E36 328i coupe....future classic? Drive it or store it?
Discussion
As a teen back in the 90s I would have given a nut to have one in calypso red with the bottle top style wheels (Soz don't know the name of them)
One came up near me in Feb just gone and I bought it on a whim with only one owner and low miles.
I have a company car and an old Porsche which Ive been driving at the weekends so the BM has been sorned since I've had it although I have been slowly getting a considerable amount of work done on it by a BMW tech friend of mine after hours, to get it road ready (just age related mot stuff really but quite a long list).
Anyway, Porsche is now up for sale and I'm lining up the 328 for a trip to the bodyshop to tidy up a few age related marks and a wheel refurb along with a service and a fresh mot.
Thing is, I've definitely sunk more cash into it than it's worth, but that's ok; I really like it and it's not really going to depreciate on the scheme of things. I used to spend a lot on cars and I used to have an M3 but with family life now an M3 would be a bit of a waste and all things considered, my soon-to-be minty 328 would be a subtle pleasure without upsetting her indoors with big bills for insurance, track days and tyres etc (because that's what would happen I reckon)
Apparently there's only 300 and something of them left in the UK believe it or not and I can't remember the last time I saw one that wasn't an M-sport or in modifyed etc.
Looking at E30 and E21 values over the last few years; would an M-reg original E36 with 60k with the right options go the same way to you think?
Should I get it on the road for occasional use and enjoy it or should I lock it away somewhere dry; and wait till it starts peaking in value and buy another guilty pleasure to enjoy in the mean time?
One came up near me in Feb just gone and I bought it on a whim with only one owner and low miles.
I have a company car and an old Porsche which Ive been driving at the weekends so the BM has been sorned since I've had it although I have been slowly getting a considerable amount of work done on it by a BMW tech friend of mine after hours, to get it road ready (just age related mot stuff really but quite a long list).
Anyway, Porsche is now up for sale and I'm lining up the 328 for a trip to the bodyshop to tidy up a few age related marks and a wheel refurb along with a service and a fresh mot.
Thing is, I've definitely sunk more cash into it than it's worth, but that's ok; I really like it and it's not really going to depreciate on the scheme of things. I used to spend a lot on cars and I used to have an M3 but with family life now an M3 would be a bit of a waste and all things considered, my soon-to-be minty 328 would be a subtle pleasure without upsetting her indoors with big bills for insurance, track days and tyres etc (because that's what would happen I reckon)
Apparently there's only 300 and something of them left in the UK believe it or not and I can't remember the last time I saw one that wasn't an M-sport or in modifyed etc.
Looking at E30 and E21 values over the last few years; would an M-reg original E36 with 60k with the right options go the same way to you think?
Should I get it on the road for occasional use and enjoy it or should I lock it away somewhere dry; and wait till it starts peaking in value and buy another guilty pleasure to enjoy in the mean time?
Edited by Mcbeth on Monday 20th June 00:30
Tough call I think.
Sounds like a really good car, so I would definitely want to keep it. Using it will probably be better for it than just storing it (and will give you some enjoyment from it) but using it too much will probably affect value.
But then why not if you like it? So long as it is well looked after it can't drop in value and at least you get some fun out of it!
Sounds like a really good car, so I would definitely want to keep it. Using it will probably be better for it than just storing it (and will give you some enjoyment from it) but using it too much will probably affect value.
But then why not if you like it? So long as it is well looked after it can't drop in value and at least you get some fun out of it!
As the current owner of an excellent Calypsorot 325i coupe and a 33k-mile Moreagrun 328i coupe I don't expect either of my cars to start making money for me any time soon, but since I like the way they drive and bought them to use it doesn't bother me.
In any case, the money I've spent getting them up to a high standard mechanically means the cars would have to appreciate considerably just to pay back what they owe me. I think life's too short to sit around waiting for cars to increase in value, unless you're a collector with loads of storage space and a tame mechanic enabling cheap maintenance....
In any case, the money I've spent getting them up to a high standard mechanically means the cars would have to appreciate considerably just to pay back what they owe me. I think life's too short to sit around waiting for cars to increase in value, unless you're a collector with loads of storage space and a tame mechanic enabling cheap maintenance....
They are definitely going up in value-probably £10k this time next year!
But seriously, as has been said already-keep it, use it, upgrade it and enjoy it. Good 328 are rare.
I have a Montreal Blue non sunroof manual 328 coupe which will have some money spent on it to make it mint again. Mechanically it will be completely upgraded. I won't make anything but as a usable everyday car that will oversteer at will and which is lighter and probably more fun than an E46 M3, it will be great!
But seriously, as has been said already-keep it, use it, upgrade it and enjoy it. Good 328 are rare.
I have a Montreal Blue non sunroof manual 328 coupe which will have some money spent on it to make it mint again. Mechanically it will be completely upgraded. I won't make anything but as a usable everyday car that will oversteer at will and which is lighter and probably more fun than an E46 M3, it will be great!
I'd suggest getting a compression and leak down test done on any 328i. I bought a low mileage (33k) one a couple of months back and the nikasil engine is worn despite the mileage. My local specialist advised me that low mileage cars frequently display worse bore wear due to the short journeys.
Trying to find a decent replacement non-nikasil engine with sensible miles is not proving easy.
Trying to find a decent replacement non-nikasil engine with sensible miles is not proving easy.
bmw535i said:
Clearly you're not looking to sell, but just out of interest how much would you advertise it for if you were? Do you have pics?
(I want one)
Looks like I'm sticking with the 328 for now as today I've bought a good used alusil M52 engine for it that's getting fitted next month along with new clutch, water pump, thermostat, suspension bits, brakes etc etc ad nauseum. I should have just sold the bl**dy thing once I found out the engine was dodgy...(I want one)
However I will be selling my 325i coupe to offset the cost of renovating the 328. It's a really nice one that needs nothing. Can send some pics if interested. TBH I think it's a nicer engine than the 2.8.
BGarside said:
Looks like I'm sticking with the 328 for now as today I've bought a good used alusil M52 engine for it that's getting fitted next month along with new clutch, water pump, thermostat, suspension bits, brakes etc etc ad nauseum. I should have just sold the bl**dy thing once I found out the engine was dodgy...
However I will be selling my 325i coupe to offset the cost of renovating the 328. It's a really nice one that needs nothing. Can send some pics if interested. TBH I think it's a nicer engine than the 2.8.
I'll take a look, but really after a 328However I will be selling my 325i coupe to offset the cost of renovating the 328. It's a really nice one that needs nothing. Can send some pics if interested. TBH I think it's a nicer engine than the 2.8.
4rephill said:
SidewaysSi said:
I may be selling mine soon. Mint 328 manual non sunroof Coupe in Montreal Blue with few owners and full history. Would be up for £5k.
Let me know if interested.
So not a "keeper" after all then? Let me know if interested.
I am a Lotus man and the old BMW is not really in the same game. Also I have had it confirmed I am getting a GT4
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