What was best year for E36(least problems)

[duron]

Hello,

I am looking into buying an E36 325i 5speed coupe. I have never owned a BMW, but currently own a 93 Mercedes 400E and a 95 Lexus SC 400(for sale for BMW.) I test drove a 2001 330Ci, but just like the shape of the E36 better even though. Might call me crazy, but I just do. It is sleek and short. The new one is too round and fat for me.

Anyway, I would like some advise from the experts here as to which year had the least amount of problems. Also what was the best year to purchase with regards to greatest improvements without giving up anything great from previous years of same model.

I am not looking for an M3, great car, but want something a little easier on the insurance and gas.

What were the option packages most desired and what were they called and what did they include so that I will know when shopping. I am not into wood interiors. Were there models that did not include this, but had everything else?

Any and all information is greatly appreciated as I plan to keep this car for a very long time as after test driving that 330. I feel in love. I would assume that the E36 is not that great of a step down and if so, please let me know.


Thanks,


Duron

 

[Bimmerlife]

1993-1995 325i (is). I would definetly recommend 4 door. 96-98 328i (is) is great too.
Do not look for 92 models because they don't have VANOS engine which is a big plus in the 93 up models.

If you are looking for easy performance upgrade than definetly 93-95 325i (is) or if you can spend some extra money than go with a M3.

The M3 is very good on the gas. And of course better resale value.

The wood package for E36 is rare so usually the trim is plain. The 97 M3 with luxury package included the wood trim.

 

[bmw4life13]

duron i'm selling my 98 328i with 64K miles. it still has cpo through may and it's in immaculate condition. the only thing you would need to maintain are the brakes and oil change. let me know if you're interested. email [email protected]

 

[CTBMW]

Consumer Reports: 1995.
-M

 

[Bimmerlife]

duron i'm selling my 98 328i with 64K miles. it still has cpo through may and it's in immaculate condition. the only thing you would need to maintain are the brakes and oil change. let me know if you're interested. email [email protected]

Thats a great offer you have there.

 

[kpytoi9]

I also have my 97 328is with 55k miles on it for sale. if interested, my email is [email protected]

 

[JGM3E3632]

Go for the E36 M3. I've a 1997 M3. I get on avg 22.0 miles per gallon. About 19 mpg city and 25 on the highway. Having previously owned a 94 325i sedan, just spend the extra money and get the M3.

 

[bmw4life13]

Go for the E36 M3. I've a 1997 M3. I get on avg 22.0 miles per gallon. About 19 mpg city and 25 on the highway. Having previously owned a 94 325i sedan, just spend the extra money and get the M3.

JGM3E3632 what problems have you encountered with your m3. i'm actually going to buy a 97 m3 if the care turns out to be in good shape. anything i should know? thanks in advance.

 

[JGM3E3632]

Make sure that the Water pump has a metal impeller, mine had a plastic one. The model year where they stopped putting the plastic ones in was around the end of 1996. BMW had quit putting these plastic ones in there cars for a few years, then they changed the design. Now they still use plastic ones, but they are much more durable. Mine did not fail, I was just gettin worried that my M3 had one. The metal Water pump was around 50.00. Rear shock mounts tend to wear out around 45K, so does the rear control arm bushings. Other than those few hickups the car is absolutly awesome. I love the look of the damn ricers when whip their tails. Shift bushing wear quickly too, I fixed this problem. While I was under there I installed a UUC Motorwerks Evo short shift kit, this kit comes will new bushings. That kit is the best on the market hands down. Just make sure the car you are looking at is in good shape, most M3's have lived hard. Luckly mine only had 38,000 miles on it, when I bought it. Also be careful of that VANOS unit, an over-rev can break those units. I know becasue the person who had the car before me must have missed a shift, but the repair was around 400.00 including labor. These are some of the greatest cars to ever grace the roads. MAKE MAITNANCE YOUR RELIGION. You will have no problems.

 

[bmw4life13]

thanks a ton for the advice...much appreciated. i will let you know how it goes. i'm supposed to bring the car in for pre buyers inspection on monday with my mechanic.