E36 questions, oh boy.

[RobertK]

Heck for $10k you should be able to find one that's already been tastefully modified.

[Rob]

true, but with the way the 'tuning scene' is nowadays, I'd much rather have a stock car and mod it myself. Plus people who mod their cars thing they can get full New prices for all the mods

[robbieosterman]

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[Rob]

unless you track a lot, i'd doubt you'd regret it. Only people that regret it are the ones that buy into forum pissing contests and bench racing. Sad but true. On the street, the differences are basically negligible.

the 328s are newer, slightly more power, and have more options. I prefer the 325s because I dont like the computerized AC, power seats, or traction control. Plus most 328 sellers think they can still get M3 pricing...

[Digitalwave]

unless you track a lot, i'd doubt you'd regret it. Only people that regret it are the ones that buy into forum pissing contests and bench racing. Sad but true. On the street, the differences are basically negligible.

the 328s are newer, slightly more power, and have more options. I prefer the 325s because I dont like the computerized AC, power seats, or traction control. Plus most 328 sellers think they can still get M3 pricing...

Quoted for truth.

[catalyst.]

Go for the 325 or say F it and get the M3. The 328 is half way in between.. and you will regret not shelling out the extra few grand for the M if you get one.

The 328/325 difference is negligible performance wise in stock form.

[Rob]

again, I feel that based on extensive driving of both, that the M3 is not worth the extra initial, insurance, and upkeep cost for a street car (over a 328). Just MHO of course

[James Crivellone]

Not to start a flamewar here, but am I the only one who thinks that E36's are overall bad cars? I just cannot name one thing I like about them.

I hate the feel of driving the thing (Driven a 94 325is and a 97 M3), hate the looks, hate the size (feels huge on the inside imho)

I just don't see the reason for wanting one....even the M3's are nothing special to me, they are just not that fast imho.

:shrug: again not a flame war, just a question, what do you guys like about them

[Digitalwave]

Not to start a flamewar here, but am I the only one who thinks that E36's are overall bad cars? I just cannot name one thing I like about them.

I hate the feel of driving the thing (Driven a 94 325is and a 97 M3), hate the looks, hate the size (feels huge on the inside imho)

I just don't see the reason for wanting one....even the M3's are nothing special to me, they are just not that fast imho.

:shrug: again not a flame war, just a question, what do you guys like about them

I hate etas, but I seem to be one of the few in that camp as well.

[Charlie]

Not to start a flamewar here, but am I the only one who thinks that E36's are overall bad cars? I just cannot name one thing I like about them.

I hate the feel of driving the thing (Driven a 94 325is and a 97 M3), hate the looks, hate the size (feels huge on the inside imho)

I just don't see the reason for wanting one....even the M3's are nothing special to me, they are just not that fast imho.

:shrug: again not a flame war, just a question, what do you guys like about them

Better brakes, better steering, better suspension, better motor, better aftermarket and not 20 years old.

-Charlie

[Rob]

I dont really like them, but I can see some of the appeal. They are a good compromise of performance and luxury, can be decent track cars, and of course, they are instantly recognizable as BMWs, which no doubt appeals to the ego of many owners. and what Charlie said

On the other hand, they are heavy, more difficult to work on, more complicated, and more sedate than E30s. To each his own.

[catalyst.]

again, I feel that based on extensive driving of both, that the M3 is not worth the extra initial, insurance, and upkeep cost for a street car (over a 328). Just MHO of course

I have only driven an e36 M3 once, and it seemed like a huge step up from a regular series IMHO, but when considering insurance i would have to agree with you. Infact if it had not been for insurance costs i would have waited a year longer and saved up for an M instead of buying my 325, im going to hopefully be building my car up to be faster than an M eventually, and it will have 325 insurance costs.. the best of both worlds :D

[James Crivellone]

I hate etas, but I seem to be one of the few in that camp as well.

don't worry, I hate plastic bumpered cars, so we are even.

[James Crivellone]

Better brakes, better steering, better suspension, better motor, better aftermarket and not 20 years old.

-Charlie

I guess my biggest issue is that I see TONS of them on the road, and not many e30's.

I guess as a base platform spec wise an e36 on paper is better.

[Rob]

I guess my biggest issue is that I see TONS of them on the road, and not many e30's.

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