BMW E36 3-Series Buying Guide - 90s Icon Turned Classic Investment!

Автокөліктер мен көлік құралдары

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The third-generation ‘E36’ BMW 3-Series was launched in 1991 and took the baby BMW upmarket, with more power, refinement, luxury and in the case of the M3, Porsche-troubling performance. After years in the doldrums, the E36 is a fast-appreciating modern classic that’s still completely useable daily. Whether you fancy a Touring or saloon for family use, or a coupe or convertible as a weekend toy, there’s an E36 to suit you and it can be your one-car garage that’s affordable, but also a lucrative investment. There’s plenty to look for, though - from rust, to VANOS issues, Nikasil bore liners and crash damage, here’s how to buy a good BMW E36!
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Пікірлер: 54

  • @hughjass8430
    @hughjass8430 Жыл бұрын

    Bought my e36 coupe in 2007 as a cheap daily and luckily it survived the early phase of quick selling to raise the cash for a newer car. Now 28 years old and only comes out for dry summer weekends. Rust free and built like a tank. Not a single rattle in the cabin which is in stark contrast to the newer bmws Ive had. Doubt I will ever sell it.

  • @ClassicsWorldUK

    @ClassicsWorldUK

    Жыл бұрын

    Sounds like you've got a good one!

  • @TechTokOffical

    @TechTokOffical

    Жыл бұрын

    One can still get one like that...if u buy and automatic and manual swap it. That's what I did and mine is BEAUTIFUL cuz no kids wanted the automatics so they survived lol

  • @happychappers8311
    @happychappers8311 Жыл бұрын

    An E36 m3 is now a very rare beast, especially in coupe form. They are now quite expensive so I can see why people do this.

  • @MHRMedia0

    @MHRMedia0

    Жыл бұрын

    E36 M3 Sedan is even more rare, wish i could find one in good condition

  • @rob5944
    @rob5944 Жыл бұрын

    The lack of a complete BMW kit in the boot can be a good bargaining tool lol

  • @peterroberts8027
    @peterroberts8027 Жыл бұрын

    Good stuff! The M50 320i and 325i both went to inlet Vanos in late 1992 and the alloy block M52 arrived in late 1995. They used Nikasil bore coating until February/March 1998 and steel liners after that. Four cylinders are the M40 until 1994 model year (L reg) with a timing belt and M43 with a chain after that. 1.9 SOHC engines were only used in the late 98 onwards Compact 316i. 318is and 318ti cars used a 1.8 M42 twin cam until late 1995 and a 1.9 twin cam M44 after that. SE cars also have plastic side skirts. Only 9/98 cars have OBD ports inside the car, before that they were under the bonnet. Many E36’s such as later 4 cylinder ones have the ABS module built into the pump under the bonnet. E36 dash pixels very rarely fail unlike E39’s.

  • @carsonac4163

    @carsonac4163

    8 ай бұрын

    The pixel fading is really common however the only e36 i seen that had it was my own. Mine was a 97 328i and it had a obd2 port

  • @douglaslane6184
    @douglaslane61849 ай бұрын

    I just found, tested and am buying a 1996 318i with a 5 speed. No power train or chassis issues, only asking $3k. Mind you, manual cars here in the US are frikin expensive because of how little of them there are. Yes, it needs tlc, but it’s in overall great shape. It also happens to be the sedan variant. Thank you for this video, I will be checking out other ones.

  • @mrlafayette1964
    @mrlafayette1964 Жыл бұрын

    Thoroughly done,thanks!

  • @gordwesty6299
    @gordwesty6299 Жыл бұрын

    Another 4 Cylinder engine found in the is 1.8 and later 1.9 twin cam also chain driven and great engine good economy and decent performance

  • @pierregodin1
    @pierregodin1 Жыл бұрын

    great thorough video, thanks! I envy the prices in the UK, it's way higher already on the continent! Most probably a good investment when you can find a well preserved specimen...

  • @stevejessop6828
    @stevejessop68289 ай бұрын

    The bmw e36 was built to a high standard,now most cars are made to a price

  • @tavsklucis4742
    @tavsklucis4742 Жыл бұрын

    I Have a bmw 316i compact, it was in it was in really bad shape, the doorsteps were just rotten and it was overheating. I re-welded the door steps, changed all the seals on the engine put the new thermostat in and it’s finally done and it’s only 102 hp, but it’s a really light and fun car to drive.

  • @tukaruss8680
    @tukaruss8680 Жыл бұрын

    I was basically given bmw e36 323i auto convertible velvet blue individual 1998 with 134.000miles on clock free from rust. Stored away in my unit now only comes out in summer. Got couple jobs to do on her

  • @tomw_350z
    @tomw_350z9 ай бұрын

    Always been a fan of a e36, plan to get one but got a 350z rn 😁

  • @farkinarkin5099
    @farkinarkin50997 ай бұрын

    I ♥my E36 ///M3 garage queen.

  • @madcommodore
    @madcommodore Жыл бұрын

    The 318ti compact felt more like a Renault to drive when the BMW garage gave me one as a courtesy car whilst my cars were being serviced, E30 makes a better daily driver in the UK winter than the E36 compact, AVOID, keep saving for at least a saloon model. Still have my Alpine White 1998 318is I bought in 2003, now that it's officially a classic for all insurance providers I can think about getting it back on the road but with the road tax being the same for a 316i Saloon and E36 M3 Coupe you might want to think about whether the small engined models below the 323/325i is worth the effort for you. Extremely hard to find a nice one, too many hoarders with no interest in selling for anything other than above maximum value so good luck to everyone looking to find one. If you do find one they are perfectly useable as a daily drive in summer or winter conditions.

  • @jimmyquinn9639
    @jimmyquinn9639 Жыл бұрын

    Interesting video 🚗🚙🚘👍👍⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • @singh-sks
    @singh-sks Жыл бұрын

    Would buy one except live in London and the ulez will be expanded up to m25 , and as e36 is euro 3 the charge is extortionate 😢

  • @paulgardner560
    @paulgardner560 Жыл бұрын

    Had a 318is in hell rot red and full m3 body kit. Regretted selling it. Maybe one day will get another.....

  • @joshbacon8241
    @joshbacon82413 ай бұрын

    Why didn't the UK get the 170hp 6-cylinder 323ti version of the E36 3 Series Compact that was offered in other markets?

  • @shawn3693
    @shawn3693 Жыл бұрын

    i just junked my 318i i'm heart broken because it handled great and smoked everyone on curves

  • @garrydiggins3181
    @garrydiggins3181 Жыл бұрын

    I’ve just finished a refresh of the underside of my e36 m3 evo and found very little rushed only surface wouldn’t even get it in a cup, so I think I’ve been very lucky, caught it all in time.

  • @ClassicsWorldUK

    @ClassicsWorldUK

    Жыл бұрын

    You've struck lucky there, Garry!

  • @garrydiggins3181

    @garrydiggins3181

    Жыл бұрын

    @@ClassicsWorldUK you would probably cry if I told you what I paid for. It literally got given it no rust on the body neither and no dents at all original paint few marks here and there, but nothing you would notice unless you were looking for them but selling for lots of money now. I’ve had it since August 2021.

  • @lazarusvillagomez
    @lazarusvillagomez7 ай бұрын

    I bought one with 46k miles for 10k and I love drive the e36 every damn day. Right now it has 56k after a year of driving. No issues but plenty of parts getting replaced for longevity. ❤

  • @ClassicsWorldUK

    @ClassicsWorldUK

    7 ай бұрын

    Great cars, enjoy it!

  • @tidls
    @tidls Жыл бұрын

    I decided to purchase an E36 convertible last spring. I found a great looking, rust free 320i MY 1997 with 150000km on it. it almost looks like the one in this video. It's a keeper for sure. The kids love it!

  • @ClassicsWorldUK

    @ClassicsWorldUK

    Жыл бұрын

    Enjoy it!

  • @bighomieisaac1515

    @bighomieisaac1515

    2 ай бұрын

    hi i was looking into getting a e36 convertible if you dont mind how much do you pay in insurance

  • @tidls

    @tidls

    2 ай бұрын

    @@bighomieisaac1515 I live in Sweden, so I'm not sure can compare to UK insurance. But living in Stockholm I paid 450 sek/month(full insurance). That translates to 34 GBP/month. I'm 48 years old.

  • @bighomieisaac1515

    @bighomieisaac1515

    2 ай бұрын

    @@tidls im from the united states but thank you alot for being open about it im assuming as you get older your insurance goes down

  • @AdriWeedMan
    @AdriWeedMan2 ай бұрын

    e36 compact wheelbase is the same

  • @leecallaghan2202
    @leecallaghan22024 ай бұрын

    What many don’t realise is every panel is different from the saloon. Plus it’s wider and longer with a bigger wheel span. They are a huge advance mechanically on the e30. And better built than the next gen. Everything was new and a fully re designed interior. This is the version where the bmw teams really pushed forward on design and driver involvement. Peak driver.

  • @Punisher9419
    @Punisher9419 Жыл бұрын

    They are still really sheap for what you get.

  • @slammed4575
    @slammed4575 Жыл бұрын

    i've been looking for a good e36 for about a year now, here where I live in canada prices are absolutely insane, about $10,000CAD for a high mileage, clapped out, 6 cylinder sedan, smh....

  • @antoinegiroux1314

    @antoinegiroux1314

    7 ай бұрын

    I’m in the market for one too , I’ve found that looking in the US market was the best way to go . A little road-trip to the United States and back and you save so much money .

  • @rollin19
    @rollin195 ай бұрын

    Everyone says they love them but they buy them with 50k. Would you buy one with 150k if there is so many things that can fail?

  • @miskey2166
    @miskey2166 Жыл бұрын

    are 316 one any good?

  • @romanctvrtlik3342

    @romanctvrtlik3342

    Жыл бұрын

    I have an e36 compact with the 1.6l M43B16 and i Gotta say that it is a great, fun and economical engine. On the other hand it does feel kinda slow and you really notice the lack of horsepower especially if you are used to driving something more powerful. So all in all i’d say its not really a bad choice, but a 318is would make more sense.

  • @exemch4826
    @exemch48267 ай бұрын

    noooooo let the prices go down i want one, too soon

  • @ClassicsWorldUK

    @ClassicsWorldUK

    7 ай бұрын

    Get your skates on! ;)

  • @GarryMcGovern
    @GarryMcGovern Жыл бұрын

    So basically, the best advice is to just AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE!!! 😳

  • @ClassicsWorldUK

    @ClassicsWorldUK

    Жыл бұрын

    Not necessarily, just buy carefully :)

  • @rob5944

    @rob5944

    Жыл бұрын

    as ever, while they're just pointing out what to be aware of, but I know where your coming from. I'd say that if your going to run a classic (or luxary) car then you either need to be able to do quite a bit of work yourself or know people who can do a decent job, and have several thousand pounds put away just in case.

  • @markuswendt4448
    @markuswendt44484 ай бұрын

    It stops well for american standards in germany its known for bad brakes

  • @Euphorica
    @EuphoricaАй бұрын

    I dont think peiple understand that all classic cars need parts replaced. Even japanese . Wear items made from rubber and plastic dont last. Regardless . Even an old lexus. No one Is immune

  • @Grzesiu-he5lh
    @Grzesiu-he5lh4 ай бұрын

    sory but m3 never has 911 performance

  • @Grzesiu-he5lh

    @Grzesiu-he5lh

    4 ай бұрын

    as stock

  • @kairikkola
    @kairikkola5 ай бұрын

    I have in my garage E36 318is coupe, orientblue with white leather, other Beemer is Bond spec Z3. Daily drivers are nowadays Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Ionic because BMW is too ugly to look at. Fookin ugly, actually. My family had Beemer's from 70's, not it's gone. Late father had his last car E39 for 18 years.

  • @rollin19
    @rollin195 ай бұрын

    Sounds like beamer really put a lot of low quality parts in their cars,most of them may as well be junk! It seems it will cost you triple what the cars worths to fix it.

  • @acroracing
    @acroracingАй бұрын

    E36 buying guide: Don’t.

  • @jack_sim06
    @jack_sim068 ай бұрын

    😅😮

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