Own, wouldn't mind or never...an e36. R3V Opinion

[Jboss12]

I have an e36 m and love it. But they do tend to fall apart

[slammin.e28]

Still loving mine all DD status and what not now.

Makes me want to put $$ into it and leave the e30 on the back burner again....wait, what?

[VANOS714]

Owned 2 e36 with almost 200k and loved them.

[InuFaye]

It needs to get warm again so I can drive my M3.

Only drove 700 miles last year.

[kung fu jesus]

I owned a '95 M3. Bought it from the second owner with 39k miles on it in '08.

The interior quality was garbage. It was a beautiful car, Avusblau, dove grey sport interior. The engine was great and would hope to put one in an e30 eventually.

Every repair, done correctly, seemed to have a starting point of $700. I am a bit of stickler for CELs or warning lights. I replaced more electronics on that car than any other component. It was frustrating. I was extremely vigilant about the upkeep and repairs for this car.

I also don't understand what the rave reviews are about on the handling of the e36M3. It was OK, but it wasn't confidence-inspiring. If fact, at the fear of risking another warning light or CEL, it prevented me from thoroughly pushing this car to it's limits. I felt far more confident in an underpowered, modified Miata in advanced groups on the track than this car.

Now as a long-distance cruiser, say LA to Vegas, hell yes, it was awesome. As a DD in LA? yeah, it was alright. I also hated every douchebag in an e46 and newer non-M BMW wanting to test their cars against mine at virtually every damn stoplight. Seriously, I'm just driving to work and some jackass in, say, an e46 330 wants to see if he can beat me.

I sold it in '11 with 79k on it.

Would I own another? No. For what I paid, I would have been far happier finding a restored e30 for the same or less money.

I think, too, for what I wanted from the M3, I would have been far more satisfied with an Is300 or S2K.

[ieatpeople]

i voted E36 ///M3 only.

i currently own a 92 325i/4/5, and its a pile of crap. i wish i never bought it. its in pretty poor condition, and would need an investment of about $10k to make it nice enough to consider keeping. it needs paint, full interior, motor swap (low compression in #6), and rims/drop. i do plan on driving it until it blows up, and i haven't decided what to do after that.

[InuFaye]

i voted E36 ///M3 only.

i currently own a 92 325i/4/5, and its a pile of crap. i wish i never bought it. its in pretty poor condition, and would need an investment of about $10k to make it nice enough to consider keeping. it needs paint, full interior, motor swap (low compression in #6), and rims/drop. i do plan on driving it until it blows up, and i haven't decided what to do after that.

part out on r3v.

I have come to determine that pre-facelift e36s are garbage.

[slammin.e28]

part out on r3v.

I have come to determine that pre-facelift e36s are garbage.

Hey man fuck you too, and your OBDII crap. :p

[InuFaye]

Hey man fuck you too, and your OBDII crap. :p

I do not consider M cars in this statement.

[slammin.e28]

I do not consider M cars in this statement.

Then I heartily agree with you sir. Good day.

Although I would go so far as to say unless it's an M, e36s can go pound sand. All the ones that come into work and people put money in to...I'm just like really? Just start over please. Hagged out cars they are.

Nice ones people DIY.

[InuFaye]

I just wish this 98 was not a slushbox. It makes me think about sourcing parts for a 5sp swap.

[slammin.e28]

I just wish this 98 was not a slushbox. It makes me think about sourcing parts for a 5sp swap.

Troof. I would eventually. It's a fantastic car otherwise.

[R1ckM]

I enjoy the e36 m's, they drive quite nice. I am not a big fan of the stock transmission 1st-2nd gear shifting response though. Was very weak and notchy/off on both of them.
Here are the two I previously owned.

E36 Cosmos/black



E36 Dakar/dove...I miss you QQ....

[Ryan...]

I just wish this 98 was not a slushbox. It makes me think about sourcing parts for a 5sp swap.

I test drove a 98 M3 sedan, auto, and it was the quickest test drive of my life. I took it half a block, made an illegal u-turn, and returned it to the seller's garage. It took me less than 15 second to realize it was a terrible, and that I would never own an auto BMW.

[Stanley Rockafella]

Dakar on Dove...what an awesome combo!