36 M3 has been dialed in to a gorgeous presentation without being over the top or goofy.
Stick around through the whole video and peep Stearling's wheel collection, too ... this can be a great piece of evidence to show your significant other if they start complaining that you're hoarding more wheels than you can use. (They're art, OK?)
Produced, shot, and edited by / tomgorelik
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[@btownballer27]

For a car enthusiast, cars make life worth living. Hands down the best line of the video. I am half of me without a car in my life, and no, I don't mean some drab daily commuter. I've had my fair share, but something about having a car for people opens up a whole new community and has allowed me to meet some exceptionally grounded wholesome people.

[@sampuhhupmas5666]

You're absolutely correct. Without a doubt, I owe my current situation in life to a clapped E36 sedan I bought last summer. That car allowed me to go out more, meet new people and do stuff I am passionate about. It made me so much happier to just be here and I now feel more confident in everything I do, because I have a direction in life and goals to meet.

[@JuliusMoore-co5hl]

That sounds pretty sad but everyone copes with reality somehow, I guess.

[@urgetodrive]

Bought my Dakar Gelb e36 ///M3 brand new in 1995... and I've owned a LOT of cool cars since then. The e36 ///M3 is the only car I ever bought twice (owned a cabriolet as well). No disrespect to other generations of M3 but I honestly believe this is the best iteration. The boxy styling, bulletproof engine (US only), and unbeatable handling make this the best M3 ever.

[@endederfahnenstange4283]

The Euro spec engine is somewhat a different beast. Also very reliable, loads of power and a complete different soundtrack, than the S52/M52 US. The cars are pretty expensive over here. Early S50B30 start around 30k €.

[@ISpinUWin]

Still have my ‘99 bought in ‘99. Still love it!!! Alex’s is a great example. Beautiful car, thanks for sharing it!

[@HorrorUberAlles]

That metallic purple paintjob looks great on it! and the exhaust has a great bark to it! Kudos to the owner, he's got impeccable taste! 💯

[@em_kranz]

I’m friends with Alex and can confirm this is the cleanest E36 in AZ!

[@Euphorica]

The e36 m3 was absolutely a fan favorite when it came out(and still remains so) . It was in Car and drivers 10 best every single year it was sold. And it also outsold the living daylights out of any e30

[@mr.buddha3657]

Such love for the car. The dedication to perfection is impossible not to respect. This man is awesome!

[@rcs3289]

I just sold my e36 I had owned for 25 years. It was a track built monster. Buyer didn't want my 18" BBS RK2s - imho best looking wheels for these cars!

[@victorydiaz11]

Wheels still for sale? 😊

[@basetpk]

these and style 42

[@DonBMW]

I watched this video and a few weeks later purchased a 96 Techno Violet Purple. Car was owned by the same owner for 22 years!! It’s a real beauty and turns heads everywhere I go. It’s such a deep and beautiful color.

[@Bmwstephen]

the e36 platform is so versatile. I own an f87 m2 and couldn't even bring myself to sell my e36 m3 because there are so many aspects of it that makes it so fun,.

[@brianbowden6302]

Me too! F87 + e36 M3 so satisfied with my driving tools. F87 is pretty stock, e36 is tastefully modified! Boston green 4/5 on the M3

[@ChewsReviews]

I have met lifelong friends through cars. My best man at my wedding was someone I met at a car meet almost 20 years ago. Cars have always been a constant in my life and will continue to be so. I've met some of the coolest characters through the shared love of cars. Great video, great owner and equally amazing car.

[@Hiighjason__on_twitch]

E36 m3 for life! Don’t ever sell her bro She’s is way to clean!

[@SpilkersKompass]

Beautiful memories on my first car - a M3 Coupe in Madeira black. ❤

[@bradcomis1066]

God damn this thing look amazing. Perfect. Best colour. Perfect stance and rims.

[@stvnjmz]

gorgeous car and great story. The last couple minutes of the video are priceless as well!

[@R8andGT3Fan]

Techno Violet...my God. 😍💜 Absolutely stunning car!

[@RideTheLifeQc]

one great great car, cant wait to get one !!

[@smoke4ndmears]

Tecnhooooooovioletttt! Miss mine!

[@Floresmedia.]

I personally have an M3 & S2K combo as well and man is it a killer sett to have

[@DonBMW]

E36 M3/4/5 owner for 13 years. Has been amazingly reliable and fun to drive. Pulls like a freight train, easy to work on and large community support. At first this car was ignored by everyone (kinda liked that). But Something has happened in the last 2 years where I’m constantly getting thumbs up, folks taking pictures and folks calling me out at the stoplight. I keep it ultra clean, stock (except for Stromung exhaust). The E36 is having its moment right now. Prices are skyrocketing for clean examples.

[@AkxTremisT]

Wonderful video bro...loved how you expressed experience with your car 👍

[@weezintrumpeteer]

These videos are great - very unpretentious and enjoyable!

[@drive]

That's what we're aiming for. Glad you're digging it.

[@benjamintchang3923]

Excellent color, I love the shifting noises too

[@StefGio428]

Great piece here… his wheel game is dope

[@michaeltulloch2315]

great video, my type of enthusiast for sure. love being stuck in time with these machines

[@drive]

right there with you

[@Beezy_Builds]

Love this

[@LuhSlaney]

love that purp

[@M3e36-99]

I like the feel of the 50/50 weight bias. I kept mine stock.

[@Javi-gn4gh]

Alex is such a chill guy, and his car looks and sounds even better in person.

[@flat4-]

As a European car guy I grew up with all the models of the M3. You have a very nice example there ! The only thing you really need is a full intake carbon airbox, that unleashes sounds you never heard before ! For suspension I would recommend trying the Bilstein B16 PSS9, these are the best road worthy dampers you can buy besides WRC spec ones....

[@happychappers8311]

I agree. I'm not sure about the US version, but the euro with a carbon airbox sounds amazing. Mate it to an Eisenmann exhaust, and you're onto a winner.

[@Dumbo3.1428]

Really cool car. I used to work at a BMW dealership as a mechanic and dream to this day of a nice e36. But the sound that the shifter makes puts me of big time.

[@TranceFur]

Lol, really? Most car guys enjoy a very mechanical feeling and sounding shifter.

[@Dumbo3.1428]

@@TranceFur of course I get the feeling thing but the fast and the furious sounds are too much for me

[@svideotube]

I feel you... Got a Euro version of E36 M3. totally understand how you feel

[@AdhirSingh_SA_1995]

My first car was an E36 3 Series. It was only a 318is, and after driving many 'technically better' cars, it was one of the best cars I have ever driven👏. Oddly enough, I have never had the opportunity to drive an E36 M3, but have driven an E46, E90, and F80 M3👌. E36 M3 is definitely on my 'Driving Bucket List', even though I have been converted to an Audi person (for daily, city, highway, and some driving roads. BMWs are 98% of the time going to be the better driver's cars. The 2% for me is allocated to the B7 RS4, MK1 Manual R8 V8/V10, Porsche 911 or Cayman)😂. Haven't driven other cars yet to change that 98%. One day though🤞

[@DonBMW]

Bruh nigh and day difference to other cars. I own both an E46 M3 and an E36 (US) M3. The E46 is almost 300 lbs heavier than the E36. The E36 is very nimble, torquey and amazingly reliable. In fact, the car that I drive the most is the E36 M3 and Ive owned it for 13 years.

[@urbanstrencan]

Just the best M car ever 😊❤❤

[@e46562]

That's a nice BMW E36 M3

[@lmc333]

I feel like he is my twin, doing everything absolutely right... Doing what I would have exactly done too well done buddy. Thank you... Techno violet, the best e36 color

[@V12BRO]

Alex is the goat. Glad to know him!

[@jdpst20]

Had a Dakar 99’ m3 with a lot of mods but my fav part was the BBS RCJ rims you have sitting next to you. Loved those rims and miss that car.

[@kalleanka6607]

I wouldn’t have managed through university studies without something else on my mind, now i can be a certified e36 only mechanic XD

[@krisjary7146]

Just passion.... ❤

[@carguy7627]

I always loved Techno Violet. I'm a fan of dark colored cars. I also loved the Carbon Black I had on my E46 M3. I like that this just celebrates being enthusiastic about your car. No judgement or comparisons or "the truth" about anything - just a guy who loves cars and wants to share that love with the world.

[@jonfollows7553]

Seeing his collection and he’s running BBS RK’s ❤ I had those on my GTI awesome! It was a mystic blue perfect effect as well 😂 this guy must be my brother from another mother

[@mowgli5679]

I had a Dakar e36 m3 evo for 15 years and I miss it every day

[@2.fresh767]

Nice.

[@thatloudCG5]

Alex has a pretty decent S2000 too.

[@martindworak]

Wow, I live in Mesa, AZ too, and I used have an Integra that was the exact same color, I even had a vanity plate that said BURPLE!

[@endederfahnenstange4283]

I owned 3 Miata/MX-5 (NA - first gen) for more than a decade before switching to a euro spec 95 S50B30. I have it for over ten years now and it still gives me goosebumps going out on B roads having fun in it.

[@gregs8685]

Right in the middle of BMW’s golden age from the mid 80s to 2012 when the e9x M3 went out of production. So many classics in this era, and the e36 is a standout. This period will never be duplicated.

[@3DGEM3]

I love my 99 Dakar m3 Cabrio, its been 15 years now.

[@AliasHSW]

Refreshing and happy to see the engine remains NA.

[@fatoputso7375]

I don't care, the s50/52 US spec is great. Stout, sounds amazing, super reliable. Great enhancements, bravo 👏

[@jordangoodchap2682]

I can't remember the channel, but I recently saw a video that was claiming and explaining US>EU regarding the E36 M3.

[@fatoputso7375]

@jordangoodchap2682 were your mods worth it over stock? I'm allowing a $6k budget on mine. I have all maintenance up to par, not sure if I should go engine upgrade or elsewhere

[@mateo3388]

@@jordangoodchap2682it was Jason Cammisa of Hagerty’s KZbin channel

[@mrjackbagginz]

Hi its good to see jdm in the usa,. I have been boy racing for 20 straight years,. Living in nz we got the rare ones from japan,. My first car is arguably the most underrated car,,. Sat on 15 watanabes ,. My last car was a rotary and averages 320 km max with a full tank,. I am thinking of upgrading to m3 evo 98 as I found a good price but still not sure if it can be better than my lexus 4 cylinder hybrid,. I run reversed staggered tyres on staggered 20 aimgains and completely made the handling better,. Inhave tried on at least 15 different rims on my current car and found them,. You have the pair of gii2 ive been dreaming off,. Awesome video man keep it up

[@Justin-ts4rb]

E36 best car

[@WhiteMouse77]

What an exquisite example with stunning styling!👌 I wonder how it would impress in comparison with Alpina B3 4,6 V8 that was based on the same lineup of its time 🤔

[@SrtRacerBoy]

I had a techno violet m3 also. Loved it, but always wanted a bit more power, and a 6 speed. So e46 M3 I went

[@ngfhfsd323wstgs]

Ho-lee shit. What a beautiful motor, glorious ride with tasteful mods. Absolute 10/10, delivered with conviction and adoration by the looks of things. Stunning car, really enjoyed this vid. Alex sounds like a legend too.

[@drive]

Hell yeah. Thanks for watching.

[@pfajai237]

The Corvette Saw Blade Rims were installed backwards. They are directional rims.

[@CanIbeFrank]

I'm not a car enthusiast. Cars are everything

[@dutchyjhome]

Nice car and nice rims....I would however always opt for the original BMW M3 Styling 24 rims...but that's personal I'd say ;-)

[@vanillaice887]

Last of the iron blocks,unless u want to deal with an s54 annoying buzz can.

[@elas2k159]

Great production quality and very clean m3!

[@drive]

Glad you liked it!

[@hoey3510]

Best collectable bmw m car ever ..best chassis.. newer ones fatter and heavier..

[@jonathanbrumfiel9909]

😍

[@toniwonkanobi]

Looks like dude has an S2000 in the garage too👀

[@MLC...]

Love the car! Hate these gear shifters!

[@wannabeproductions_]

If the owner of the video sees this I have a set of Ccw classics I need to get rid of! Lol

[@revvedupRacingSA]

When did the drive make a comeback

[@gherasimtibi]

Get rid of that shifter bruh. Beautiful car

[@ahmedc5617]

👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽

[@unearthednsx116.]

The mf wheeljesus himself

[@e46562]

I drive a BMW E36 M3 and all BMWs

[@jonny63912]

Mill a spacer?

[@bradcomis1066]

For those square hubs 😉

[@ChrisSadowski]

Ever heard of a Bridgeport? lol

[@jonny63912]

@@ChrisSadowski lmao yes and as I said. Mill a spacer? I am a machinist by trade in what world does it make sense to machine a spacer on a mill? Put it on the lathe and drill out your stud holes or ok maybe toss it on the mill for the stud holes but still waste of time

[@diegodelgado7285]

What's the HP number?

[@greggdrake]

Probably sitting around 315 or so with those cams

[@solomonthadon]

👏🏽💯

[@samisvideo]

I see he likes wheels...

[@deweberis2709]

Matt Moreman: Mine is better than yours 😉

[@TranceFur]

Is it though? I don’t think Matt’s has this much engine work done. This M3 is nearly as pristine as Matt’s, but he’s a detailer and he’s rich, so he should have a spotless car lol

[@LateNightRituals]

Idk this guy, but we bestfriends

[@m-u-hub]

they really destroyed the m2 m3 and m4 this time

[@countryjerry52]

Individualize by coping and hoping other bmw nerds catch it...... just wow

[@W1ZY]

All the guy talks about is wheels.

[@DKK]

That shifter is trash

[@benfidar]

Simple, not simplistic. Simplistic has the impression of stupid. Not what you mean, I think. Simplistic is always pejorative.

[@Japplesnap]

Silly rear wing ruins the car. Go get a Honda.

[@highcountrypioneer3025]

It looks great but that's not a real M3. 3.2 Evo or nothing. It doesn't matter what engine upgrades have been done.

[@leonmalakhin2904]

Put an s54 in it. That's a real m3 engine lol

[@pascal-tg4qt]

You are using a very stupid colour and contrast filter which makes your videos very unpleasant to watch. Beware of it.