One of a claimed 11 produced over the span of production, and one of 4 said to be in Europe, this E39 M5 represents peak BMW in more ways than one. Tailored brilliantly in Dakar Yellow 2 paired with the incredibly cool M Texture cloth and without a sunroof, it’s an emphatic book-end to what some traditionalists call the golden era of BMW. And importantly for us, the price point is seemingly reasonable- even once you factor exchange rate, shipping and whatever tariff awaits its arrival.
For enthusiasts in the US, there’s often the opinion that while maybe we got a version, Europe ‘got the good one.’ While perhaps not the best representation of this sentiment, this Tailored Driver fits squarely into that category- bigger motor than was offered stateside, paired with a BMW Individual color. For those in the know, the 323i is a very interesting proposition in that it’s incredibly similar to the BMW Z3 coupe, albeit with a back seat. E36-generation from the firewall forward with an E30 rear subframe, this 323i will provide an exciting driving experience for whoever wins this Bring a Trailer auction. Please note, as this is a model year 2000 vehicle, it must be 25 years from the production date for trouble-free importation.
SUMMARY: BMW named this yellow hue after the iconic Dakar Rally, the ultimate rally raid style endurance race that originally trekked from Paris to Dakar, though presently is now held in Saudi Arabia. Though BMW automobiles has never competed as a factory at Dakar, BMW Motorrad won the motorcycle class of the Dakar Rally six times, including its first victory in 1981 when Hubert Auriol won on the R80 G/S. Though we don’t know for sure, it’s a safe guess that these victories are quite likely the inspiration for the name of this almost buttery shade of yellow BMW used to debut the BMW M3 type E36.
Dakar Yellow (dakargelbii; non-metallic uni; 337; BMW) is considered one of BMW Individual’s most iconic colors, and has been a popular choice through BMW Individual since that E36 era. Worth noting, there is also a color known as Dakar Yellow II, though it shares the same 337 color code with the main difference noted by enthusiasts as simply Dakar Yellow with a UNI clear coat.
If you’re nostalgic for the 90s era of BMWs (looking at you E36), then you know your way around Dakar Yellow (dakargelbii; non-metallic uni; 337; BMW). The hue was a standard and much beloved color on that era M3, and it remains one of the most revered BMW Individual paint colors as a result. So, when we find another generation M3 Coupe painted the same color from the factory, we take notice. Take for instance this 39,000 mile 2011 E92 M3 Competition Coupe in New Rochelle, NY that we’ve found on Facebook Marketplace.
The car’s a Competition with V8, so already rare and sought-after. The owner reports it is “likely” one of one in the USA thanks to that color. We have not verified the claim with BMW and it sounds like the owner may not be entirely certain, but it’s definitely rare (Editor’s Note: Check below for more information on the rarity). The color is listed as Dakar Yellow II (dakargelb; non-metallic; 337; BMW Individual), with two-tone Palladium and Black Novillo leather. Other options beyond the BMW Individual paint include Style 359 M wheels, Sunroof, iDrive Navigation and DCT dual clutch automatic.
It’s got a few modifications, but nothing extreme. These include KW V3 coilover suspension and an Eisenmann exhaust.
The owner also states that it’s been featured on YouTube, so we’ve embedded that video in this story.
UPDATE#1: The difference between Dakar Yellow and Dakar Yellow II is the addition of a clear coat.
UPDATE #2: David, a commenter below, added this reference information in regards to the rarity of a Dakar Yellow E92 Competition. In it he stated:
Worldwide, 140 E92 M3s left the factory in this colour. – 40 for North America (28 for USA, 12 for Canada) – 30 for the Rest of the World in LHD – 70 for the Rest of the World in RHD
19 of the 28 USA examples came with the Competition Pack.
This particular car was No.14 of the 28 USA cars to be made and the only one of the 28 to come paired with the Palladium Silver & Black Novillo Leather interior leather.
Manufactured on 30-June-2011 it was originally supplied by Winslow BMW of Colorado Springs on 12-August-2011.
