Hey everyone, long time no chat.

Are there any e36 generation owners here? I know it is still a rather popular car even today...I know older bmw engines had reps for being reliable, but that has definitely changed.

Wanted to get some ideas from bimmerforum, but seems like people there aren't as chill and/or diverse as you all here, so I thought why not.

 

Unfortunately I don't have any truly valuable to add but HOLY CRAP where have you been. Just sayin.... now that that's out of the way

Not too sure, I knew a couple of guys who had them but didn't talk to them much.... never drove them either but I was looking considering them last year when I was carless. But if you get the chance, then share!

 

It's poolikeshunny!!! HIII!!! Long time no talk for sure!! How have you been?

Sorry I really don't have any info on the bmw's!

 

Change your avatar quickly...

 

They are great cars still and relatively inexpensive. You can get a clean e36 M3 for around 10-12k.

 

I have a 1995 325IC with only 62K on it. Mint condition. Loving it in the summer

So far I have no issue with it but then again I did not drive as much since my commute is like 10 miles both way for now anyway

 

I swear our local euro car group is filled with about 90% E36 M3s.

They seem pretty reliable for the most part and easy to work on. Plus parts are relatively cheap now.

Normal stuff that need to be addressed are the rear shock mounts, trailing arm bushings and the cooling systems which seem to be common.

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...d.php?t=379325

 

oh wow the coincidence here man, I am looking for a e36 m3 (one of my dream cars too) but they are kind of expensive in canada and rare. oh and they are 240hp US models. I may be getting a euro spec 94 with 60k miles on it in about 3 weeks so I am keeping my fingers crossed.

 

We had a '92 325i for about 14 years and the only problems were an interior door panel that came off and a speaker that blew. Other than that, it was a great car

 

Thanks for the welcome everyone...been awhile indeed....long story. But I need to change the av, yes....gimme a day or two....I'll update everyone shortly...the other 3 rides are getting boring...and I actually was looking to get a 4 seater fun daily driver (preferably convertible).

I actually like the 318ic, sounds like it is one of BMW's most reliable engines, and they get 35 mpg....winner for me. good to know they are reliable though. pics to come...guy before me tried to start ricing it out...but luckily i showed up to rescue it!!!

myron, e36 is still by far the best looking gen IMHO. good luck on finding one...when you find one lemme know!!! I'm looking to find some enthusiasts as I havent worked on many bmws...i've got plenty of questions..

 

Interesting... I've been toying between an E36 M3 and an E39 540i or M5. I too have always heard that these cars were some of BMW's more reliable models. Let me know what you find out (of course I'll keep an eye here too).

Oh and welcome back

 

Ahh the things that happen when members go away and come back and wonder WTF happened while they were gone.

 

 

M5 is always tits....but I have yet to hear anyone tell me that the e46+ models are more reliable than e36 and prior. I'll keep you posted in a few weeks...

If you do get an e36 M3....man....they are real fun to drive...lotsa trouble waiting to happen!

 

oh god....did I miss something? Who butchered my the avatar of my kid???



Does whiskers want me to change it so he can have more ammo?

 

BMW is just a high maintenance car (like some women). You just have to keep up with her and she'll be alright. I would go after one from Europe, as they would be better than the US models.

 

Is there a way to tell if it is euro vs usa? Or would you just know?

 

I'd totally rock an E36 M3 (or even a 325is)..

 

They are rare and expensive if you do find one. Plus we talking M3s.....they look the same but the euro m3 makes more power. You would know.

Doubt anyone imported a non-m E36.

 

Yeah, from what I've been reading on BimmerForums... doesn't look good for me.

 

I love E36s ... The 325is was a great car with a 5MT.

 

Screw that!

Get an S5!!!

 

I feel compelled to post.

They are fantastic cars! I had a 96 328is. Parts are relatively cheap as aforemetntioned.

Pro's:
The I6 motors are damn near bulletproof.
Handling is great even by today's standards.
Classic looks.
Relatively reliable... as BMW goes at least.
Inexpensive parts.
Great torque.

Con's.
Radiator design is garbage. expect to replace that every 80-100k if you keep the stock one, as it cracks with no warning at all.
Cooling system is generally weak, especially the water pump. Consider the same interval as stated above.
Front control arms and mounts wear out routinely at about 70k.
Radio and OBC (on board computer) screens are garbage.
Doorpanels are usually not a failiure unless you tend to keep the windows open when it rains.
Convertible tops on the E36's are generally problematic, so I would avoid those.
Tail lights tend get rust on the bulb contacts, but that's a DIY fix.
The M44 motors (4cyl) tend to leak from the front seals, that's an experienced tech job.


There are lots of positives, but it's just easier to list out the negatives. Get one!

I wouldn't call it any more or less reliable than any other German car.

 

my friend has a track built e36 M3, which i've been in for a few track runs. That machine is AMAZINGLY balanced.

 

They are nice but I think they are starting to look dated.

 

My sister has a 97 328i with 171K+ miles, still hauls ass, and it's been extremely reliable. Aside from minor nuisances, (possessed blower motor, disassembling half the dash to get to the cabin filter, worthless cupholder location, gear shift indicator light not working) it's been a great car. Surprisingly easy to work on the engine and components. I had to replace the belt, spark plugs, air filter, oil changes and they were a breeze. My other sister has a 99 VW Passat 1.8T. I hate working on that ing thing!!

 

good list! Also, good to know about the M44...I just picked one up. I'm looking for an e36 m3 motor with lower miles right now...so this one will have to do. Mileage is awesome though! And it still handles like a bimmer. Hopefully I won't encounter any of the leaking issues.

Laxplaya, an e36 m3 on the track is loads of fun! As long as its dry, it will hug the corners the whole way through. Was it a manual?

I too think they are beginning to look dated, but it still looks pretty sweet. The profile with e46 M3 rims is very nice. I know everyone has them now, but they do look great!

juniorbean, are you actively looking for one? If so, I have a college buddy in your area that has a hellrot red 99. Maybe you've seen him?

 

There is a rebuilt M3 motor on bimmerforums for 3k that someone is selling, I think that leaves you short a transmission.

Just swap an LS1 in there, it's cheaper, and loads more fun!

 

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...000&cardist=15

 

Not actively looking, just trying to get ideas of what I may want. Too much stuff going on with the business right now, so just planning ahead. I'm debating if I want a E39 5-series, E36 M3, or Mercedes E or CLS class. Also considering just getting a used TL (05 or so) and a new motorcycle. So I'm keeping my options open and doing a bunch of research.

Not sure if I've seen your friend. Lot's of Bimmers around here. Is he modded?

 

E36 with a LS1 sounds interesting

 

you bet it was. here's a pic of my friend's car in action:

 

I had an 94 (I think) e36 325is back in college. Wish my parents had spend some extra change on the m3, but it was a gift at the time, and I took it as such, no questions asked.

Loved that car. If I had to complain, the plastics weren't designed for the long haul. They tend to get brittle over time. The engine was pretty stellar, but the clutch was heavy compared to any honda product I had driven. That got tiring over time.

As for BMWs overall, my parents had an 85 525e that lasted us 150000 til we sold it to an uncle. It still ran pretty well, but as with any bimmer, its the little things that get you.

Anyways here are a couple of "what to look out for" pages I found.

http://www.unitedbimmer.com/kb-e36-c...faults-faq.php
http://edgemotorworks.com/index.php?...d=24&Itemid=55

I am contemplating buying a used e36 m3 myself, hence my interest. I currently own a w203 190e Benz that got me thinking about getting something German again. Love my TSX but there is something about those cars....

 

damn the seats in those beamers look nice

<--- knows nothing about bmws

 

^Vader seats

There's this guy at my school who's got a crazy nice E36 M3.... resprayed (paint looks new) with PSS9s, misc. mods, custom Vader seats with red trim along the bolsters... doesn't sound all that great but it looks awesome in person. He works for a Euro tuner shop so that helps too

 

There's a guy on bimmerforums with an LS1....insane!!!! I didn't know it could be done!!!

junior...all good choices...e36 m3 and used tl/bike would be my top two choices.

My buddy has a practically stock e36, with e36 m3 rims, tints, depo headlights, and a MASSIVE wing. Can't miss it. Looks kinda like laxplaya's buddy's car.

Speaking of, that does look fun as hell...although I'm not so sure about that wing on the street....

carbongrey...I notcied the plastics do get brittle and stiff...some of them warp so they don't quite fit anymore either..awesome finds though!!! a 94 325 is pretty hot! I wish I had such a gift when graduating, but alas I had to buy myself a 92 loyale...POS that I sold for profit for 800, then moved into my first real import...never looked back since..

BTW, what do you guys think of these rims on the e36?



I like them but am not sure if I would like them for the long haul since everyone seems to have em now..

 

^Doesn't go well with the E36's hard lines.... it matches the curvy lines of the E46 more

IIRC autoblog put oldschool BBS-style mesh wheels on their E36 track machine.... looks good. If I can find pics I'll post em

 

sorry I forgot to look for it earlier but I found it. I like the way it looks.

 

wow..I do not like those bbs style rims on the e36...makes it look even older than it is...

Haiduc, you sound like you know your way a bit around e36s, can you tell me more about the front seal leak? I had this car for less than a month and already I have a leak coming from somewhere the local shop cannot locate without tearing the whole thing apart...