BMW 328i (E36): PH Carpool
A straight-six BMW saloon on a Shed budget is putting a smile on the face of this week's featured owner
Car: 1996 BMW 328i SE
Owned Since: October 2012
Previously Owned: "1998 Ford Puma 1.7, 1998 Ford Ka3, 2001 Ford Focus 'Black Edition', 1986 Mk2 Ford Fiesta 1.1 Ghia (XR2i 'replica'...)"
The BMW, as it was bought back in 2012
"I've grown up around BMWs my whole life. My uncle has had a string of E34s (525i, 535i Sport, currently a 3.8 M5), and my dad had an E28 528i and currently runs a 3.0 M3 saloon. I knew it wouldn't be too long before I broke my string of Fords for a BMW. I got a job as an undergraduate engineer for Vauxhall and decided to save and get something that was a bit quicker than my Puma. It had to have a straight-six, be RWD, do 0-60 in around seven seconds, be built solidly and handle well. It was between the E36 328i and an E46 325ti.
"I bought this particular car as I widened my search after looking at a few tired coupes. I found I could get more for my money with a saloon. This car was a part-ex at a dealer in High Wycombe, and the price had dropped to £900. The ad showed it unwashed, but the bodywork looked solid from the photos. That was enough bait for me!"
What I wish I'd known:
"The only thing I wish I knew was that saloons can be considered the smarter purchase, depending on what you're after. I found my saloon with 95K on the clock and a comprehensively documented history for £830 after slight negotiation, pricing well below similar condition coupes."
On the dyno after 'a few modifications'
"I love the character of the engine and how tuneable it is being normally aspirated. It has the M50 325i inlet manifold, mapped by BW Chiptune with a K&N intake and rolled 232hp on the dyno. The induction noise beyond 4,500rpm is pretty special. It's by no means as agile as my old Puma, but the Bilstein shocks and Eibach springs are perfect for UK roads whilst still giving superior performance to the standard setup. I love the fact it looks like a 318i from the early spec bumpers, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't love the LSD..."
Things I hate:
"I hate the leather interior. It looks smarter than the cloth but is a nightmare to deal with in the summer. I can't seem to get enough adjustment in the wheel to get a decent driving position. If the wheel extended towards the driver I would finally have the driving position I need!"
This is one Shed that's 'ring certified!
"I do all the servicing myself and tend to change the oil every 3-4,000 miles, so it costs a lot in that respect. Because it's pre-2001 tax is reasonable at £230 a year and it will cruise at 40mpg on the motorway. Compared to the running costs of my friend's hot hatches the 328 is the performance bargain of the century."
Where I've been:
"I haven't been to many places in the UK of interest but the car did its first trip to the Nurburgring this summer. The weather was great, track was dry and got a few (gentle-ish) laps in. Got to 147mph with the shorter final drive LSD on the Autobahn, which was great fun not having to worry about blue flashing lights in the mirror."
What next?
"Convince my uncle to part with the E34 3.8 M5..."
Want to share your car with PHers on Carpool? Email us at carpool@pistonheads.com!
I was looking at this vintage 3ers at the weekend and was surprised to see how many in decent nick (on the surface/description) at least are around for £600 or less I was shocked!
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