When the E36 first came on the scene, it was a big step forward in usability over the outgoing E30 generation car. Thanks to its smooth, torquey inline-6, increased sound deadening, and a more comfortable, luxurious interior. Although it may not have been a homologation race car like the E30, that doesn't mean the E36 was any less exciting from behind the wheel. Thanks to its neutral handling balance and ease of modification, many E36s were used and abused over the years by enthusiasts looking for a starting point for a build. In more recent times, good E36s are gaining appreciation as a collectible and are lauded for their driving characteristics and having enough power to be fun without being too fast to enjoy on the street.

This 1996 323i is a Japanese market example that is finished in a BMW Individual color called Mora Metallic. Although Mora Metallic is a metallic purple like Daytona Violet or Techno Violet, which were found on the E36 M3, Mora Metallic is less overtly purple and instead has undertones of brown and gold that make it a bit more subtle in low light but equally stunning when the sun hits it. In this example, this unique color is paired with a set of DS1 BMW Motorsport wheels and black plastic trim surrounding the car. Overall, this is a very original example that has been kept to a very high standard and shows just 63,363 km on the odometer at this time.

The interior of this E36 is finished in Dove gray leather and was optioned with the comfort seats as opposed to the more aggressive Vaders that are renowned for looking great but not all that comfortable. As a Japanese spec car, this example is presented in Right Hand Drive- which is a fun novelty and gives you one more thing to brag about when you are at your local BMW show. The center stack is fitted with BMW's digital climate control and the trip computer below, which will fill you in on all the information about your vehicle's current state. Additionally, a head unit by Pioneer offers CD, USB, and phone connectivity.

Under the hood sits an M52B25 Inline-6, rated at 170 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. Open the hood, and the engine bay is immaculate- if you were told that this car just rolled off the showroom floor, it would be hard to deny. This engine is then connected to a 5-speed automatic gearbox, which is an excellent option given the right-hand drive and still makes the car feel sporty from behind the wheel. The only noticeable change is the addition of BC Racing coilovers and camber plates, which help give this car its perfect stance and will make it far easier to dial in a quality setup on this stunning vehicle.

The E36 was the beginning of BMW's Individual Program, and finding cars that took advantage of the options on offer was quite rare then. In its unique shade of Mora Metallic, this car is one of very few and is bound to be the only one at any show you take it to. Combined with the stunning condition this car has been kept in, it's hard to deny that this is a unique vehicle.