Anyone here have/had an E36 M3?

[Bounce]

Hey everyone, my ETA for delivery is still unknown only 1800 cars were allocated to Australia this year and it sold like hot cakes and despite me ordering after launch I could be on the 8-18month wait list...

Now considering an E36 M3, little background here first.

Cars in Aus cost a lot more (tiny market, protected local industry) so the 86 starts from $34k driveaway to $39k for the top GTS spec which I ordered in silver.

E46 m3 2003 onwards = $45-50+K unmolested, 2001 + high milage = 35ish k

E36 m3 1996 etc around 26k for a good running car.

Highly tempted to just get the best E36 M3 I can find and save the money away.

Things I don't like about going the E36 route

-old car
-expensive to run/insurance/parts
-probably on the 3rd owner no new car magic

Things I do like about it

-sounds great!
-small
-half the price of an 86 GTS
-doesn't attract the attention like an 86

So any owners here? Thanks

[gmookher]

I own a e36
the straight six in the m3 is like no other
overhaul the cooling system as soon as you buy it
indeed, a $10,000 m3 will out perform my new BRZ in each, and every way, from handling to acceleration.(I have a lil work done to the m3 too..lol)

it cost me more to insure the m3 for liability only than it does to put comprehensive on the BRZ

the camber up front was messed up by their lawyers, but it can be remedied

I would go 1995 and up, own me a 1999 convertible running Dinan Stage 4
there are differences from bushings up that make buying an M a better used investment if you can find a cherry
I found one missing its moldings that sat on a lot for 2 .5 years untouched

keeper

[Vonsamhain]

I had an OBD1 1995 M3 (yes black on black again).

Loved that car

[blur]

I have an black on black 1994 325IS coupe 5spd w/ sport package and LSD, loving it so far... just bought it like a month ago, installing a new fuel pump soon. I've wanted one for a while now. I have an engine swap in mind though...

BTW, watch out for rust and high mileage...

[KAR]

still have my 98 e36 M3
summer wheels on since this pic was taken

found a pic of how it looks now... cant really see the wheels

[Mitch]

Yup.



It's a great driving car with plenty of power for the chassis. It has it's maintenance issues, but if you keep up on them they won't end up biting you. It's a blast to drive. The only reason I'm selling mine is I can't justify multiple cars anymore, and I wanted a BRZ. So far I like the BRZ more, but I'll miss the power and usable rear seating of the M3.

[Dazza]

I had an e36 M3 94 model, a truly great car, sold it to buy an e46 M3. Although not a better car than the e46, I really do miss it and I was contemplating buying another before I ordered my 86 GT. I think I made the right choice though, more modern car, warranty, lower maintenance costs and P-Plate friendly for my boys (both 17 yrs old)

[Bounce]

Thanks for all the replies everyone!

Haha you found me Dazza!

[Dazza]

Originally Posted by Bounce

Haha you found me Dazza!

It's a small world.

[Bacon]

Since you live in Australia, hell yeah get that E36. Provided that you can keep up with the maintenance and parts costs. AND you guys don't get those comparatively anemic 240-hp faux-M engines we got in our E36 M3s.

[bestwheelbase]

U.S. cars got the watered-down engine. Your Aussie market '96+ will have the 6-throttle beauty that simply tingles the spine at full chat.

Find one that has been loved, own it for 18 months, get out of it basically what you've spent, then move on to the 86. Sounds like a pretty awesome 2-year plan to me. :happy0180:

[Bounce]

Yup 320hp+ seems as usual there's more SMGs for sale than manual, only interested in manual.

Only 3 manuals for sale currently in my state, will keep an eye on the ads every day!