convince me into (or out of) an e36

[evandael]

heresy, you say? yeah. i figured as much. however i can't help it.. a 95-99 328is would really tickle my fancy. i currently drive a 325eta that i like a lot, and have pretty much repaired to full on DD status, for reference.





as i see it, there are pros and cons.

pros..
-faster with comparable or even better mileage
-more suited to auto-x (considering scca ST)
-airbags, heated seats, better a/c
-can't afford m3, this is close
-fold-down rear seats
-still very mod-able

cons..
-its no e30
-e36 douche-factor (i don't want an m3 for this reason as well)
-potential subframe/RTAB issues
-build quality? honestly my car is loud, squeeks, rattles.. its no rolls royce.
-r3v insta-ban?
-its no e30


let me hear it.

[RacingTowardsRed]

I have an E36 318TI and I love it. You're right though, its no E30. As far as a DD I think an E36 is the way to go, just drive the E30 whenever the time is right!

[Vince30]

e36s' are great if you get a well taken care of one. I have a 96 328is and moved from and 86 eta. I don't regret that descision at all, but I want to pick up an e30 or e28 project in a few years because they are more fun.

[bimmershark]

my 89 bronzit is pretty worn out right now , and my zinno is a project (and i wanna build it right ie fix rust etc)

so i to am considering a e36 . a later 318is coupe with a manual of course..mainly for the fuel mileage..found one that needs cosmetics ( interior mostly) just gotta try and get the guy down on his price...

[ak-]

I feel claustrophobic in e36's and I don't like the blind spots.
Though, they would make good DD's and are more practical than an E30 I guess.
My fancy isn't tickled enough to own one, even if the price was right.

[mamzak]

If you find an E36 that hasn't been kicked in the taint all of it's life, they are great fun! Sure there are shitty common problems, like subframe, window regulators, etc but honestly they are VERY nice to drive. They are smoother than an E30 for sure, less road noise in the cabin, updated look (if you like that...)

I have both, and I honestly would have a TOUGH time choosing if I had to sell one.

[brutus87]

If the condition is right, and the price is right, go for it!

[Ryan...]

I've owned 3 e36s: a 98 328is, 98 M3, and 95 M3. I'll never own another e36.

Its not that they're bad cars, but I've never owned a more finicky vehicle in my life. I had issues with windows, heaters, seats, lights, anything electrical.. Cooling systems are good as long as they are maintained properly, I would replace EVERYTHING when/if you buy one.

[evandael]

.. but I've never owned a more finicky vehicle in my life. I had issues with windows, heaters, seats, lights, anything electrical..

ugh. not pleasant to hear. can anyone else chime in on this aspect? if it is a matter of electrically operated but still mechanical parts (window regulators, power seats, etc) i could bear with that but chasing electrical gremlins is too much for me.


also, i'm finding that a nice 328is is hard to come across.

[Ryan...]

ugh. not pleasant to hear. can anyone else chime in on this aspect? if it is a matter of electrically operated but still mechanical parts (window regulators, power seats, etc) i could bear with that but chasing electrical gremlins is too much for me.


also, i'm finding that a nice 328is is hard to come across.

Window regulators are a pretty common issue, not hard to fix/replace, but I still had electrical gremlins with mine. Another common issue is the Rear Shock Mounts, another easy fix, but will annoy the crap out of you if not fixed. Check any e36 for cracks on the rear shock tower, its becoming more common as the cars get older.

I would also start reading through some e36 related forums to get an idea of what people deal with on a day to day basis. I've been a member of bimmerfest for the past 3-4 years, there are some great links there of the common issues found on these cars.

[MR E30 325is]

I have both. A 1991 332is and a 97 M3.

Both have S52's and E36 M3 suspension and brakes. The M3 is quicker and more nimble, but the E30 has the real fun driving aspect down pat.

I bought the M3 7 months ago, and to this day it has not been problem free. I dont mean that the seat doesnt come forward on its own, or the radio is fuzzy at certain points, but major problems. Like the cooling system and its continual overheating problems. Or the fact that it randomly stalls ALL THE FUCKING TIME! Hundreds of dollars has been put into fixing that problem, all to no avail.

If I had to get rid of one, the M3 would go in a heartbeat. If it werent so problematic I would love it. But the amount of maintenance I do to the E30, compared to the M3 is so much less.

Granted, the M3 does look better when its done up, and the AC isnt a bad thing, nor is the nice quiet cabin.

I guess I would have to say it depends on how lucky you get. I bought mine from a douche who didnt do any preventative maintenance, and I am feeling the pain right now. But, you might pick one up that was cared for, and you might experience none of these problems.

Hope that helps.

[Ryan...]

^^ Thats just it, maybe I've been unlucky 3 times in a row, some people have 0 problems.

Problem is, most e36s are to the point in their lives that they become the hand-me-down cars for teens to fuck up and neglect. Then we (enthusiasts) buy them and pay for their lack of knowledge and understanding.

PS. Avoid any CL ad that claims their car has a "V6", there's a 99% chance the owner is a fucking douchenozzle and beat the piss out of the car.

[evandael]

yeah, I'm definitely on the look out for a clean unmolested example or one that I can tell was owned by someone who cares. i am getting the feeling that half the problems people have with their e36's are the result of ignorant past owners (outside of known issues, of course)

thanks, all!

[nomansland92]

i had an e36 325i and i liked the car a lot, now of course my IX is is a lot more fun but it was a great reliable dd but i sold it to a friend and he wrecked it 11 days later. must have been a safe car cause he wrecked hard and he's still alive
he now drives a 4 cylinder

[redsubdivisions]

I feel that the E36 was "rushed" into production. BMW wanted to hit the 90's with a brand new look, and as flashy as an E36 looks, I don't think I would own one. Plus E30's were really the last true 3 series that delivered a great driving experience. Have you seen BMW's latest 3 series commercial? Non stop shots of E30's and E21's. Guess how many E36's? MAYBE 1. I feel that car was the bastard child of the E46.