bmw 3 series (e36) good or bad?

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
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Thu 20 Mar 2003 19:11
bmw 3 series (e36) good or bad? - tobyn
I picked up an 1991 3 series a couple of years ago more by chance than anything else. It's clocked up the miles, nothing's gone wrong and I love it.

I was thinking of getting a K or L reg E36 (318i) and wondered if anyone had any general thoughts on them. Have I been very lucky with my present BM or are they a safe bet?
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Thu 20 Mar 2003 22:27
bmw 3 series (e36) good or bad? - David R
Fantastic car

I have an 95 (N) 318iSE which I bought new and has now run up 140000 with almost no trouble at all. Still serviced by the supplying dealer who I are cheap, courteous and honest. I suspect it will be replaced by another 3 series in 12-18 months
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Fri 21 Mar 2003 11:20
bmw 3 series (e36) good or bad? - Blurred
Anyone care to comment on the difference between a e36 or e46.
Thinking of either getting a late e36 328 for around £8-9 or spending an extra 4-5K on getting an E46.
Is the later car worth the extra spend?
I would be moving from a new Audi coupe and want to reduce my depreciation bills whilst keeping up my image. I need reliability, sporty looks, decent performance and a few toys.
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Mon 24 Mar 2003 23:22
bmw 3 series (e36) good or bad? - PB
I had both an E36 320iSE and E46 328iSE from new. Both very good but my choice in your situation would definitely be the E46. Remember the E46 323 is not far off the old 328 for power/torque.
PB.
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Mon 24 Mar 2003 23:30
bmw 3 series (e36) good or bad? - DavidHM
I might be wrong, but I think the 323 and 328 engines were carried across pretty much unmodified from E36 to E46. The 325i is very close to the 328i on power and torque though, but of course will be from 2000 on and therfore more expensive.

My personal preference would be for an E46. On the other hand, that says more about me than about the cars. I think that, if you primarily want a pure driving experience, get the E36, because it will be cheaper. On the other hand, if you want a BMW for the sake of style, practicality and safety as well as driving pleasure, get the E46.

The E46 will still be worth more after a few years, and in three years' time, when the newest E36 saloons are 8 years old, they will be a bit 'third rate drug dealer,' even the last of the 328is. If you're still grinning because of the smooth, powerful six and the great handling, you won't care, but if you want a prestige car, lay out the extra cash.
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