No matter how you feel about the BMW M3s of the 1990s—especially if you’re in the U.S., since Europe got the better version—there’s no debate that the car is charming. Doesn’t that shiny, beautiful blue just put a smile on your face?
This weekend’s wallpaper comes from Dan Smith and features his 1998 M3, which Dan said he found about a year ago on a car search fueled by the fun he had driving his father’s Porsche 964 Cabriolet. We at Jalopnik are big fans of seeing how M3s of the 1990s perform two decades later, whether that be in top speed, horsepower or lap times compared to the Honda Civic Type R. But today, we’re just appreciating how it looks with a serene backdrop. Calming, isn’t it?
If you’re curious about this particular M3, here’s what Dan had to say:
I was so happy to find one that hadn’t been thrashed, and had been very lovingly owned. The modifications to the car are largely cosmetic, with a stock powertrain. Let’s face it, an e36 M3 convertible will never be a hard-edged boy racer, and it really exceeds at being a great sporty cruiser. It sits on Bilstein PSS9 coilovers and 18" BMW (BBS) Style 5 wheels. The headlights have been upgraded to HIDs, and the other lights were changed to clear lenses. The interior has a European 3 spoke Sport steering wheel, illuminated shift knob, and new carpet in black to enhance the contrast of two-tone look of the tan and black.
Here are some more photos from Dan, just for fun:
May you be as relentless this work week as a 20-year-old BMW M3 is in an on-track battle with a new Type R, and may you certainly be as successful at your tasks. If you have any photos you’d like to submit for a weekend wallpaper, go ahead and send an email to the address below.
Photo credit: Dan Smith. Used with permission. For a big desktop version of the top photo, click here.
Weekend Wallpapers are usually featured on Sundays, (but not always!). Got one you’d like us to run? Send it to alanis.king@jalopnik.com with the subject “Weekend Wallpaper.” Just make sure you have the rights to use it.