Found a Dakar Time Capsule Today

[crqflier]

After selling my '95 M3 almost 6 years ago (on bf.c) and driving a custom ordered 335i 6MT those years, I decided to get back into an M. After casually looking for a few weeks, I stumbled across my new rig. Posted on bmwcca.org for only a couple days, I couldn't believe it when I saw this garage queen was local. Unreal. Never happens like that. So I call right away, trying not to sound too anxious. Anyway, here's the story:

Tucked in the garage, under a BMW cover, with sheepskins protecting the vadars, was a 1995 Dakar M3 with 39,300 original Southern California miles. Same owner for the past 14 years. Every document, record, key, book, everything. Couldn't believe it. Totally original with the exception of a Dinan exhaust, Dinan chip, some type of larger air box (K&N sticker, but not sure what the story is, as I've also got the original box), and an Alpine deck with new speakers all around and an amp.

The rig is a complete time capsule. Not a chip anywhere, no rash, no dings, no rust, not even a scrape on the underside of the front dam. Perfect leather, dash, seats, panels, carpet, etc. All original glass, metal, tools, spare, everything. Even the engine bay is pristine.

And the drive? For sure the 335i was much faster, especially with the Dinan tune and suspension. But this M3 feels fantastic. More connected. More nimble. And the exhaust (maybe too quite for some) sounds amazing under full throttle.

Next up: fluid changes across the board, radiator, brakes, shocks, and probably some new tires. The current Pilot Sports (not PS2, not PSS) only have about 3K miles on them, but they're 9 years old. Look to be in perfect shape. No flat spots, and very well balanced. But man they are old.

Anyway, these pics stink, but figured I'd take a few on Day 1. I'm going to keep it as close to original as possible on the outside. Maybe some enhancements underneath. We'll see.

[propcar]

oh my....

[mattersport]

Beautiful! I'd love to see another pic of the seats, they look pristine. Mind if I ask how much that thing set you back?

[jvit27]

What an awesome find. Nice to know there are still gems lurking out there...

It appears you have the original gen 1 Dinan exhaust which is a gutted factory muffler with new tips. You also have the 'Dinan' (Euro) airbox.

[fun2drive]

There is a reason I still have my M3/4 while having a 335 as well. My 335 kicks my M3's butt in all regards but I feel more connected and the M3 is more tossible to me as well. Thinking of a new M3 E90 but still can't part with my M3/4 yet at 88K miles...
I know EXACTLY how you feel about the M3...

[jeremy5000]

The leather in there looks gorgeous... nice pick up!

[gelb3]

Good God..they do still exist!...very nice!

[ihsnshaik]

Best color ever! I hate how the 95's have that ugly colored match grilles. Truly a mint m3

[E36BMW3series]

Good find!

[EricP]

Dat interior

[crqflier]

Beautiful! I'd love to see another pic of the seats, they look pristine. Mind if I ask how much that thing set you back?

Thanks.
Sun is finally hiding a bit - crazy hot today. I'll take more pics. The interior is mint and the leather is soft, no scratch or wear. He had custom made sheep on them always. And I probably paid too much...

What an awesome find. Nice to know there are still gems lurking out there...

It appears you have the original gen 1 Dinan exhaust which is a gutted factory muffler with new tips. You also have the 'Dinan' (Euro) airbox.

Thanks. I think you're right about the exhaust. Looks like factory but the tips. Still sounds sweet and I'm guessing it shaves at least 2 seconds off the 0-60 time.....

[coolvegase34]

Beautiful car. How much did you pay?

[crqflier]

Thanks everyone for the comments. I still can't believe I found it - and local. Crazy. Even crazier, I sat on the decision for a few weeks (owner took the posting down) because I wasn't sure about Dakar. Always loved the color and wanted either a '95 or '99, so this fit the bill. But I usually go with sleeper colors - white,black,grey. Ultimately couldn't resist. I knew I'd be looking for a long time to find another. Thanks Jason (if you're on here) for taking such great care.

[blaam3]

Wow what a gorgeous find! I hope you take good care of it!

[Tommy604604]

Still sounds sweet and I'm guessing it shaves at least 2 seconds off the 0-60 time.....

So 5.7 seconds - 3.7 seconds to 0-60? Lol
But anyways nice find! Can't believe it's so mint!!!

[das borgen]

beautiful find

my winter projects are confirmed
restore my valve cover
put back on ambers
paint back yellow my mesh bumper grille

OP,
your airbox is the stock Euro S50 airborax I think.....does your intake tract have some diameter reducer anywhere? I bet after the MAF but before the 90deg elbow there is a stepdown from 3.5" to 3" since that's the most common method but it's possible it's between the airbox and the MAF

[jvit27]

Thanks. I think you're right about the exhaust. Looks like factory but the tips. Still sounds sweet and I'm guessing it shaves at least 2 seconds off the 0-60 time.....

Of course i'm right.

OP,
your airbox is the stock Euro S50 airborax I think.....does your intake tract have some diameter reducer anywhere? I bet after the MAF but before the 90deg elbow there is a stepdown from 3.5" to 3" since that's the most common method but it's possible it's between the airbox and the MAF

Dinan airboxes have a CNC reducer before the HFM. Plus, if it was behind the HFM there would be two hose clamps.

[crqflier]

Here are some more pics.

The interior. When I was taking the pics, I found out that the floor mats... were covering the original mint floormats. Floormats on floormats! No clue how to take good pics of the inside, but here are some.







Plus, a pic of the custom vadar sheep skin for the headrest:



Here's the intake filter box:




Original MXX3 Spare and unused jack:



And some more from the outside:

[JCooper]

oh my....

god

[crqflier]

Wow what a gorgeous find! I hope you take good care of it!

Thanks. Hope I do too. Should be able to. My first '95 after driving it almost 9 years:

[Krisp 808]

BEAUTIFUL! So lucky man, take care of it!

[elninoloco7]

Fantastic find mate!

[Nazariy]

Damnn nice finddd

[amdspitfire]

amazing find, care to share how much?

[TH3 Shifty]

Did the 95's not have the secondary air pump?