Lets talk about this shizzz

[drutt23]

So I'm sure there have been tons of threads and LOTS of discussions on this matter, but I would like some fresh input from the r3v community about E36's...........if you've owned one obviously or knew/know someone who did/does. What did you think of it overall? How did you feel about the maintenance? Did is frustrate the HELLLLLL out of you like mine does?? Lol Etc.

Personally, I absolutely dislike working on mine. It's ALWAYS a pain in the ass ever since I got it. It definitely doesn't give me the enjoyment of working on it like my E30 does. So far I'm extremely disappointed in it and at this point, I don't intend to ever own one again after I figure out what to do with the dam thing.

[01330i]

I've owned one, and the maintenance wasn't really a huge issue for me. At least not as much as the looks were.

[kts]

How did you feel about the maintenance? Did is frustrate the HELLLLLL out of you like mine does??

yes.

so far with the work i've done on both cars, the E30 has been FAR easier to work on than my E36 has been.

[kalib0y]

The older the car, the more simple it is. My e30 was more simple than my e36 but I still enjoy wrenching on both of them. My LS1 m3 is currently on jackstands so I can work on the rear of the trans so I had to pull the exhaust and driveshaft off...no bigge, just needs patience.

I think e46s on up just get more and more complex...means less wrenching at home

[slammin.e28]

I have owned both. I prefer the e30, looks, ease of working on it.

Bought the e36 because it is an M3 and I've wanted one since I was 15. It's been a nightmare, the cool factor is there, being an M3. Also, got it because it is the most affordable M car, as far as purchase price, and isn't all muddled up with OBDII shit, like 96+ M3s.

Honestly, I wish I still had an e30.

Honestly, I love this e36.

Honestly, if this e36 gets hit, I'ma take the insurance $$ and swap the S50 into an e30.

Best of both.

[M3TROY]

had a 95 M3 for about 6 months, its a good car but no where near an e30.
also has one of the worst interiors ever made IMO...

[redsubdivisions]

I have owned both. I prefer the e30, looks, ease of working on it.

Bought the e36 because it is an M3 and I've wanted one since I was 15. It's been a nightmare, the cool factor is there, being an M3. Also, got it because it is the most affordable M car, as far as purchase price, and isn't all muddled up with OBDII shit, like 96+ M3s.

Honestly, I wish I still had an e30.

Honestly, I love this e36.

Honestly, if this e36 gets hit, I'ma take the insurance $$ and swap the S50 into an e30.

Best of both.

this can be arranged for a small fee. lol

[mikeedler]

I have only owned one e36. It was a 1992 320i, was a turd, slow, falling apart interior and rusty. I hated it so much, I swore no matter what I will never drive one again.

[J308]

also has one of the worst interiors ever made IMO...

This is what I'm screaming.

[slammin.e28]

This is what I'm screaming.

As your glovebox falls apart, headliner flops down, door panels come off when you yank the handle to shut the door.....

I have done all of these, plus more.

[drutt23]

Well I definitely agree with the point that it is newer so it will be more complex, BUT there are some things that are just ridiculously stupid. Ever change the fuel filter on one??? Ya that job was absolutely insanely stupid. It was nearly impossible for me and I'm not a big guy AT ALL. Where as with my E30, You crawl in front of the rear tire and the filter is RIGHT there in front of you. You don't need three elbows and titanium toothpicks for arms to get to it.

And the interior may look good in a way, but I agree that the construction of it is crap. Falls apart every chance it gets. Most of the factory parts don't work like they are supposed to either. Seems like the best way to solve that would be to gut it like a track rat. But to me inside of the cabin is noisy as hell. Especially the rear end. I swear I can almost hear the gears inside the diff making contact with each other.

[PKR]

I've owned a '95 M3 and enjoyed it very much; I also enjoy my ZHP. But its clear that the newer the car, the more complex ... and the more complex then there's more expense and usually more work. I suspect that the E36 would fall smack in the middle of the three; the E46 requires the most work and $$ - the E30 the least.

[CrusherCurtis]

I've owned two, but don't care for them. I didn't have a problem with maintenance or working on them at all. Its no e30 though. If your going to get an e36 you might as well get an e46, then you might as well get an e92. Steer clear of the hold lot and just get an e30.

[Bimmerman325i]

Maybe I'm weird, but I find my E36 M to be faaaaar easier and nicer to work on than my E30 ever was.

I sold my E30, kept my E36. Been happy with that decision.

[Balleristic31]

I really believe most of the e36 hate stems from people only driving CRAP e36s. How can you drive a crappy beat to hell car and expect it to be the greatest thing on earth? I personally prefer my 318 over my dads 97 m3 everyday. But his car is superbly clean, and doesn't really display any of the issues a lot of people complain about with e36s.

Bottom line, before you go hating on them, find a clean, well maintained one to drive and then decide.