E30 or E36?

[bmwm3n528]

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=69615&highlight=e30+e36

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=68580&highlight=e30+e36

...and that's just the first few I could find. Let's discuss this topic one more time.

[uofom3]

a lot of good points have been made.

Good example (particularly late model) e30's are becomming more rare to get ahold of than a clean e36. In that sense, it is pretty damned easy to pick up an e36.

Maybe I am getting old, but i do like the feel of my e36 m3. It's quieter, has lots of torque, and you don't have to drive the shit out of it to get it to do something. It is certainly more modern and appointed than my e30's have been, and it really has been a very reliable DD.

BUT - i still think the e30 is more fun to drive. If i had the option to track an e30 325is or an e36 325is, I'd take the e30 everyday hands down. It feels better to drive.

The best way that I can put it is that an e36 3 series feels like a small 5 series inside and in the way it drives, where an e30 3 series feels like a 3 series, not a slightly shrunk version of some larger breed of car.

In the end it comes down to the cars you're looking at. An e30/s50 w/5lug would be a bad ass ride, and shmoke most stuff on the road. On the other hand... the e36 is smoother and more DD friendly. It's a tough call.

[ZinRot325i]

The best way that I can put it is that an e36 3 series feels like a small 5 series inside

This is the truth. The e46 even moreso.

I'd say a new Z4 probably captures the spirit of driving an e30 in a more modern interpretation....until we get the 130i.

[SpunkyE30nOk]

I wouldn't mind pimping a 98 328i sport w 5pd..it'd be an nice DD, quiet, smooth, I do like how the 2.8 m50 sounds with a decent exhaust, and with it being the last year of the e36..there maybe some low mile granny driven ones out there...but I love my e30 its always sporty, fun to drive and just encourages u to go just a little faster every time :p

[ZinRot325i]

Personally, when driving the e36, the only annoying thing is that interior trim (door panels) tend to come off in your hand when you're rough with them. Or if a heel hits it. Or something....

Anyway, mine's a 98 convertible, and the only other thing I can say about that is that the top sometimes likes to open slowly. Pretty quiet for a convertible, I like how it pulls. I DO NOT like 5th gear however. It always seems like it needs 6th.

[german g]

ask this question on an E36 site...this is an E30 site, so what do you think we are gonna say ;)

[windnsea00]

After having a E30 S50 318is, an E36 325is and 2 TI's...I have come to the conclusion the TI is the best compromise. You get the basic E36 goodies and available aftermarket, already 5 lug, no subframe tearing, the simple but fun E30 rear suspension, and weighs about 100 lbs. less than an E30 325is while being 5 in. shorter than one also (basically no rear overhang, very fun).

Also when it comes time for a S50/S52 swap it's very straight forward as from the B-pillar forward the TI uses the 4-door sedan body. Plus you can swap in the E36 dash. For tall people who like to sit straight up, one thing I couldn't stand on my `93 325is was the very minimal headroom as the coupes have a lower roofline.

[CarsSuck]

A stock ti is boring as sin to drive. I havnt driven a e30 318i or is, but i found the ti to be a slow mover, so if a motor swap and suspension mods are out of your budget, then the ti is probably a no go.

[PУCCKAЯ_e30ka]

if you get an e36, then get something 328-ish or better (M3) don't get 325i. it wouldn't worth it with 325i e36, 328 feels much better with more torque and power.. spec. 4dr!

[ZinRot325i]

I agree. The 328 is almost a must but you'll pay lots more.

The e36 is my LEAST favorite M3. There's not really anything special about them other than that they have more power.

They should just call it a 332iS and be done with it.

[AdironRider]

The only e36 Id own is an m3. Plain and simple.

[smonkbmw]

e30 is cheaper to get into, harder to mod, more expensinve to mod, and if you want to make big power, can be a pain in the ass to do

e36, more expensive off the bat, easier to mod, much more available (the civic of bmws!!) for mods. mods are cheaper.

e30 is lighter, feels more connected to the road
e36 is heavy, steering "feel" is not so connected, feels like a porsche (once you start to feel youve lost control, you already have)

i had a e36 and sold it to start builing my e30 328

[browntown]

as someone that feels the compulsive need to replace every part more than 5 years old, the e30 is better for me. If I'm going to replace and upgrade everything, the e30 seems to be a simpler beast. Part of that is my age, and I almost went e21 as they have even less electro-gadgetry, but availability of aftermarket parts is a big question. Simple to work on and *decent* aftermarket availability.

My project car started on a napkin at the bar, criteria being:

4 wheel discs
RWD
shoot for 10 lbs per HP (engine swaps ok)
good aftermarket availability
cheap entry
strong internet discussion groups (go r3v)
ease of work.

Considering that I learned working on cars on 80's rides, it's what I'm comfortable with, I remember being a senior in high school and seeing the two page ad for the m3/Lux in road and track and pitching to my parents how in 10 years it might be cheap enough to own. I do like a good dakar e36 m3. Keep me rambling on and I'll go buy one.

[DrMcDave]

i was looking into picking up a 332ti that i saw for sale? should i get it. 13.1 quarter mile.

[ZinRot325i]

Ti...must die.

That is all.