Why the BMW E36 3-Seires is the Perfect First Car

"Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire" (arch-duke-maxyenko) 02/25/2014 at 15:21 • Filed to: None

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For many people, getting their first car is a momentous achievement. Even people who aren't in to cars will still remember what it was and can relate several events to it. The first car can be either something loved or loathed, but the memories it creates last a lifetime. Today, I would like to say why I think that the E36 platform of the BMW 3-seires is the best car to start out life with.

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First, here is a little background on the car.

The E36 was the third generation of the 3-seires built from 1990-2000 as the successor of the E30. It is rear wheel drive, offered in sedan, coupe, convertible, wagon (non US) and hatchback body styles. It came with either inline 4 or inline 6 motors and manual or automatic transmissions.

( !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! )

So, why buy one?

The experience you get from driving it is the main reason. It makes you aware of the road by actually providing sensory feedback in the steering, brakes, and throttle. The noises from the motor intermingle with the feel only further enhancing your drive. The cars don't weigh too much, so having only 200 Horse Power is plenty enough to get you up to speed but not so much that an in inexperienced person can't handle it. They were designed with a near perfect 50/50 weight distribution so that it can be driven through the corners and not just to them. It also doesn't matter what motor it has, the car wants to put a smile on your face. That is what you want from a first car; you want to be involved in the driving process so that you can learn from it and become better at it. You don't want an appliance which only purpose is to get you from A to B in complete isolation as this will only harm your driving skills in the future.

Aside from the actual driving experience, the E36 will deliver you pretty good gas mileage. I have a 1996 328i sedan, which is powered by a gasoline 2.8L Inline 6 cylinder, and I am averaging 26 miles per gallon in very mixed highway and city driving. This isn't from hyper milling or driving for maximum fuel economy either.

Despite being a "sub compact," there is plenty of luggage space and room for four people comfortably and 5 in a pinch. With the back seat folded down, a full sized mountain bike can fit in with the front wheel removed and there is still enough room for bags and back packs.

As for pricing, today, you can pick one up for prices ranging from under $1,500 to $15,000, depending on model, options, and condition.

Now, there are drawbacks to owning a 1990's BMW. The E36's cooling system is a big one, but it can be easily fixed for not a lot of cash, as parts surprisingly not too bad on the wallet. There are, of course, other things that may go wrong. I think that having to work on a car only helps build strength for the owner. You need to learn how to take care of a car to avoid very expensive repairs later on in life. Things like how much oil you have and what it smells and looks like, same for coolant and other fluids.

Deputy Kovacs > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 02/25/2014 at 15:24

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I haven't read anything further than the title, but I will tell you this. Ones first car is always the perfect first car. No need to force an opinion.

Manuél Ferrari > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 02/25/2014 at 15:24

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Can I nominate the E30 318i as a runner up for perfect first car?

Reason: it has less power.

The E36 was my 3rd car. Had it been my first I'd be dead. I was too crazy of a 16 year old to have more than a tiny bit of HP.

Victorious Secret > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 02/25/2014 at 15:24

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But...but...it isn't a Miata.

You monster.

Mattbob > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 02/25/2014 at 15:24

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Aww yeah. Going to be digging into mine this weekend! I found the Bently's manual online. Wow, I have never read such a good repair manual. This car looks like a vacation from working on jeeps.

Victorious Secret > Deputy Kovacs 02/25/2014 at 15:26

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But...he isn't forcing an opinion. He is simply sharing it...

PJV > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 02/25/2014 at 15:29

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Love my 318is

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Deputy Kovacs 02/25/2014 at 15:33

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If you would read further, you would see that this is not the case.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Mattbob 02/25/2014 at 15:34

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I have the Bentley, Haynes, and 101 projects books.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Manuél Ferrari 02/25/2014 at 15:35

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The E36 could also be had as an 318.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Victorious Secret 02/25/2014 at 15:36

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Yeah, I needed something with a roof that I could haul my drums in.

Joey Klimchuk > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 02/25/2014 at 15:37

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Hell Yeah! It wasn't my first car but it was close. I've had her for five years and she's still going strong. It has taught me everything I know about working on cars, and almost everything I know about driving them. I'm determined never to sell it.

Manuél Ferrari > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 02/25/2014 at 15:39

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Oh true there was the 318ti here in the states.

I saw the pics you posted and I was only thinking of the coupes and sedans, which only came with an I6 in the US.

Maybe the E36 318ti is the perfect car for a 16 year old with a lead foot.

JEM > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 02/25/2014 at 15:39

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Heck, I'm looking for my 18th car and I'm kind of considering one.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Joey Klimchuk 02/25/2014 at 15:39

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Is that your's?

I love it!

Joey Klimchuk > Manuél Ferrari 02/25/2014 at 15:42

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There was a 318i sedan, coupe and convertible as well. Very, very, very slow cars.

Deputy Kovacs > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 02/25/2014 at 15:43

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True. Apologies for trolling, it was unintentional. The title rubbed me the wrong way. Appreciate the thought.

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > Manuél Ferrari 02/25/2014 at 15:45

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Agreed. I went from 73bhp to 187bhp and I'm very glad I had the slow car first. Taught me at least how a car responds to basic inputs before I had enough speed to get into real trouble.

area man > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 02/25/2014 at 15:46

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Spent last week in LA bonding with my girlfriend's E36 and was so inspired I planned a similar post! Nicely done.

Manuél Ferrari > Joey Klimchuk 02/25/2014 at 15:56

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Did they make it to the states? For some reason I don't remember ever seeing them.

I was just talking about the US market. I know other markets got tons of choices, including diesel.

Joey Klimchuk > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 02/25/2014 at 15:56

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Yeah, the photo has been heavily touched up because we were making a calendar. In person the paint looks like it has done every last one of its 185,000 miles, it's well cared for but it's no spring chicken. I also had to replace most of the interior because it started life in Florida and never saw leather conditioner until I got it at 142k.

Manuél Ferrari > BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires 02/25/2014 at 15:58

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Exactly. You learn about handling and braking before you have enough power to induce oversteer just from hitting the gas pedal.

I really can't imagine how crazy it would be for teenagers to be given a fast car by their parents. If my first car had been a 135i or 335i I would probably be dead. 300HP is way too much for a 16 year old.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > area man 02/25/2014 at 15:59

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They'll have that effect.

Joey Klimchuk > Manuél Ferrari 02/25/2014 at 16:01

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Yep! They all made it over here. I have a 1995 BMW US Brochure hanging in my cubicle. Check out that sweet 318i 'vert 0-60 time!

PJV > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 02/25/2014 at 16:03

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Mine (not the best background I know) 2 door coupe, in dark blue with light grey interior, 1800 cc and 143 Hp, M suspension. 99% original (only changed the original stereo for Alpine)

Manuél Ferrari > Joey Klimchuk 02/25/2014 at 16:04

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That's awesome you have the brochure!

Wow dat 318i vert was a dog.

I guess I never saw these cars because they were so slow that nobody bought them.

Which makes them perfect to buy used for a teenager!

The 318i sedan would be my choice to give to my future son

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > PJV 02/25/2014 at 16:04

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K.R.E.A.M.

jmart > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 02/25/2014 at 16:10

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my 318is has been fantastic

PJV > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 02/25/2014 at 16:10

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http://pjvilela.kinja.com/portugal-way-o…

I you want, feel free to share these photos in OPPO from a classic car meeting in Braga, Portugal

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > PJV 02/25/2014 at 16:18

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$kaycog made you an official author here. So post away!

jkm7680 > Joey Klimchuk 02/25/2014 at 17:13

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Wait, could that be the same car that Mr. Regular reviewed?

Mattbob > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 02/25/2014 at 17:15

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nice. I will have to find the other two once I get it into reliable shape.

Joey Klimchuk > jkm7680 02/27/2014 at 15:33

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Yeah, it is. The steering rack has been corrected and it turns out I had ordered tires that had too high of a profile and was causing those fitment issues, which I've also corrected.

I want to invite him to drive it again, whether or not he does another video, just so he can actually drive the car and understand why some people are so crazy about them.

jkm7680 > Joey Klimchuk 02/27/2014 at 15:38

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Your car is now a celebrity. I'm glad you got the steering rack corrected, tires also. I like the stance on your car, it's not too low, and it's not too high.

Joey Klimchuk > jkm7680 02/28/2014 at 11:19

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Thanks! I'm very happy with it after correcting those issues. I also did the front top hat swap "mod," that gives you over -3* front camber. It dives into a corner like a fat kid after a cupcake now. I took it on a 6 hour drive last weekend and was amazed at how incredibly planted it felt in the middle of a corner. Winter needs to end!

ncasolowork2 > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 03/25/2014 at 13:07

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But your opinion is wrong because it isn't the Subaru Impreza

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > ncasolowork2 03/25/2014 at 13:09

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No, it's the right opinion, because it isn't the Subaru Impreza.

Stupidru > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 03/25/2014 at 13:15

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Where do I get to voting on this?

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Stupidru 03/25/2014 at 13:17

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The front page Beat-Off

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Mattbob > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 03/25/2014 at 14:26

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I'm not backing anything because I think both of my vehicles have good chances in their own right (e36 and xj) if neither wins, I don't care because the FP is a lie. BTW, ive really been digging into the e36 lately despite the weather, and have ti driving and stopping well. Sooo fun.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Mattbob 03/25/2014 at 14:29

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They're a blast!

meatatarian > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 07/16/2014 at 15:44

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Loved my E36. BUT these cars are getting to the age where they need more attention than most teens have the ability to give to a car. I did mostly my own work, and a lot of it- various cooling system items, clutch, headlights, full suspension, various bushings, exhaust, all fluids, brake lines, brakes, etc (some mods, a lot of maintenance, I'm also super anal about my cars being perfect). If the gearhead in question has a lot of time, tools, money, and knowledgeable help/mechanical aptitude, it's a brilliant choice. But failing those conditions, it's more of a handful than most. I sold mine partially for that reason; I got busier with work and my time and money needed to be allocated elsewhere.

I should add mine was in very very above average condition when I got it as well- one of the cleanest E36s I've ever seen. 124k miles and cosmetically flawless. Also had the motor go kaboom due to oil pump nut failure and replaced it with help from a friend who's a BMW tech at great personal cost. Anyone with an M/S 50/52 motor should look into the preemptive fix for the issue that VAC Motorsport sells.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > meatatarian 07/16/2014 at 17:30

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Never heard of that oil pump issue and my motor has 186xxx miles and runs like a champ.

meatatarian > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 07/16/2014 at 17:41

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It's relatively rare but seems to affect motors at random. I used to spend a lot of time on bimmerforums and knew about the issue but didn't address it due to rarity. Mine let go at 126k. Motor ran perfectly up until then, and maintenance was dealer-done until I owned it. I bought this car at a BMW dealer in 2013- despite its age its condition was good enough to go on a dealer lot.

Info:

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthre…