E36 M3 a good buy?
Discussion
Hello,
I am currently looking to buy a car. My first thoughts were a 130i or possibly going for a E46 M3, spending around 8-10K. However I have recently been thinking about just spending around half that and getting a e36 M3.
My questions about the e36 are, first of all if I bought a decent one is it likely to hold it value ok and secondly will it be a good daily driver?
Thanks
I am currently looking to buy a car. My first thoughts were a 130i or possibly going for a E46 M3, spending around 8-10K. However I have recently been thinking about just spending around half that and getting a e36 M3.
My questions about the e36 are, first of all if I bought a decent one is it likely to hold it value ok and secondly will it be a good daily driver?
Thanks
Look to get the best you can afford – lots of invoices for parts, clear signs that it has been enthusiast-owned. Originality is probably key to good residuals but they can be improved with a few choice mods, which are well documented and fans of the cars will be happy to see them. Look on the specialist forums (I can point you in the direction of a great one if you move quick).
Look to spend around £6k, given your budget on the best you can find. Dismiss the dross and cheap cars. Drive about in a sorted E36 M3 for a few months and you’ll be staggered at how much car and performance you can get for your money. Personally, I’d only consider an Evo, certainly at your budget, but look for the cleanest, straightest one you can find. Like any car, it will be obvious whether it has been looked after or not.
Look to spend around £6k, given your budget on the best you can find. Dismiss the dross and cheap cars. Drive about in a sorted E36 M3 for a few months and you’ll be staggered at how much car and performance you can get for your money. Personally, I’d only consider an Evo, certainly at your budget, but look for the cleanest, straightest one you can find. Like any car, it will be obvious whether it has been looked after or not.
If you want a real-road performance M3, then this is probably the best you are ever likely to get without it becomimg too track-focused.
http://pistonheads.com/sales/3247241.htm
I know that one personally and a good £11k+ has gone into getting into the fantastic condition it is now. Drives like a dream.
http://pistonheads.com/sales/3247241.htm
I know that one personally and a good £11k+ has gone into getting into the fantastic condition it is now. Drives like a dream.
TEKNOPUG said:
If you want a real-road performance M3, then this is probably the best you are ever likely to get without it becomimg too track-focused.
http://pistonheads.com/sales/3247241.htm
I know that one personally and a good £11k+ has gone into getting into the fantastic condition it is now. Drives like a dream.
Nice find Tekno!http://pistonheads.com/sales/3247241.htm
I know that one personally and a good £11k+ has gone into getting into the fantastic condition it is now. Drives like a dream.
If you are looking for a well sorted car it certainly seems to tick all the right boxes. As a bonus you get those fantastic seats. My old e36 M3 was great but I didn't find the Vaders particularly comfy and they offered zero support when cornering.
I'd buy that yellow beauty for the seats alone lol
I kinda wish i'd bought an e36 instead of an e46, but hey ho ...
This one sounds lovely: http://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/showthread.php?t=401...
This one sounds lovely: http://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/showthread.php?t=401...
Having research and dismattled most of a 3.0 M3 over the last few weeks, you'll be surprised at:
1) how over built these cars are
2) how simple the mechanicals are
3) how many bits are the same / similar to the e46
4) that they dont feel like a 16year old car to drive
the down sides are:
1) older cars are more likly to need rubber bits replaceing
2) older cars have some rust in the arches, although this seems to be manageable
If it was beteen and mint e36 or a leggy e46 M3 i'd go with the e36
Custard
1) how over built these cars are
2) how simple the mechanicals are
3) how many bits are the same / similar to the e46
4) that they dont feel like a 16year old car to drive
the down sides are:
1) older cars are more likly to need rubber bits replaceing
2) older cars have some rust in the arches, although this seems to be manageable
If it was beteen and mint e36 or a leggy e46 M3 i'd go with the e36
Custard
Its a buyers market right now and you'll be able to pick up a very very good EVO for £6K.
Techno Violet isn't everyone's cup of tea but this one will be for sale in the next couple of weeks; I'm going to refurb the wheels and replace the bonnet, boot & wheel badges before advertising. http://pistonheads.com/xforums/topic.asp?h=0&f... . I bought a 335i late last year and really don't want to sell the EVO however I've driven less than 500 miles in it this year and I would rather it went to a good enthusiast home rather than spend its life in the garage. She's a good un'
Techno Violet isn't everyone's cup of tea but this one will be for sale in the next couple of weeks; I'm going to refurb the wheels and replace the bonnet, boot & wheel badges before advertising. http://pistonheads.com/xforums/topic.asp?h=0&f... . I bought a 335i late last year and really don't want to sell the EVO however I've driven less than 500 miles in it this year and I would rather it went to a good enthusiast home rather than spend its life in the garage. She's a good un'
custardkid said:
Having research and dismattled most of a 3.0 M3 over the last few weeks, you'll be surprised at:
1) how over built these cars are
2) how simple the mechanicals are
3) how many bits are the same / similar to the e46
4) that they dont feel like a 16year old car to drive
the down sides are:
1) older cars are more likly to need rubber bits replaceing
2) older cars have some rust in the arches, although this seems to be manageable
If it was beteen and mint e36 or a leggy e46 M3 i'd go with the e36
Custard
And the yellow one Techno found has had all those rubber bits done and has no rust. Win win! I bet those rubber bits aren't cheap to replace either. I've seen a garage changing bushes on a rear subframe and it looks like a right PIA! 1) how over built these cars are
2) how simple the mechanicals are
3) how many bits are the same / similar to the e46
4) that they dont feel like a 16year old car to drive
the down sides are:
1) older cars are more likly to need rubber bits replaceing
2) older cars have some rust in the arches, although this seems to be manageable
If it was beteen and mint e36 or a leggy e46 M3 i'd go with the e36
Custard
I’d always budget for a bush/suspension refresh when buying one. The difference between tired rubbers and new is light and day. Brings the car alive and makes it feel fresh again. I bought mine in the knowledge that it need a suspension overhaul, so I’d certainly consider paying extra for one with all the work done.
For the Op's reference
Refresh roll bar bushes, front wishbone bushes and Rear Trailing arm bushes took about 2-3 days in 2 stints. (including jacking up and down etc, cleaning off components and painting) i'm sure this could be halved if you had a lift / more space / proper tools / more experience.
Powerflex bushing set cost c£130.
Rear subframe, Yet to be done, is a bigger job but the bushes where about £65
Custard
Refresh roll bar bushes, front wishbone bushes and Rear Trailing arm bushes took about 2-3 days in 2 stints. (including jacking up and down etc, cleaning off components and painting) i'm sure this could be halved if you had a lift / more space / proper tools / more experience.
Powerflex bushing set cost c£130.
Rear subframe, Yet to be done, is a bigger job but the bushes where about £65
Custard
To be honest I would consider turning the argument on it's head and a buy a cheaper standard car for 3-5k and then spending some cash to bring it up to spec.
If I was paying 6k for an e36 then it would have to be ultra low milage and completely standard. There are plenty of good solid cars our there that have full history but could do with freshening up and I would rather do it myself if I was going to keep it.
Just avoid any that have big stereo installs and are or have been tracked and you won't go far wrong
If I was paying 6k for an e36 then it would have to be ultra low milage and completely standard. There are plenty of good solid cars our there that have full history but could do with freshening up and I would rather do it myself if I was going to keep it.
Just avoid any that have big stereo installs and are or have been tracked and you won't go far wrong
M5 Russ said:
To be honest I would consider turning the argument on it's head and a buy a cheaper standard car for 3-5k and then spending some cash to bring it up to spec.
If I was paying 6k for an e36 then it would have to be ultra low milage and completely standard. There are plenty of good solid cars our there that have full history but could do with freshening up and I would rather do it myself if I was going to keep it.
Just avoid any that have big stereo installs and are or have been tracked and you won't go far wrong
Theres a bit of misunderstanding regarding the difference between the e36 m3 evo and other e36 non m cars imho. You wont get a normal 328i anywhere near all round evo performance without throwing a prohibitive amount of money at it.If I was paying 6k for an e36 then it would have to be ultra low milage and completely standard. There are plenty of good solid cars our there that have full history but could do with freshening up and I would rather do it myself if I was going to keep it.
Just avoid any that have big stereo installs and are or have been tracked and you won't go far wrong
Y282 said:
Theres a bit of misunderstanding regarding the difference between the e36 m3 evo and other e36 non m cars imho. You wont get a normal 328i anywhere near all round evo performance without throwing a prohibitive amount of money at it.
Sorry I never made myself clear - I meant a cheaper standard M3 evo not a non M3 ! No misunderstanding from me as I have owned 4 e36 M3,s including a nice convertible at the moment and or course my beloved M5.
If it ain't gotta M badge then I am not interested - end of story
TEKNOPUG said:
I’d always budget for a bush/suspension refresh when buying one. The difference between tired rubbers and new is light and day. Brings the car alive and makes it feel fresh again. I bought mine in the knowledge that it need a suspension overhaul, so I’d certainly consider paying extra for one with all the work done.
+1 
E36s also benefit from stronger rear shock mounts; I've got Rogue Engineering mounts on my EVO. As well as replacing the usual suspension and ARB bushes I also replaced the engine and gearbox mounts + the propshaft coupling. I thought that if the suspension rubbers were getting tired then all the other rubber perishables would be on their last legs too. Many higher mileage E36 M3s have some drivetrain shunt, replacing the various mounts and the propshaft coupling sorted it completely.Edited by Crackie on Friday 23 September 16:31
Just to echo what some are saying above...I have had 7 E36 M3's (three 3.0Ltrs & four Evo's) and i have had two E46 models.....Yes! the E46 is an improvement in pretty well much every department and they certainly look the part! and with fantastic build quality....
this was my latest E46...
It was an absolute Beauty in titan silver with red leather........BUT, all said and done, I have fonder memories of some of the E36 models i had.....I reckon they were more involving and because of that, more rewarding to drive!
Here is a few more to brighten up the thread for you all......
Eibach suspension and full Hammann trim, lovely convertible in Boston
One of my favourites, a 3.0Ltr in Daytona Violet.....it just felt such a well sorted M3
this was my latest E46...
It was an absolute Beauty in titan silver with red leather........BUT, all said and done, I have fonder memories of some of the E36 models i had.....I reckon they were more involving and because of that, more rewarding to drive!
Here is a few more to brighten up the thread for you all......
Eibach suspension and full Hammann trim, lovely convertible in Boston
One of my favourites, a 3.0Ltr in Daytona Violet.....it just felt such a well sorted M3
M5 Russ said:
Y282 said:
Theres a bit of misunderstanding regarding the difference between the e36 m3 evo and other e36 non m cars imho. You wont get a normal 328i anywhere near all round evo performance without throwing a prohibitive amount of money at it.
Sorry I never made myself clear - I meant a cheaper standard M3 evo not a non M3 ! No misunderstanding from me as I have owned 4 e36 M3,s including a nice convertible at the moment and or course my beloved M5.
If it ain't gotta M badge then I am not interested - end of story
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