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'...)"
Why I bought it:
"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."
Things I love:
"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!"
Costs:
"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!
Even without the M50 manifold it's still fairly quick but nothing beats the straight 6 sound, especially with a decent exhaust on.
Under the sills and rear arches are the worst places for rust, some are completely rotten and others are fine. Mine only has a couple of small bubbles at the moment.
I went for a 4 dr too as the Coupe was a lot more expensive in comparision.
I'd have nother but finding a decent 328 that isn't rusty and/or very high miles isn't that easy these days. They also still have the potential to cost a few £ if the suspension is tired. It's not a car that drives well at all if it does need new dampers and bushes etc.
I rather like my £900 E36 328i, too
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaKVF37VNdY
I revisited it later with an E46 330i which was again a great car... Really miss their engines!
Enjoy, and get a track day booked! ;-)
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!
Once you sort through the rough ones there are still plenty of tidy E36s out there
Let's hope I haven't spoken too soon!...
However, all fuels sold in the UK today seem to be ultra-low sulphur and don't cause a problem. If the car has good compression and performs properly now, odds are against Nikasil becoming an issue in its future.
Mine's on 177,000 miles and has done nine track days, seems OK to me
Let's hope I haven't spoken too soon!...
I rather like my £900 E36 328i, too
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaKVF37VNdY
The one in my post above, I bought before 328i were shed money and it was my dream car (at the time).
It was only after buying it I heard about Nikasil and I'm pretty sure mine was an 'at risk' car.
I bought it at 109k miles, did a few trackdays, took it to the ring, sold it at 140k and it never missed a beat.
I rather like my £900 E36 328i, too
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaKVF37VNdY
Thread here.
I'm guessing the LSD on this car has come from an early 328i Sport? There are a few knocking around and can be had for not too much money. You could also make an M3 one fit, if you fancied changing the whole rear end..
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