Need advice for a DD (looked at an e36)

[Tbolt]

I have been daily driving my e30 500miles a week for the last 5 months or so. It has been reliable but its not an ideal DD plus I just want another BMW to sort of relieve the e30 from full time duty(at least so i can do some work to it). I also currently have a b5 passat that has its ups and downs but im thinking i should trade it in.

So yesterday I am cruising around PA and I spot this little gem. I immediately feel in love with the color and stopped in and briefly glanced over it.

Details I gathered:
1997 328i convertible - m52b28 right?
106k miles
automatic
1 owner - plenty of paperwork
overall clean with a few small dents here and there
front drivers-side wheel was bent
interior was in so-so shape
cold a/c
glancing at the engine bay it looked super clean
i believe he was asking for around $6k



Now for the questions:
1.) would you guys recommend an e36 for a DD? anyone have a link to a buyers guide?
2.) what do you think of the convertibles? there was one thing i noticed when you open the door the window comes down ~1inch so that when you close it, it will tuck under the top. i feel like this and a few other little gizmos could be prone to failure
3.) any other advice?

[5KWattson]

no to e36 cabby, that top is garbage we have them in our shop alll the time

[castros]

Soft tops aren't dd get a hard top man.

[Tbolt]

do you mean non-vert? or get a hardtop for it? a white hardtop would look tits imo

but otherwise, e36 coupes are good DD? assuming its in good shape and properly maintained?

[5KWattson]

coupe, the cabby e36 mech. is trash they bend and wont close right and the motors all fail, no joke we have 3 e36 cabby in our shop 1)97 M3 2)98 328 3)98 328. the tops wont close on any of them 2 of which only have sub 100K miles too

[Adrian_Visser]

Vert=not a good dd hardtop or not. Drafty, noisy, leaky. Verts are by necessity heavier than coupe/sedans, more structure is needed in the lower part of the car to make up for the lack of a roof.

[5KWattson]

idk how much your lookin to spend but i have become a big fan of the e39 530i...just a thought

[e34john]

That transmission will probably die soon too.

[Tbolt]

alright, so no verts...i can live without having one but it would be cool.

really just want a reliable 2dr bmw

[shiftbmw]

Vert and auto. Eww.

[ak-]

All e36's do that 1inch window down thing.

Friend bought an m50 E36.
Within the week or so, he needed a new fan clutch, power steering pump, flex disc, CSB, and a driveshaft eventually which shredded the new guibo and CSB before hand.

[rabbitude]

I used to have a 98 M3 sedan, The E36 is with out a doubt a better DD than the E30. The difference between the E30 and E36 in refinement is incredible. I cant think of a better DD than an E36 M3. However I would say no to the convertibles, and you have to make sure all of the rubber on the suspension has been replaced or you will be shelling out some $$$$ for that. Also make sure cooling system has had some updating, if the WP, radiator, thermostat and housing have not been replaced they will need done asap. If you find a good solid E36 you will be a happy guy, if you settle for one less than that you will not.

[GOOBER]

If you don't mind something somewhat slow you could get a 318ti, the hatch e36. Pretty much an e30 in terms of suspension, but has a lot of the creature comforts of an e36. You can find a nice one pretty cheap too.

[Tbolt]

I do like the 318ti, they just seem hard to find.

What e36s are available in 2dr? Is the 328i/is a well rounded vehicle? or would you recommend a 325i over it?

[///M42 sport]

Idk if ur driving 500m a week. Why not go for fuel efficiency, like a mini?