Yet another rescued E36 328i M Sport project...
Discussion
TroubledSoul said:
iSore said:
C70R said:
I'd say that £12-13k should give you a good choice of decent cars (more so if you were prepared to look at a saloon in an unfavourable colour), if you're patient enough to wait a couple of months.
My only warning to you - don't expect too much.
I started driving in the late 90s, and the E36 M3 was the closest thing to an affordable 'supercar' that I could imagine as a teen. I idolised it, and had coveted it for many years - many years, until I drove one. The one I drove was a good example without being a mint, collectors' item, and it was disappointing.
It wasn't an excessively quick or special car at 6-7/10ths (where I do quite a lot of my driving in the real world), and the "M-ness" wasn't really apparent until you absolutely wrung its neck. Once you get inside, you may as well be in any other E36 (apart from those glorious seats), and it just didn't feel like the car I'd lusted after for so long.
In truth, for 99% of the driving I do (I don't drive daily), I'd have probably had as much fun in your 328 or my 330.
I have the same feelings about them; nice car but I never thought they were massively special. An E46 M3 manual Coupe is a much better place to put £13'000. Even though they weren't much faster, they were a lot more special as a car. Of all the M3's, the E36 is the least desirable with only the LHD GT being collectable.My only warning to you - don't expect too much.
I started driving in the late 90s, and the E36 M3 was the closest thing to an affordable 'supercar' that I could imagine as a teen. I idolised it, and had coveted it for many years - many years, until I drove one. The one I drove was a good example without being a mint, collectors' item, and it was disappointing.
It wasn't an excessively quick or special car at 6-7/10ths (where I do quite a lot of my driving in the real world), and the "M-ness" wasn't really apparent until you absolutely wrung its neck. Once you get inside, you may as well be in any other E36 (apart from those glorious seats), and it just didn't feel like the car I'd lusted after for so long.
In truth, for 99% of the driving I do (I don't drive daily), I'd have probably had as much fun in your 328 or my 330.
E36 WAS the least desirable M3. It's not anymore.
It has a lot going for it, and would probably be a better steer at higher involvement - but I would personally get more enjoyment out of one of the alternatives in almost every other scenario.
As to your point about desirability, I think that's being driven more by age and scarcity than absolute appeal/quality/ability. There are many times more E46s available to buy on Ebay/Autotrader, so the price of the E36 is naturally going to be higher. However, to compare the two (even the SMG E46) on any objective measures would not be favourable to the E36.
RickBristol said:
Anyone else want to contribute to this discussion? Really want lots to think about before I commit to buying an e36 M3. Definitely not a bad investment, financially, BUT, perhaps I need to test drive a few before making my mind up. Maybe an e36 Alpina B3?... I don't want an e46 M3 - to common, people have said they're a much heavier car to drive and just doesn't have the same appeal for me...
The Alpina B3 is badly hampered by the autobox from a 'driver's' perspective. It's a standard slushy BMW tiptronic, with slightly better software and steering wheel button controls. It's intrinsically more 'special' by virtue of its rarity, but probably not a more enjoyable drive.
RickBristol said:
Ok. Thinking about this properly.
Sill panels from BMW: £880 for both.
Front wings from Euro parts platinum range: £160 for both.
Cutting off the old sills, welding on new ones, fitting front wings - including reinforcing the jacking points, stone chip application and priming: £1,500.
Repainting and blending the bodywork: £600.
Total: £3,140
This doesn't include my time or the bits I bought such as replacement trim bits or numerous clips...
MitchTSill panels from BMW: £880 for both.
Front wings from Euro parts platinum range: £160 for both.
Cutting off the old sills, welding on new ones, fitting front wings - including reinforcing the jacking points, stone chip application and priming: £1,500.
Repainting and blending the bodywork: £600.
Total: £3,140
This doesn't include my time or the bits I bought such as replacement trim bits or numerous clips...
Edited by RickBristol on Sunday 5th November 17:28
Did you notice the above update that I posted, regarding the cost of the sills and front wings replacement?
C70R said:
RickBristol said:
Anyone else want to contribute to this discussion? Really want lots to think about before I commit to buying an e36 M3. Definitely not a bad investment, financially, BUT, perhaps I need to test drive a few before making my mind up. Maybe an e36 Alpina B3?... I don't want an e46 M3 - to common, people have said they're a much heavier car to drive and just doesn't have the same appeal for me...
The Alpina B3 is badly hampered by the autobox from a 'driver's' perspective. It's a standard slushy BMW tiptronic, with slightly better software and steering wheel button controls. It's intrinsically more 'special' by virtue of its rarity, but probably not a more enjoyable drive.Years ago owned a couple of M3 E36 (3.2 models) and would not bother again, quite a disappointing car. Certainly would not want one now they are 20 yrs old and most have mega miles on them and rust issues and with prices going up there are so many better cars you could put the money into.
That 6 speed gearbox must be one of BMW's worst ever manual boxes, it was awful, even with braided clutch hose upgrade and the best g/box oil it was hard work.
I've had a load of BMW's over the years including things like E36 M3, 325, 323, 328 sport and E46 M3, 330,325 and E30 M3, 325, E34 M5 etc and I would not want to re-visit the E36 M3.
That 6 speed gearbox must be one of BMW's worst ever manual boxes, it was awful, even with braided clutch hose upgrade and the best g/box oil it was hard work.
I've had a load of BMW's over the years including things like E36 M3, 325, 323, 328 sport and E46 M3, 330,325 and E30 M3, 325, E34 M5 etc and I would not want to re-visit the E36 M3.
helix402 said:
He called it "Colin" and he he been right royally screwed over when he bought it.Have had a lot of comments about owning an e36 M3 in the last come of days. Very much appreciated everyone.
Think I'm gonna save my money and stick with my 328 project.
skylarking808 said:
Good call.
BMW E36 328i sport - "the thinking mans M3"
How does that map to a 328i sport that has had M3 money spent on it? BMW E36 328i sport - "the thinking mans M3"
I love the romance of a rebuild, but you'd have to be bonkers to think that any E36 was worth £10k+ when there are so many better alternatives.
In the case of the E36 M3 at least they've become modern classics and people are wanting them to relive their youth, etc. It's the same for the Cosworth Fords, etc.
No point comparing them to more modern cars on a value for money or bang for buck comparison, they are past that point now.
I personally think they are fantastic and I'd take an E36 M3 over an E46 M3.
No point comparing them to more modern cars on a value for money or bang for buck comparison, they are past that point now.
I personally think they are fantastic and I'd take an E36 M3 over an E46 M3.
Escy said:
In the case of the E36 M3 at least they've become modern classics and people are wanting them to relive their youth, etc. It's the same for the Cosworth Fords, etc.
No point comparing them to more modern cars on a value for money or bang for buck comparison, they are past that point now.
I personally think they are fantastic and I'd take an E36 M3 over an E46 M3.
I could absolutely see that - and that was my view before I drove it. However, when we talk about objectively "better", it isn't even close.No point comparing them to more modern cars on a value for money or bang for buck comparison, they are past that point now.
I personally think they are fantastic and I'd take an E36 M3 over an E46 M3.
Having sorted the front suspension, steering and brakes, it is now time to look at getting the rear end sorted. First order of the day was to source some replacement bushings. After calling Powerflex directly, I was informed that they do not sell direct to the public. They gave me the number of one of their outlet customers called Cam Auto Developments - 01727 827717. They were very helpful and it was good to speak to someone in person, as I was having trouble finding everything that I thought I needed and wanted to be sure. So after talking things through with them, I placed an order, and this little lot turned up yesterday morning...
This lot includes anti roll bar bushings, a set of front and a set of rear subframe mounting bushings and the rear trailing arm front bushings - the black ones. In the picture are the adjustable rear performance drop links that I bought a couple of days earlier. CAD were somewhere in the region of £60 cheaper than the prices listed on the Powerflex website too! The drop links I bought on eBay for around £46. Happy days!
I didn't bother with ordering the front and rear diff bushings as I had these replaced with genuine BMW parts when I had the LSD fitted, about 1,000 miles ago.
The rear trailing arms, RTAB consoles, diff subframe, spring carriers, and petrol tank support straps will all go off to the powder coaters, when they come off of the car, once the passenger side sill has been removed and the new sill welded on the car. The driver's sill has now been welded on.
The mechanic has decided to replace the brake lines with new, when all the above work is carried out. As I remember hearing some time back, I think the rear brake lines in particular have a reputation for failing through pitting and are a real b
d to replace. So, now is the perfect opportunity... 
This lot includes anti roll bar bushings, a set of front and a set of rear subframe mounting bushings and the rear trailing arm front bushings - the black ones. In the picture are the adjustable rear performance drop links that I bought a couple of days earlier. CAD were somewhere in the region of £60 cheaper than the prices listed on the Powerflex website too! The drop links I bought on eBay for around £46. Happy days!
I didn't bother with ordering the front and rear diff bushings as I had these replaced with genuine BMW parts when I had the LSD fitted, about 1,000 miles ago.
The rear trailing arms, RTAB consoles, diff subframe, spring carriers, and petrol tank support straps will all go off to the powder coaters, when they come off of the car, once the passenger side sill has been removed and the new sill welded on the car. The driver's sill has now been welded on.
The mechanic has decided to replace the brake lines with new, when all the above work is carried out. As I remember hearing some time back, I think the rear brake lines in particular have a reputation for failing through pitting and are a real b
d to replace. So, now is the perfect opportunity... Edited by RickBristol on Saturday 11th November 17:22
LanceRS said:
And they come with a complimentary chocolate.
So, you mentioned some time back that you would like to see the car in flesh at a meet. It should, hopefully, be finished by February. When and where will the next be happening? Have valued your comments AND support throughout my project thread and would be good to meet you and show you the finished article...Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff