E36 Evo, should I ????
Discussion
I'm the proud owner, (for 18 months now) of an E90 coupe, and great it is too. However, being now in my early 40s, I embarked on my motoring life almost 20 years ago, and soon lusted after the E36 M3, despite the somewhat sceptical press reception. Fast forward to now, and I've the opportunity to purchase a 1996 Evo Convertible, in Estoril Blue with FHS and less than 50,000 genuine miles, and only two owners. The question is, should I put aside nostalgia and move on, or go for it?What problems do owners have with the E36? What's it like to live with in 2010?
Any thoughts really welcome.
Thanks
Any thoughts really welcome.
Thanks
I've recently bought an M3 Evo Coupe, so can't comment on the convertible, but it's a car that's blown me away 
I bought it as a stop gap and came from having cars with 100 plus bhp more, but I can't see myself getting rid of it now. We also have a new Audi TT and I also drive and have owned other German cars including Z4's, S4's and various diesel offerings. They all leave me cold and I really have no desire to drive them, even though I get petrol paid for with them, the M3 is the car I want to jump into 
Notes of worth, mine has been cherished and feels like driving a new car, it also has eibach coilovers, a remap (335 bhp) and I've just added some updated pads. Awesome car
I bought it as a stop gap and came from having cars with 100 plus bhp more, but I can't see myself getting rid of it now. We also have a new Audi TT and I also drive and have owned other German cars including Z4's, S4's and various diesel offerings. They all leave me cold and I really have no desire to drive them, even though I get petrol paid for with them, the M3 is the car I want to jump into Notes of worth, mine has been cherished and feels like driving a new car, it also has eibach coilovers, a remap (335 bhp) and I've just added some updated pads. Awesome car
Cumbria said:
I'm the proud owner, (for 18 months now) of an E90 coupe, and great it is too. However, being now in my early 40s, I embarked on my motoring life almost 20 years ago, and soon lusted after the E36 M3, despite the somewhat sceptical press reception. Fast forward to now, and I've the opportunity to purchase a 1996 Evo Convertible, in Estoril Blue with FHS and less than 50,000 genuine miles, and only two owners. The question is, should I put aside nostalgia and move on, or go for it?What problems do owners have with the E36? What's it like to live with in 2010?
Any thoughts really welcome.
Thanks
Depends on which coupe you have, and how you plan to use the E36?? (E92 is the coupe, E90 Saloon, no??) I would think that the E36 will feel old and tired now in comparison. And I'm not speaking ill of the E36 before I'm lynched, I had 3 E36 M3's and loved them, but times change, and things get better and folk move on. I personally couldn't go back to an E36 from my E92 M3. My cousin had an excellent example of an E36 M3 Convertible recently, and as good as it was, it felt old, and the scuttle shake was pretty bad! Worse than I could remember!! It was as if the windscreen frame was made of jelly!!! If you're buying it to keep nice and take for Sunday runs, then go for it! But as an every day car, personally, I couldn't.Any thoughts really welcome.
Thanks
Plenty of people on here have them, and really like them. Good buyer's guide and info on e36coupe.com forum, and do some searches on here for issues etc, although they are generally reliable, with a few key issues to look out for when buying. VANOS problems are overblown, but air con can be expensive to replace, cars will often need a brake/suspension refresh which won't be cheap.
Remember they are a bit long in the tooth now, and most are over 100k miles too (which is itself evidence of reliability). I've had mine for 2 years and love it - best "all-rounder" car that I've owned. Cheap to buy, not cheap to run though.
Get some test drives in!
Remember they are a bit long in the tooth now, and most are over 100k miles too (which is itself evidence of reliability). I've had mine for 2 years and love it - best "all-rounder" car that I've owned. Cheap to buy, not cheap to run though.
Get some test drives in!
_Neal_ said:
Plenty of people on here have them, and really like them. Good buyer's guide and info on e36coupe.com forum, and do some searches on here for issues etc, although they are generally reliable, with a few key issues to look out for when buying. VANOS problems are overblown, but air con can be expensive to replace, cars will often need a brake/suspension refresh which won't be cheap.
Remember they are a bit long in the tooth now, and most are over 100k miles too (which is itself evidence of reliability). I've had mine for 2 years and love it - best "all-rounder" car that I've owned. Cheap to buy, not cheap to run though.
Get some test drives in!
+1 regarding test drives. There are some about that are really well loved examples out there but some absolute dogs too.Remember they are a bit long in the tooth now, and most are over 100k miles too (which is itself evidence of reliability). I've had mine for 2 years and love it - best "all-rounder" car that I've owned. Cheap to buy, not cheap to run though.
Get some test drives in!
If you can find a cherished car with no VANOS grumbles and which had new suspension your laughing. Brake light switches are a weak point, electric window mech's pack up on coupes and converts, rear shock mounts go too. If you're lucky these will have been sorted by the previous owner along with some minor improvements like a braided clutch hose. Fuel costs are fine but are dependant on your town / motorway mix. The cost for the main consumables, pads, discs, tyres etc are where you would expect on a car that was 40K new. Very few looked after by main dealers anymore but if the car has been looked after by one of the better indies it is a good indicator for you.
rash_decision said:
Cumbria said:
I'm the proud owner, (for 18 months now) of an E90 coupe, and great it is too. However, being now in my early 40s, I embarked on my motoring life almost 20 years ago, and soon lusted after the E36 M3, despite the somewhat sceptical press reception. Fast forward to now, and I've the opportunity to purchase a 1996 Evo Convertible, in Estoril Blue with FHS and less than 50,000 genuine miles, and only two owners. The question is, should I put aside nostalgia and move on, or go for it?What problems do owners have with the E36? What's it like to live with in 2010?
Any thoughts really welcome.
Thanks
Depends on which coupe you have, and how you plan to use the E36?? (E92 is the coupe, E90 Saloon, no??) I would think that the E36 will feel old and tired now in comparison. And I'm not speaking ill of the E36 before I'm lynched, I had 3 E36 M3's and loved them, but times change, and things get better and folk move on. I personally couldn't go back to an E36 from my E92 M3. My cousin had an excellent example of an E36 M3 Convertible recently, and as good as it was, it felt old, and the scuttle shake was pretty bad! Worse than I could remember!! It was as if the windscreen frame was made of jelly!!! If you're buying it to keep nice and take for Sunday runs, then go for it! But as an every day car, personally, I couldn't.Any thoughts really welcome.
Thanks
The E36 will feel like it's from another planet by comparison.
Great Pretender said:
rash_decision said:
Cumbria said:
I'm the proud owner, (for 18 months now) of an E90 coupe, and great it is too. However, being now in my early 40s, I embarked on my motoring life almost 20 years ago, and soon lusted after the E36 M3, despite the somewhat sceptical press reception. Fast forward to now, and I've the opportunity to purchase a 1996 Evo Convertible, in Estoril Blue with FHS and less than 50,000 genuine miles, and only two owners. The question is, should I put aside nostalgia and move on, or go for it?What problems do owners have with the E36? What's it like to live with in 2010?
Any thoughts really welcome.
Thanks
Depends on which coupe you have, and how you plan to use the E36?? (E92 is the coupe, E90 Saloon, no??) I would think that the E36 will feel old and tired now in comparison. And I'm not speaking ill of the E36 before I'm lynched, I had 3 E36 M3's and loved them, but times change, and things get better and folk move on. I personally couldn't go back to an E36 from my E92 M3. My cousin had an excellent example of an E36 M3 Convertible recently, and as good as it was, it felt old, and the scuttle shake was pretty bad! Worse than I could remember!! It was as if the windscreen frame was made of jelly!!! If you're buying it to keep nice and take for Sunday runs, then go for it! But as an every day car, personally, I couldn't.Any thoughts really welcome.
Thanks
The E36 will feel like it's from another planet by comparison.
I run a '98 E36 M3 with 70k miles.
I'm 35 and have always wanted an E36 M3. I also have a 2004 Boxster S Anniversary with 30k miles. My Mrs drives an E90 335D Coupe which I regularly drive.
I took the plunge in Nov '09 - I really like the M3 and see it as a keeper. I live in London and its something that I drive to escape and let off some steam in on weekends and evenings.
If you're someone that's really worried about being seen in the lastest car, then it isnt going to work for you.
However, if you assess cars performance objectively and see some charm in the older shape, then you could be onto something. The S50 B32 engine really defines the car and is very satisfying to use - particularly with vocal enhancement from an induction kit (I have a Dave F) it really sings up to the redline. Some things do feel a little out of date - the driving position is slightly offset (I only notice it after driving other cars, but soon get used to it), the gearbox isnt the most satisfying I have used - but its a very analogue experience and the pleasure I get from driving the car is off the chart compared with the 335D.
If you make a few choice performance mods (have a look on here or E36coupe - I particularly like the journals section tho you have to register to access this I think) you can end up with an extremely capable car, even by modern standards in terms of performance and handling. My car is quicker than a friends 996 C4S tiptronic in scientific straight line tests. The cars can be made to handle well - ensure you are at least have a wheel alignment / geo done. I had Eibach anti roll bars fitted to mine which I felt provided a good improvement over stock. I had a leather refurb by the guy who does the prep for the local Porsche dealer and the leather came up like new.
I have a range of petrol head friends - people are genuinely interested in the car and even my mate with the 550bhp Porsche Turbo seems to respect its capabilities and appreciate its character. He never seems to complain about having a go behind the wheel!
If you're tempted, do buy the best you can find tho and be realistic about the cost of what you will want to replace / upgrade - my view is that saving on the purchase price will most likely cost you more in the long run - unless youre happy to work on the car yourself- and in any event, a tired, poorly maintained car will look and feel much older than a minter.
Pretty much all issues can be dealt with now, even the once feared vanos. To echo the comments above, I have spent a bit more than I expected on mine - that said I am not great at getting my hands dirty and am pretty fastidious about everything being in good working order. Compared to depreciation on a new car its not huge money however.
I'd patiently scope the ads on E36 coupe and try to get one that someone has maintained fanatically. Have it inspected if necessary (again search this site for references). Find a good specialist to maintain it. Sean at Iridium in Southampton has an excellent reputation.
When I was looking, I thought that a full main dealer service history was a good thing, reflecting an owner who was happy to spend on the car - that may be true in a sense, but I just dont think that BM main dealers are able to provide the attention to detail / have the knowledge to properly maintain a car like this - plus owners can opt to have the minimum work done to get the stamp - so dont assume that a car with FBMWSH is free from immediate service work.
I also find the 'project' nature of the car pretty satisfying - you can do what you want with it to really make it your own (personally I'm more interested in subtle performance enhancements than big wings and wheels), drive it how you like and as far as you want (whats that I hear you say - the Nurburgring and back...???) in a way that I just wouldnt with a newer car given the impact to resale value.
I'm 35 and have always wanted an E36 M3. I also have a 2004 Boxster S Anniversary with 30k miles. My Mrs drives an E90 335D Coupe which I regularly drive.
I took the plunge in Nov '09 - I really like the M3 and see it as a keeper. I live in London and its something that I drive to escape and let off some steam in on weekends and evenings.
If you're someone that's really worried about being seen in the lastest car, then it isnt going to work for you.
However, if you assess cars performance objectively and see some charm in the older shape, then you could be onto something. The S50 B32 engine really defines the car and is very satisfying to use - particularly with vocal enhancement from an induction kit (I have a Dave F) it really sings up to the redline. Some things do feel a little out of date - the driving position is slightly offset (I only notice it after driving other cars, but soon get used to it), the gearbox isnt the most satisfying I have used - but its a very analogue experience and the pleasure I get from driving the car is off the chart compared with the 335D.
If you make a few choice performance mods (have a look on here or E36coupe - I particularly like the journals section tho you have to register to access this I think) you can end up with an extremely capable car, even by modern standards in terms of performance and handling. My car is quicker than a friends 996 C4S tiptronic in scientific straight line tests. The cars can be made to handle well - ensure you are at least have a wheel alignment / geo done. I had Eibach anti roll bars fitted to mine which I felt provided a good improvement over stock. I had a leather refurb by the guy who does the prep for the local Porsche dealer and the leather came up like new.
I have a range of petrol head friends - people are genuinely interested in the car and even my mate with the 550bhp Porsche Turbo seems to respect its capabilities and appreciate its character. He never seems to complain about having a go behind the wheel!
If you're tempted, do buy the best you can find tho and be realistic about the cost of what you will want to replace / upgrade - my view is that saving on the purchase price will most likely cost you more in the long run - unless youre happy to work on the car yourself- and in any event, a tired, poorly maintained car will look and feel much older than a minter.
Pretty much all issues can be dealt with now, even the once feared vanos. To echo the comments above, I have spent a bit more than I expected on mine - that said I am not great at getting my hands dirty and am pretty fastidious about everything being in good working order. Compared to depreciation on a new car its not huge money however.
I'd patiently scope the ads on E36 coupe and try to get one that someone has maintained fanatically. Have it inspected if necessary (again search this site for references). Find a good specialist to maintain it. Sean at Iridium in Southampton has an excellent reputation.
When I was looking, I thought that a full main dealer service history was a good thing, reflecting an owner who was happy to spend on the car - that may be true in a sense, but I just dont think that BM main dealers are able to provide the attention to detail / have the knowledge to properly maintain a car like this - plus owners can opt to have the minimum work done to get the stamp - so dont assume that a car with FBMWSH is free from immediate service work.
I also find the 'project' nature of the car pretty satisfying - you can do what you want with it to really make it your own (personally I'm more interested in subtle performance enhancements than big wings and wheels), drive it how you like and as far as you want (whats that I hear you say - the Nurburgring and back...???) in a way that I just wouldnt with a newer car given the impact to resale value.
Edited by five50 on Wednesday 8th September 23:52
Allington Lane, near west End. Gets a vote from me too, Sean is a good guy and seems to know his stuff.
http://www.iridiumengineering.co.uk/
http://www.iridiumengineering.co.uk/
Sean at Iridium gets another vote from me. Great serivce and his workshop is as tidy as my house, every tool in place and carpet on the floor. Top guy.
That said I have now owned my e36 evo for two months, having come from a lull with just a disco for off road fun, having sold my Tuscan in March.
I have had the rear end completly apart and polybushed, braided brake lines and undersealed etc while there. All kds aligned, and an inspection 2 by CPC, with the rest of the work done by Iridium.
Now the car is a great combo of comfort and some pace when you want it, with decent handling. But I do find it could have around another 50 bhp to help it, just no grunt to over take like there was in the Tiv, even using 3rd gear. You really have to stir the engine. Steering is too light and too big a ratio, not much feedback (polybushed again and im running Conti SportContact3's) and the wheel is large, I find myself touching knees with crossed hands when tight cornering. Also yet to find a position I like driving it. I'm 6'1 but to be close enough to have a bent arm position I find knees on dash.
Its a tough one, it does what I ask of it fairly well, getting 26 mpg ave in last 1500 miles. But I am left walking away from it and not turning around thinking just another half hour out somewhere. Maybe it needs a trackday to show me is capabilties, but I'm worried that too will highlight the body roll more.
For ref it has, dave f kit, ac strut brace, short shift, Eibach pro springs, polybushed and was dynoed at SRR @ 305 fly..
Still a good car for the money, but I'm left thinking I may sell it on again...
That said I have now owned my e36 evo for two months, having come from a lull with just a disco for off road fun, having sold my Tuscan in March.
I have had the rear end completly apart and polybushed, braided brake lines and undersealed etc while there. All kds aligned, and an inspection 2 by CPC, with the rest of the work done by Iridium.
Now the car is a great combo of comfort and some pace when you want it, with decent handling. But I do find it could have around another 50 bhp to help it, just no grunt to over take like there was in the Tiv, even using 3rd gear. You really have to stir the engine. Steering is too light and too big a ratio, not much feedback (polybushed again and im running Conti SportContact3's) and the wheel is large, I find myself touching knees with crossed hands when tight cornering. Also yet to find a position I like driving it. I'm 6'1 but to be close enough to have a bent arm position I find knees on dash.
Its a tough one, it does what I ask of it fairly well, getting 26 mpg ave in last 1500 miles. But I am left walking away from it and not turning around thinking just another half hour out somewhere. Maybe it needs a trackday to show me is capabilties, but I'm worried that too will highlight the body roll more.
For ref it has, dave f kit, ac strut brace, short shift, Eibach pro springs, polybushed and was dynoed at SRR @ 305 fly..
Still a good car for the money, but I'm left thinking I may sell it on again...
m3alex said:
Sean at Iridium gets another vote from me. Great serivce and his workshop is as tidy as my house, every tool in place and carpet on the floor. Top guy.
That said I have now owned my e36 evo for two months, having come from a lull with just a disco for off road fun, having sold my Tuscan in March.
I have had the rear end completly apart and polybushed, braided brake lines and undersealed etc while there. All kds aligned, and an inspection 2 by CPC, with the rest of the work done by Iridium.
Now the car is a great combo of comfort and some pace when you want it, with decent handling. But I do find it could have around another 50 bhp to help it, just no grunt to over take like there was in the Tiv, even using 3rd gear. You really have to stir the engine. Steering is too light and too big a ratio, not much feedback (polybushed again and im running Conti SportContact3's) and the wheel is large, I find myself touching knees with crossed hands when tight cornering. Also yet to find a position I like driving it. I'm 6'1 but to be close enough to have a bent arm position I find knees on dash.
Its a tough one, it does what I ask of it fairly well, getting 26 mpg ave in last 1500 miles. But I am left walking away from it and not turning around thinking just another half hour out somewhere. Maybe it needs a trackday to show me is capabilties, but I'm worried that too will highlight the body roll more.
For ref it has, dave f kit, ac strut brace, short shift, Eibach pro springs, polybushed and was dynoed at SRR @ 305 fly..
Still a good car for the money, but I'm left thinking I may sell it on again...
That's what Tivs do to you unfortuneately. They spoil you as far as a driving experience is concerned.That said I have now owned my e36 evo for two months, having come from a lull with just a disco for off road fun, having sold my Tuscan in March.
I have had the rear end completly apart and polybushed, braided brake lines and undersealed etc while there. All kds aligned, and an inspection 2 by CPC, with the rest of the work done by Iridium.
Now the car is a great combo of comfort and some pace when you want it, with decent handling. But I do find it could have around another 50 bhp to help it, just no grunt to over take like there was in the Tiv, even using 3rd gear. You really have to stir the engine. Steering is too light and too big a ratio, not much feedback (polybushed again and im running Conti SportContact3's) and the wheel is large, I find myself touching knees with crossed hands when tight cornering. Also yet to find a position I like driving it. I'm 6'1 but to be close enough to have a bent arm position I find knees on dash.
Its a tough one, it does what I ask of it fairly well, getting 26 mpg ave in last 1500 miles. But I am left walking away from it and not turning around thinking just another half hour out somewhere. Maybe it needs a trackday to show me is capabilties, but I'm worried that too will highlight the body roll more.
For ref it has, dave f kit, ac strut brace, short shift, Eibach pro springs, polybushed and was dynoed at SRR @ 305 fly..
Still a good car for the money, but I'm left thinking I may sell it on again...
I came to terms that nothing compares to the Cerbera that I owned for around 3 years over 2 stints. But nothing came close to the running costs either! The last 2 year period of Cerbera ownership cost me £7k and that didn't include the 6k depreciation. I don't want to go back to that sort of costs, even for a TVR.
You have to take the M3 Evo for what it is, 70% of the fun for 10% of the running costs as compared to a TVR. And all of the hassle getting the Tiv to a specialist. I now have a choice of 3 really good indies local to me. And when you look around, you're going to need £20k+ to better the performance in my opinion. Yes, the cabin feels a little dated and I worry about getting major issues from my 13 year old 111k girl. But hey, she's hasn't cost me anything more than a few hundred quid a year over the last 2 years, and I've lost no more than a grand in depreciation over the 2 years. Cheap motoring = happy days in this climate!
Yes totally agree with the above, the tiv cost me 10k in three years..
The BMW I'm sure will need nothing other than servicing, and again at a good indy its comparative with any sports car. Bang for buck they are great, but I have till put mine up for sale, as what I really need to do is get into circuit racing now I have done my ARDS.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2054454.htm
The BMW I'm sure will need nothing other than servicing, and again at a good indy its comparative with any sports car. Bang for buck they are great, but I have till put mine up for sale, as what I really need to do is get into circuit racing now I have done my ARDS.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2054454.htm
Hi,
I purchased a 1996 M3 Evo Cabrio two months ago in estoril blue, I am 40 yrs of age and its a car i have always wanted, i absolutely love it and cherish it.....when it comes to spending money on it i will work as much overtime as possible so it looks and runs how it should, even 14 years on it still turns heads. I will most probably keep this car for a long while, if I do change it, then its going to be an estoril blue E46.
I purchased a 1996 M3 Evo Cabrio two months ago in estoril blue, I am 40 yrs of age and its a car i have always wanted, i absolutely love it and cherish it.....when it comes to spending money on it i will work as much overtime as possible so it looks and runs how it should, even 14 years on it still turns heads. I will most probably keep this car for a long while, if I do change it, then its going to be an estoril blue E46.
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