Topic: Should you buy a: BMW E36 3 Series, 1992'1999

[Autos_Editor]

In this column, Justin researches an iconic car or cult classic to find out whether it is a money pit or a good used car buy. First up, the E36 BMW 3 Series (1992-1999).

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[Ex-airbalancer]

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/08/video-what-happens-in-an-internet-car-forum/#continued

[huota]

Yes, you should buy a mint, unmolested E36 M3 coupe (Euro spec or GT)

[OliverD]

There's also the often forgotten '93-'95 (?) 320i model which had a 2.2 litre six and was only available as a sedan. This model was never offered in the U.S.

I've always been a big fan of the E36. Would love to own a convertible 328i as a summer car...

[johngenx]

Not far from me is a guy that owns a 99 E36 M3, and it's mint.  But, it's never seen winter.  Most of the E36s I see on he road now are rust bucket beaters.

Finding a good one would be a bit of a challenge.

[DriverJeff]

I had a '98 328i for a few years.  I ended up swapping it in for my then-new '04 A4 1.8T (mistake) at around 130,000 kms.  Mechanically the thing was as perfect as they day it left the factory.  Buttery-smooth engine, excellent shifter-clutch and the steering was still tight and precise.  With 190 hp and just over 200 ft-lbs of torque, it was not exactly a wild performance car.  I remember V6 Altimas pulling away steadily on on-ramps.  But it was a refined and balanced car.  And even the leather held up really well. 

On the other hand, the power door locks, climate control and stereo unit were all starting to work intermittently when I traded it in (the electrical gremlins being one of my main motivators to do so). 

[Fobroader]

Ive driven a few 325 and 328 E36s.....absolutely sublime to drive, not overly powerful but great to drive, sounded great and compared to the Mercedes C class and A4 of that era were definitely the top Bavarian choice. Im with everyone else.....find a clean, unmolested M3 of that era....in white...... 

[SailFastSimon]

There's also the often forgotten '93-'95 (?) 320i model which had a 2.2 litre six and was only available as a sedan. This model was never offered in the U.S.

The M50B20TU engine in the 6-cylinder 320i is 2.0 litres, not 2.2 litres. See http://www.automobile-catalog.com/car/1993/270020/bmw_320i.html

(I should know, after all, given that I own one! http://www.autos.ca/used-car-reviews/final-drive-1993-bmw-320i/ )

[jamesautos]

Watch out for electronically issues and vanos that is not functioning
Also there are well documented cases of rear subframe failure in the e36

[OliverD]

There's also the often forgotten '93-'95 (?) 320i model which had a 2.2 litre six and was only available as a sedan. This model was never offered in the U.S.

The M50B20TU engine in the 6-cylinder 320i is 2.0 litres, not 2.2 litres. See http://www.automobile-catalog.com/car/1993/270020/bmw_320i.html

(I should know, after all, given that I own one! http://www.autos.ca/used-car-reviews/final-drive-1993-bmw-320i/ )

Oops! I was thinking of the later E46 320i models which I believe had a 2.2 I6.

[Fobroader]

Watch out for electronically issues and vanos that is not functioning
Also there are well documented cases of rear subframe failure in the e36

I think there are a few companies out there making a replacement subframe that is a improvement on the factory one. Ive seen one ripped out, high horsepower, sticky tires usually caused it, but the rear subframe isnt that big of a deal.

[Justin M. Frost]

Jamesautos, The Vanos system in those motors had a few hiccups early on but the frequency of failure is very low these days. The same goes for the subframe failures in those cars. As previously mentioned, cars that are modded with higher power, stiffer suspension, etc are more prone to it than a stock driver. I've actually seen more failures in the e46s for rear subframe mounts tearing.... I still have a soft spot for the euro spec M3 if you can find one.

[ChaosphereIX]

great car, would be the one I would get if I were shopping for a BMW...

I love mid-90s performance cars, their boxy looks and driving character are unmatched - that was the reason I chose a 155 vs a 156 for my Alfa purchase. The 155 was closer to its touring car heart than the more plush 156, it is more urgent and raw a driving experience.

Love this series of reviews. Keep them coming.

[Jp45654]

I've owned a number of BMW's and my Euro E36 M3 is still one of my favs although my current E90 rides like a limo compared to it.

[stargazer68]

There's also the often forgotten '93-'95 (?) 320i model which had a 2.2 litre six and was only available as a sedan. This model was never offered in the U.S.

A friend has one of those 320s.  I couldn't figure out what it was, with a six of rather small displacement.  A rather gutless machine, with the usual electrical glitches (which were ignored in the article).

As alluded in the article, a high percentage of these have been thrashed, and even if you find a fairly clean example, rust and electrics will be hiding around the corner.