How good is an E36?

"norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback" (norskracer98)
07/22/2014 at 21:29 • Filed to: None

Is the E36 as good as people say they are? People who own them can you tell me about the one you own and how they typically are.

DISCUSSION (33)

Manuél Ferrari > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
07/22/2014 at 21:34

I owned two different E36s. Both were purchased used with no warranty. Both were 1994 325is models. The first one was automatic and I only had it a year because I sold it when I got accepted to a study abroad program. The other was manual and I kept it a few years before selling it to raise cash to buy a condo.

I never had a single problem with either car. Never improved the cooling systems. I did do performance mods to the second car. I drove the piss out of both of them.

I guess I got really lucky since I didn't have to spend anything on repairs. Also they were still pretty new as I got the first one in 1999 and the second one in 2001.

I wish I still had the second one. I miss that car... Blue over grey leather with after market wheels and a slightly lowered stance. It was fun to drive, handled well, and looked good. It really was a great car.

Mattbob > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
07/22/2014 at 21:35

I definitely enjoy mine, it's only an old 325i though. The biggest think I like about it is the steering, its very connected. I am still fixing it up though so it isn't quite up to 100%. What are you wondering about in particular?

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Mattbob
07/22/2014 at 21:36

1995 325IC. Appears to be in really good shape.

Soloburrito > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
07/22/2014 at 21:37

The good: It's a German car

The bad: It's a 20-year old German car

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
07/22/2014 at 21:39

Yes.

Mattbob > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
07/22/2014 at 21:39

mine is a 93 325i. You are looking at getting one? A 19 year old convertible. I don't know if the roofs hold out that long.

Mattbob > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
07/22/2014 at 21:41

they aren't really hard pulling cars, but letting the motor wind out and hitting some corners hard will put a big smile on your face. Also it's respectable looking and has lots of luxuries.

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Mattbob
07/22/2014 at 21:45

Says it's been stored in winter and the top does need some work. My dads gf 94 Mustang convertable needs a little work but still looks to have a good roof.

Mattbob > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
07/22/2014 at 21:47

ok..... whats your point?

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Mattbob
07/22/2014 at 21:50

Don't know. Probably that most if not all roofs on 15+ year old convertibles need some work.

Mattbob > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
07/22/2014 at 21:58

probably. Convertible is kind of a big bag of worms and extra weight. If it is a specific one that is a really good deal, thats one thing, but if you are just browsing, I would probably pass on a convertible that old... unless its a really good deal.

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Mattbob
07/22/2014 at 22:02

It looks like a really good deal. If it's still for sale in a couple months I might attempt to get it. Need to get a job before I can really consider buying a car.

190e30-Now with COSWORTH > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
07/22/2014 at 22:14

Hi. Proud owner of a 1998 E36 M3, for about two months now.

I should first admit, I'm going to have a heavy bias. I'm 17, and managed to buy one of my all-time dream cars as my third car.

My first car was an ex-SCCA Dodge Neon ACR, converted back to a roadcar. It still had obnoxiously loud exhaust, a full cage, and a bucket with a 6pt harness, but also looked bone stock from the outside, sat 5 comfortably, and got 30 MPG. For a 15 year old it was perfect. The only reason I sold it was due to my parents fearing I would hit my head on the cage in a crash and die. It had 150hp, did 0-60 in around 7, and was a blast in the corners. I sold it for $4,000, back to the guy that raced it. It had 30k miles.

I then used that money to buy a 1991 Audi Coupe Quattro 20v. Wait, let me rephrase that; I bought THE BEST 1991 Coupe Quattro. It had 78k when I bought it (think of that as finding a bugeye WRX with 40k), and was mint. It was drop-dead gorgeous, got a ton of attention, and made all kinds of glorious noises due to a resonator delete from the wonderfully tough 7A 20 valve inline-5. It was a great tourer, and an absolute beast in the snow, but was not very sporty otherwise: 0-60 came in over 8 seconds, handling was "meh," and no power was made until 6,000 rpm. I sold it two months ago for $8500.

At this point, I was ready to move up the ladder. I was 17, was ready to autocross, and was ready to get into a car I could both learn to wrench on and also could have a bit more fun in (not that 0-60 in 8 seconds isn't fun, its just...less fun). After looking at cars ranging from a ridiculously modded Audi TT supposedly pushing around 300 awhp, to a hawkeye WRX wagon, and almost looking into a B5 Audi S4, a friend stumbled upon my E36 on craigslist. It needed some work, but was a sedan, was good looking (Technoviolet>Boston Green Metallic, but I'm not complaining; its gorgeous.), and was rare (mine has the Nappa Modena interior, meaning super fancy brown leather). It had 100k. I bought it.

Two months later, the minor stuff has been nearly solved. My seats, which were literally filthy and falling apart, were just swapped for an ultra-rare set of color-matched Vaders this weekend. Yes, they are worth it; they're that good. I removed the A'pexi badge from the previous BROwner, compounded and waxed the car a bunch of times, and am getting the airbag light sorted this weekend (was cause by a bad mat in the old passenger seat. Fingers crossed. Hope putting a new seat in solved it).

I get a lot of attention. It's not the same as the Audi though. Older people praise it, college kids rag on it ("Bring it home to daddy," they say at the meets. "Get a job, then maybe you won't DD a 220k mile Jeep Cherokee," I respond during meets), and naturally, kids my age don't care ("Do a burnout!"). My friends adore it, particularly the few that have been in it. For one thing, its fast. Again, I may be a bit biased considering that no other car I've owned did 0-60 in under 7 seconds. But as long as it's VANOS is working (it's known to break. Easy enough and cheap enough to fix, but its like removing VTEC from a Civic; you need it to go fast), the S52 is a good motor. It gets a horrible rap here due to its weak 240 HP due to a single throttle body in American-spec trim, whilethe Euro engine had over 300 due to individual throttle bodies. The S52 is reliable, durable, sounds amazing, and pulls like a freight train all the time. At ~3800 RPM, VANOS kicks in (yo), and the car becomes savage. Ridiculous intake noises, a meaner snarl out of the exhaust, and a noticeable increase in everything in front of you suddenly becoming much closer. 5th gear at 60, no problem; you can be at 100 faster than you read this sentence.

Brakes, obviously, are great; it's an M3. The same goes for the handling. You'll typically back off before the car wants you to. Always composed, always balanced, always fast. But here's the catch: It does everything. Handling better than the Neon ever could've, the power to beat either car in any straight-line race with a massive headstart, great comfort for touring, tons of space...hell, the gas mileage isn't even that bad. I'm averaging around 20!

I just realized I was talking about an M3 the whole time when you solely mentioned an E36, but I hope this helped. Also, please excuse typos or brevities; Just got my first iPhone a few days ago, and have no idea what I'm doing.

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH
07/22/2014 at 22:29

Sounds amazing! Yeah sadly I can't find an M3 around me and any other E36 3 series I can find looks to be in crappy condition and I don't have much to spend right now. I did find a really nice convertible though. Looks in amazing shape. Once I get a job (I'm 16) and have more money to be able to afford oil and gas, I might attempt to buy it, if it's still for sale that is. Only thing that bugs me about it is that it doesn't have stock headlights. Not a major issue but I like the stock E36 headlights.

AM3R > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH
07/22/2014 at 22:31

I loved reading this. That part where you said the attention was different and mentioned the college kids, LOL.

You make me wanna trade my E90 for an E36 M3. Write a full review soon!!

EL_ULY > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
07/22/2014 at 22:38

i owned a e36 sedan and an M3 coupe. These reeeeally depend on the previous owner. E36 equal constant cooling issues, suspension issues, and all the classic e36 things good and typical headaches. Way huge list, more than 850 turbo but i liked both of them a lot

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
07/22/2014 at 22:59

In the time time I've had behind the wheel of a '97 328i sedan (not mine), I've learned they're pure driving bliss with a bit of luxury throw into the mix. If I could own nothing but E36s for the rest of my life, I wouldn't complain.

190e30-Now with COSWORTH > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
07/22/2014 at 23:03

I'd definitely suggest a job prior to E36 ownership. In my first week, I spent close to $800 just getting it somewhat sorted. As of now, the tally is almost $2,000, not including the car.

They're expensive, these ones...

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH
07/22/2014 at 23:04

Yeah, I'm going to start applying at the end of the summer or after Watkins Glen's Vintage race and I'll be free aside from school.

190e30-Now with COSWORTH > AM3R
07/22/2014 at 23:05

Well I'm always open to trades...

Thanks for your kind words. I probably will once I get a few more things sorted. As is now, my brakes are making some strange noises and my rear tires are almost down to the wear bar, so major improvements will be coming very soon.

AM3R > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH
07/22/2014 at 23:10

throw some cash on top and you can have a low mileage 328i haha.

Plan on throwing on a BBK?

190e30-Now with COSWORTH > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
07/22/2014 at 23:15

My first job was a restaurant job, which I still have. The hours are good since no one really eats dinner until after school and there's usually enough time to do schoolwork after work, tips pay super well, and assuming you pick a good place, you make a lot of friends. As an additional Summer job, I'm working as a porter at a Toyota dealership. It's cool and it pays almost as well, but it's a lot more career-based than fun job.

190e30-Now with COSWORTH > AM3R
07/22/2014 at 23:17

I'd reeeeeaally like to. It already stops well enough to the point that I'm not exactly sure I would be able to justify it, but better brakes are always...better.

After reading that article about the E60 535i, the N54 has me all worked up. Hopefully an E90 or E60 are in my near future.

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH
07/22/2014 at 23:19

What kind of restaurant? Like sit down or typical fast food joint? I haven't really decided where I want to work yet.

190e30-Now with COSWORTH > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
07/22/2014 at 23:25

Mine is a sit-down. American-Fare food, if that makes any sort of difference (lol). Laid back, but also slightly higher end.

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH
07/22/2014 at 23:27

Nice. We know a guy who works (owns) the local shop we always go to for maintenance so I might be able to get a job there. Otherwise I'll probably end up at the typical fast food joint. I would work at a pizza place though.

190e30-Now with COSWORTH > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
07/22/2014 at 23:33

Money is money, and money means car. So basically, as long as you have a job, you have happiness.

AM3R > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH
07/22/2014 at 23:33

I'm in an N52. Dead reliable, hasn't given me any issues and it sounds amazing! If you want a 335i but want reliability get an N55. More reliable than an N54 although the aftermarket isn't as wide as it is with the N54. In all honesty, the N54 isn't that bad. Obviously if you put down 475whp and run meth you'll probably run into trouble eventually, but you can make 350whp fairly reliably.

I'd just switch to some aftermarket pads if you don't want to splurge on a BBK. I love the initial bite of BMW brakes, but the dust just kills me.

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH
07/22/2014 at 23:36

Yeah pretty much. The only thing that makes me want a job is so I can get a car. No job+no money=no car :(

190e30-Now with COSWORTH > AM3R
07/22/2014 at 23:40

My dad currently DDs an E60 525i, so the N52 as well. Automatic, something like 80k. He gets frustrated every time he walks into the garage and sees the two of them next to each other. "It isn't right!" Then again, this was us when I had the Neon:

I have heard a lot of scary things about the N54, but aside from the odd autocross or HPDE, I really don't beat on my cars and I maintain them well.

The damn dust. I wash my car once a week not because it needs it, but because my wheels look gross and I hate it.

itranthelasttimeiparkedit > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH
07/22/2014 at 23:43

Slightly relevant, but on the note of BMWs, I am hopefully buying a 1990 2dr 325i tomorrow. whooo whoooo

AM3R > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH
07/22/2014 at 23:50

I would love to eventually pick up an E60 or an E61 535xi. Manual of course!

That lotus is nice! You'll be fine with an N54. Throw on a tune, exhaust, and an intake and you'll be gold. Hell, throw some downpipes on and you'll still be fine. The N54 reliability "problem" is amplified because the people who are enjoying a trouble free car aren't writing about it online. The people that are having problems are the people that write about it.

I'm gonna pick up some low dust pads soon and put some wheel wax on.

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
07/23/2014 at 07:28

I bought a '94 325i saloon from my mate for £275 about a year back. It was an MOT failure, and took a little work to get roadworthy but nothing I couldn't sort in a week. New tyres, some handbrake adjustment and welding over a hole in the battery tray and it was good to go.

Fixed it and drove it for about 3 months. Great little car :)

Chassis is excellent. You can really feel the balance compared to my FWD Alfa 156. That's the only really noticeable thing about it being RWD at 8/10ths driving. Below that there's no noticeable difference, and above that you start to notice the rear shimmying when you put the power on.

The engine's strong. It pulls well, but it lacks the frenetic drama (and a little of the flexibility) that the Alfa has. The 156 Busso absolutely sings to the redline, gains and loses revs quicker, feels more comfortable chugging around in top at low speeds and generally seems sweeter. I'm certain it's quicker as well, whether that's due to having an extra gear, being FWD so less drivetrain loss or something else entirely.

Reliability-wise, I had an absolute beater and a couple of things needed fixing. It had some weird hesitation along the rev-range. I replaced the rubber boot on the intake as it had split, but no discernible change. Then I noticed that a clip was missing on the electronic rail for the injectors. This meant the injector for cylinder 6 was rattling about loose, sometimes connecting and sometimes not. Replaced the clip and it was right as rain :)

Other than that, it had a faulty ABS sensor in one of the rear wheels which still needs to be fixed, but it hasn't caused a problem so far. Sometimes when slowing to a stop it'll trigger before you stop, but it's nothing that can't be fixed with about £20 and some tools.

Currently, I crashed it into some armco while trying to be a big man and kick the tail out :S I'm fixing it at the moment, and it's nearly done. All the little updates are here :)