E36 M3 worth it in 2024

[JRF]

I've owned an OG M2, and E36, E46, and e92. The E36 was by far my favorite of the bunch from a pure "fun to drive" standpoint, but, it would be the last one that I'd ever own again. It's one of the few cars that i've owned that I lost a decent amount of money on because of the cost of upkeep and maintenance. My impression of the E36 is that while the drivetrain itself might be relatively bulletproof, the rest of the car is the complete opposite (suspension, cooling, electronics, plastics, seals, interior, etc. etc. etc.).

[John in VA]

Originally Posted by JRF

My impression of the E36 is that while the drivetrain itself might be relatively bulletproof, the rest of the car is the complete opposite (suspension, cooling, electronics, plastics, seals, interior, etc. etc. etc.).

This was the era when the bean counters really affected BMW quality. E34 experienced the same issues.

[f30.jd__]

I'd buy it in a heart beat

[t5motorworks]

Cant beat a e36 m3 sedan

[M-technik-3]

EU spec https://bringatrailer.com/listing/19...mpaign_2648441

[dabernethy]

The e36 is still a blast to drive all these years later. I've had my '95 for about 15 years and will never sell it. Looking to get an e90 m3 to daily but will always return to the e36 for driving enjoyment!

[MParallel]

I love the E36 M3. Was my dream car. In 2013 I had the opportunity to buy one after finding a mint 78.500km (about 49k miles) example in the motherland.

It's an oddball one. Cabrio (which I love, specially with hardtop on), SMG(1) which isn't as bad as the internets want you to believe. Never had an issue in all these years. In fact, it's fun in a goofy way.
Then it was also loaded with options and what was not there I retrofitted, so I have this super heavyweight example. But I love it. It's just special and only one of 15 LHD 3.2 cabrio's made in Alpine White.

The S50B32 is just awesome. It's a Mr Jakyll and Hide, thanks to that chunk of aluminium magic box, beter known as Double Vanos. So besides having this amazing top end, it also has enormous amounts of torque. 350nm at just 3250, but even more impressive, 320nm between 2600-6200.

Basically, it has more power and torque at any rev number from all the E36's. So this US S52 excuse of: we don't need the S50, because we like more lazy, torquey cars. Yeah that can go straight out the window.

From all the E36's the E36 M3 3.2 is the one to have. And don't get me started on the GT. A slightly better S50B30 in an ugly color, with even worse interior color.

TL-DR: yes

[nunzo]

It is a completely different experience driving US spec and EU back to back. I have both, and I forget to rev out the s50b30 to get the full effect. The s52 just doesn’t come close.

[cronut]

Still loving our three e36s as these cars are like driving go-karts. Getting up to date on F80 and G80 platform. I can see how the G80 would attract more folks to the brand/platform. To me it is super cushy and less precise/raw a ride, but faster for sure.

[Boost112]

i have an e36 m3 sedan as well...spent 2years looking for one over 10-11 years ago...i added the g87 to the stable because it reminds me of the e36.

There is nothing that feels and drives like that car...the g87 is faster...but i would let go of the g87 before the e36.

Also the gentlamn that i purchased the car from ended up buying another one about 3 months after he sold it to me...dont know what you have untill its gone

[cronut]

I had a similar experience to Boost112. Bought a gentleman's Avus/black e36 M3 (which I still have), and within a year he bought another with roughly the same specs because he missed it so much lol. You absolutely don't know what you have until it is gone. This applies not just to vehicles btw.

I also have two other e36s - an M spec 325i (swapped over parts from my rear-ended 95 M3, did auto to manual swap, motor swap, driveline, brakes, suspension, etc.). Also have original owner 328is coupe which is now 30 years old but still running great. I skipped all generations hence because I love these vehicles so much (two are manual trans).

Prices on good surviving examples are already on the rise. I do think sometime the e36 cars will be viewed as classics despite what some skeptics say. They offer a great driving experience bordering on go-kartish. and are relatively quick. Power is easily added through a blower or turbo.

Now looking to add a G80 so I find myself here.

[nunzo]

I had a chance to put 2000 miles on my 94 318i with ST XTA coils and swaybars, 18x8.5 wheels on 235-40-18 RT615K+. I wish I had my 94 m3 on the drive instead. Drove from LA to SLC to Park City. The M42 is a dog, and at elevation was probably only 100hp. After that drive, I was able to tool around in the m3 and what a difference. It doesn't stop pulling.

That car is at the paint shop now while I decide if I want to spend the $10k to have it freshly painted hellrot. It presents well, but has a spot on the roof and rear bumper that needs to be fixed.

Also after being in the cars back to back - the standard pleather sedan seats are so much more comfortable than the vaders. I think a solid middle point are the m-sport seats.

[///Joost]

I am surprised by the talk of economic vs nostalgic sentimental value. This ratio is different for everyone and for some folks a $25k E36 M3 just makes sense, depending on what era you grew up in likely.
I owned a Euro spec 94 E36 M3 in Mugello Red, similar to the car shown on page 1 minus the spoiler, and it was a helluva car to drive. I loved working on it with the mechanical valve shim adjustments, removing the harmonic balancer to get to one of the waterpump bolts, etc. I just freshened it up with Koni yellows and all new rubbers and it was a blast to drive. I can't relate to the E36 hate at all. Just be mindful of rust, but that's on any car really.

[86Zed]

Originally Posted by Kevinl

I did it I bought a 1998 M3 Sedan

Cheers mate! Looks like a great example, how has it been?

Originally Posted by Chihuahua

E-chassis cars are what made BMW BMW. If you have the means, mechanical ability, and the space to house it I say go for it. Dakar yellow or Techno violet, manual of course. Good luck, happy hunting.

Totally agree. Having owned or extensively driven E30, E46, E90 and now an E36 M3/4/5 it is a sweet spot for that old school feel while not having to completely play the collector car NLA (no longer available) parts game. Mine is a beater, but loved nonetheless.

[nunzo]

Here's one of mine from my signature:

1994 M3 - Hellrot over Anthrazit M-Rain vaders

Euro spec made for the Japanese market - I imported to the US in 2022.

- full glass out respray just completed
- all new exterior OEM rubbers and plastics
- Abraham Motorsport LTW wing (IYKYK)
- Turner LTW front diffuser
- KW clubsports
- Supersprint Race exhaust
- fully serviced engine including fluids, intake runners, intake box, fan clutch, plugs / wires, AC service, etc
- OEM X-brace
- Garagistic short shifter
- Garagistic GT/LTW style front and rear strut bars
- prototype 17x9 et29 fifteen52 holeshot RSR forged
- 235-40-17 Falken 615K+
- NOS OEM CD43 head unit
- OEM window regulators and motors done
- replaced clutch slave
- rebuilt door cards
- replaced A- and C-pillars
- restored parcel shelf

Yet to do but soon:
- redo headliner (sagging on edges)
- replace rear seat covers with NOS OEM M-rain covers
- replace rear seat folding plastics
- install NOS OEM red motorsport seatbelts

[pbonsalb]

Very nice!

[bunnyplanet]

Originally Posted by nunzo

Here's one of mine from my signature:

1994 M3 - Hellrot over Anthrazit M-Rain vaders

Euro spec made for the Japanese market - I imported to the US in 2022.

- full glass out respray just completed
- all new exterior OEM rubbers and plastics
- Abraham Motorsport LTW wing (IYKYK)
- Turner LTW front diffuser
- KW clubsports
- Supersprint Race exhaust
- fully serviced engine including fluids, intake runners, intake box, fan clutch, plugs / wires, AC service, etc
- OEM X-brace
- Garagistic short shifter
- Garagistic GT/LTW style front and rear strut bars
- prototype 17x9 et29 fifteen52 holeshot RSR forged
- 235-40-17 Falken 615K+
- NOS OEM CD43 head unit
- OEM window regulators and motors done
- replaced clutch slave
- rebuilt door cards
- replaced A- and C-pillars
- restored parcel shelf

Yet to do but soon:
- redo headliner (sagging on edges)
- replace rear seat covers with NOS OEM M-rain covers
- replace rear seat folding plastics
- install NOS OEM red motorsport seatbelts

Absolutely incredible. Love to see this!