Thoughts on this e36 M3:

[javadog]

Have a look at their rod bolt issue, if you consider an E90...

[McLovin]

I'm a 3 series lover, having owned many, many of them since 1980.

Starting with multiple E21s (still have one), E30, E36 through E90 (still have that, too).

My E36 was my least favorite of them all. To me it was a 'tweener car that was built at a time that BMW was either trying to lower costs, or was just getting a handle on building "modern" cars. The E30 that came before it was still (to me at least) a very analog car, everything that came after the E36 was thoroughly modern, digital era. The E36 was in between.

To me, the leather was very thin, the plastics were generally cheap feeling (in the interior and engine bay), it had my least favorite dash layout, headliner and other interior pieces came unglued, and it just felt like the least "BMW" of the series. It was also the least reliable BMW I've ever owned, and the only one that leaked fluids.

That being said, I do think that the E36 M3 is one of the best looking coupes ever made. I find the proportions to be just about perfect, and the M cosmetics (front spoiler, mirrors, wheels, etc.) look great. Also love the Vader seats, which I think go with the car very well.

I'd love an E92 M3! I think those are currently the one of the best bargains out there.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by speeder

I have no interest in an e46 M3. They are heavy, I don't like the styling and decent ones are expensive. I have plenty of 2nd hand experience w those, i.e., friends had them.

My interest skips those and jumps straight to the E90 M3. I like those and a good one is virtually the same price as a good e46. 414 stock hp and an 8k rpm V-8 that is lighter than the e46 6-banger. Anyone have any real world experience w those?

I honestly wouldn't spend my money on either, but having driven several E46 M3s and owned two E36s, I didn't find that the E46 had nearly as much of a low-rent vibe as the E36. Also, at least the S54 is a real M engine with ITBs and all the goodies.

[speeder]

Originally Posted by McLovin

I'm a 3 series lover, having owned many, many of them since 1980.

Starting with multiple E21s (still have one), E30, E36 through E90 (still have that, too).

My E36 was my least favorite of them all. To me it was a 'tweener car that was built at a time that BMW was either trying to lower costs, or was just getting a handle on building "modern" cars. The E30 that came before it was still (to me at least) a very analog car, everything that came after the E36 was thoroughly modern, digital era. The E36 was in between.

To me, the leather was very thin, the plastics were generally cheap feeling (in the interior and engine bay), it had my least favorite dash layout, headliner and other interior pieces came unglued, and it just felt like the least "BMW" of the series. It was also the least reliable BMW I've ever owned, and the only one that leaked fluids.

That being said, I do think that the E36 M3 is one of the best looking coupes ever made. I find the proportions to be just about perfect, and the M cosmetics (front spoiler, mirrors, wheels, etc.) look great. Also love the Vader seats, which I think go with the car very well.

I'd love an E92 M3! I think those are currently the one of the best bargains out there.

Any feedback on the e90? Which model, how many miles, how long you've had it, etc.? Any issues? Thanks.

[McLovin]

Mine is just a garden variety 07 328i.

I've had it since 2009, bought it when it has 15,000 miles on it. It now has around 70k miles.

It's been solid. Mostly just oil and fluid changes. I had to replace the water pump, which is an easy job (it's electric). And the starter. Those are the two biggest repairs so far. Did the work myself, parts weren't expensive.

Inside and out, it still looks and drives like new.