E36 328i or Z3 3.0i widebody
Discussion
I am keen to get one of these as a quasi investment as I think as Z3Ms and e36 M3's start to rocket the next best non-M versions may pick up a bit. sure they wont appreciate in the way an M does but at £3-5k to pick up a good one of either of these they are looking tempting.
What are people's thoughts?
on the E36 would it be mad to go for anything other than a 328i coupe Manual M Sport
What are people's thoughts?
on the E36 would it be mad to go for anything other than a 328i coupe Manual M Sport
Hi,
Had a 1997 E36 328i SE manual saloon, from 2009 (118k) to 2011 (147k). It had been meticulously maintained, and did 93 of its 118k in it's first five years, so had had a very easy life for it's mileage when I got hold of it, and had been over serviced, exclusively with BMW/Indies. So it drove like a peach.
What was it like? On the typically rough, bumpy back roads in Devon where I lived at the time, it couldn't have been better. I often wondered what the difference would have been if I'd had the coupe instead. SE suspension and donut tyres (205/60 15) meant that the feel, feedback and communication kicked in at very low speeds (ideal for me, with three miles of single track lanes in and out of the village where I lived). But, of course, it must presumably have had lower grip limits. This didn't bother me, but I imagine that on a track it would be a little wallowy. At road speeds, it was great. Easiest car I've ever had for placing accurately on a narrow, twisty back road.
How would an SE saloon/estate compare now to the Coupe as a purely speculative financial investment? I think that would very much depend on condition and how original they are. I found mine difficult to buy well all the way back in 2009, so you'd have your work cut out now. Many have been chavved up. But all things being equal, not only is a coupe worth more now, but I'd guess the percentage gap is likely to remain constant in the future as values rise. So, if I'm right, then in real terms the coupe will rise more in value as values in general rise ... I think. But I would say the coupe will be the more difficult of the two to buy well. Of the four body styles (let's not forget the convertible) I think it's the one most likely to have been chavved up. And when these cars rise further into modern classic territory, originality will be the thing to have above anything else. Plus some may have been turned into track day cars. The max power brigade, seeing the future, may have returned their cars to original spec, but one thing they sometimes forget, is to change the modified clear indicator lenses back into original orange. Worth knowing. The most desirable factory option on a saloon or estate is sports seats, more so even than leather, although both is best. Manual is in much higher demand now that they are mainly appreciated by people seeking a driver's car, not a luxury status symbol as would have been the case with many original owners.
Yes, best E36 328i is Coupe manual which has, as standard, sports suspension. But I imagine owners of the best (original) examples will be holding out for the maximum the market will bare. Extremely unlikely you'll get a bargain.
Had a 1997 E36 328i SE manual saloon, from 2009 (118k) to 2011 (147k). It had been meticulously maintained, and did 93 of its 118k in it's first five years, so had had a very easy life for it's mileage when I got hold of it, and had been over serviced, exclusively with BMW/Indies. So it drove like a peach.
What was it like? On the typically rough, bumpy back roads in Devon where I lived at the time, it couldn't have been better. I often wondered what the difference would have been if I'd had the coupe instead. SE suspension and donut tyres (205/60 15) meant that the feel, feedback and communication kicked in at very low speeds (ideal for me, with three miles of single track lanes in and out of the village where I lived). But, of course, it must presumably have had lower grip limits. This didn't bother me, but I imagine that on a track it would be a little wallowy. At road speeds, it was great. Easiest car I've ever had for placing accurately on a narrow, twisty back road.
How would an SE saloon/estate compare now to the Coupe as a purely speculative financial investment? I think that would very much depend on condition and how original they are. I found mine difficult to buy well all the way back in 2009, so you'd have your work cut out now. Many have been chavved up. But all things being equal, not only is a coupe worth more now, but I'd guess the percentage gap is likely to remain constant in the future as values rise. So, if I'm right, then in real terms the coupe will rise more in value as values in general rise ... I think. But I would say the coupe will be the more difficult of the two to buy well. Of the four body styles (let's not forget the convertible) I think it's the one most likely to have been chavved up. And when these cars rise further into modern classic territory, originality will be the thing to have above anything else. Plus some may have been turned into track day cars. The max power brigade, seeing the future, may have returned their cars to original spec, but one thing they sometimes forget, is to change the modified clear indicator lenses back into original orange. Worth knowing. The most desirable factory option on a saloon or estate is sports seats, more so even than leather, although both is best. Manual is in much higher demand now that they are mainly appreciated by people seeking a driver's car, not a luxury status symbol as would have been the case with many original owners.
Yes, best E36 328i is Coupe manual which has, as standard, sports suspension. But I imagine owners of the best (original) examples will be holding out for the maximum the market will bare. Extremely unlikely you'll get a bargain.
Edited by anonymous-user on Tuesday 5th September 06:44
Z4MCSL said:
I am keen to get one of these as a quasi investment as I think as Z3Ms and e36 M3's start to rocket the next best non-M versions may pick up a bit. sure they wont appreciate in the way an M does but at £3-5k to pick up a good one of either of these they are looking tempting.
What are people's thoughts?
on the E36 would it be mad to go for anything other than a 328i coupe Manual M Sport
If looking for quasi investment, it has to be a (genuine) 328 Sport. 'Cult' following that the Z3 can't compete with.What are people's thoughts?
on the E36 would it be mad to go for anything other than a 328i coupe Manual M Sport
Long thread about E36s and their potential classic status here: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Z4MCSL said:
on the E36 would it be mad to go for anything other than a 328i coupe Manual M Sport
Yes. The others (four doors, 323i's etc) are just parts donors, as useful as they are. A very nice 328i Convertible may creep up in value. Don't discount a 328i Sport Auto though.Z3's? I don't see it myself but the 3.0i would be the only one.
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