Jump to content
Shabaza

Down/Upgrade to e36 m3

Recommended Posts

Hi guys I know some of you own/ed an e36 m3.

I am seriously considering purchasing one atm as an 840 I had in mind originally is not likely as fun to drive and parts are harder to come by.

I currently have a 330cd and don't really make full use of the diesel engine as I mainly do short 10-20 minute commutes amounting to 10,000 miles a year.
Also I hate the thought of depreciation as someone who preaches investments (and trading) for a living.

I would ideally like one in estoril blue or technoviolet. coupe or convertible.

Does anyone know a link to a good buyers guide or know of a decent one going?

Budgeting around £5-6K (leaving money for likely maintenance).


Ideally I would like to own one by mid August.

Feel free to add thoughts

Link to comment
Share on other sites

There are loads on ebay. But you should buy one in the winter when they are cheaper :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I actually really like them... But that's imho!

Have driven a few and they feel so refined... And lovely place to sit! :)

Resident Curry Muncher!

Edited by Aly
Link to comment
Share on other sites

@Aly I do like the 6 series even though I agree with mit it's really ugly, its just coool (with an extra o).

I'm utterly sick of cars losing value (even though i'm just 23 lol).

@mit There are few (far less than the e46 mind). However as they are older then my current car and have a bit of a special engine guidance wouldn't go amiss.
Also m3 owners are usually on forums knowing of other great m3s possibly for sale

I'm actually looking at the 840 as a future purchase.
The e36 m3 wouldn't be sold but used for a while and then just kept for visual porn and value appreciation.

Unless buying a classic, cars are a poor investment imho.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Finding it tricky to find one in ideal colour combos and in good condition.

Hoping to find unmolested example too

Simon yours looks stunning, I love the interior!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've just bought one :punk: (e36 that is, not 840). Nice, clean, technoviolet evo convertible.

I think whatever you get will require cash to bring up to scratch. I bought an example with low miles, and even though it seems awesome mechanically, i'll still be looking to do stuff like replace the suspension, bushes and some interior parts etc.

Plus im sure other stuff will come up, as expected with a 15 year old car.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Finding it tricky to find one in ideal colour combos and in good condition.

I wouldnt get too fixated with e36 interiors, they are very easily interchangable.

I bought one with a grey interior, and will be changing it for black/champagne over time. I did it on my old 325, including changing the dash, time consuming, but not difficult.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The market is a bit dead at the moment, there are a couple of diamonds in the rough though. I assume you know what you are looking at?

A couple of things with evo's that people tend to overlook. 6 speed gearboxes are traditionally hard to repair, and not very common as far as replacements go, you'll not want to have to put a box in one if you can help it.

A braided clutch hose is a must, it transforms the feel.

Discs are floating type, and not cheap. Ideally you'll want a car with brakes in decent shape, and oem type floating discs fitted, the likes of ebc are not an upgrade.

Vanos is a minefield when researching, most are noisy but aslong as it pulls like it should there should be no mega issues. It's not the huge problem it used to be, Mr Vanos can do complete rebuild with uprated seals for a fraction of the price of a new one.

ARP head bolts are a sensible upgrade, especially on cars being used as BMW intended.

Have a look at service history for evidence of valve clearences being adjusted, it's not a big job but its very often overlooked.

I won't go on about usual E36 problems, most know about them.

Beautifully cars though, good luck.

I bet you're after either techno violet or estoril blue with black leather? ;)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Finding it tricky to find one in ideal colour combos and in good condition.

Hoping to find unmolested example too

Simon yours looks stunning, I love the interior!

Cheers Pal, had to go up near Scotland to get it as anything down south was either a dog, demanded silly money, or sold the same day it went up! It took me well over 6 months to find it!

All of the above Das has mentioned is true, my vanos is in need of a re-build which is going to cost £870. The 6spd box is ok, if a little notchy but you quickly get used to it, plus you can swap it out for a 5spd from just about any other BMW for around £40-50 if it goes pop.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just my 0.02,

Recently downgraded to a childhood sort of dream car a Hellrot 36 328i sport, probably one of the best examples I could find. Felt like driving a tractor in comparison to the e46, it felt so old. Such a mechanical feel to it, which to some maybe a good thing? So glad to be back in an e46.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

cheers jay,

I am hoping to pick up something quite special on Friday.
It has excellent road manners.

Its not an e36 will keep this thread updated.

PS I still have your coilovers unfitted lol

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for the input everyone.
I feel a bit bad after some of you spent some time advising me on the e36 which is greatly appreciated.

I have purchased an (or is it 'a'?) 840ci.

After seeing both in person the 8 series won me over.

Here are a couple of pics (1 is the same as I posted on another thread)
Still havent taken many pics of it yet - too busy getting 330cd ready for sale!

1230037_10151859753284090_540765735_n_zp

1000927_10151859754864090_772880178_n_zp

Link to comment
Share on other sites

That is a total badass car, I'd love one but not sure I could stomach the fuel costs for a daily driver :lol:

Oh that reminds me I need to post a new thread and ask for advice!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...


×
×
  • Create New...