Debating on Purchasing an E36. Help anyone?

[bimmerman686]

Hello to all. I've been a car guy for as long as I can remember, and always liked the BMW brand of cars. I was just wondering about the E36. I've searched through the forum and just wanted some feedback. I currently own a 95' Accord and was wondering if anyone has owned both. I do understand that these cars are of a higher quality and require more attention when it comes to maintenance and upkeep. Any stories or tips to help a newbie?:help

[Richkid79]

It depends on what you want it for. Stock cruiser, track star, or drift machine. All e36s are 15-22 years old and defeniatly need:
1) Cooling system overhaul-new radiator,thermostat with aluminum thermostat housing upgrade and upgraded metal impeller waterpump, and new expansion tank ( all of these plastic parts wear/break quickly)The 3 row radiator from a Z3M is a great upgrade if you do the fan delete
2) Suspension-stock worn struts are not only annoying, but also dangerous (don't ask how I know). If you're changing struts, now is a good time to replace upper strut mounts, control arm bushings, etc...ideally, these should be replaced.
3) Interior, window regulators, and door panels are hard to find in good condition. I've swapped in E46 seats into my E36 vert but had to modify frame rails to fit

I would start with these things first on any e36 no matter what you plan on using the car for. These parts alone can easily cost over $1,000 but it is necessary if you want your BMW to run reliably. These cars will not put down more than 250hp at the wheels without spending major $ (which is why my e39 got a 1JZ swap with 500hp reliably).
E36 are fairly easy to work on compared to newer BMW's but require more $ and maintenance than a Honda. I used to actually give my ex an e36 to drive because she thought it was pretty, and I took her 94 Accord LX to work without worry of having to fix it later. And I almost forgot, changing a e36 starter is easy, its getting to the SOB that sucks.

The manual 328s come with a stronger transmission from the M3 but most did not come with LSD and they have a air pump for emmissions (which I personally don't like), but they are OBD2 and easier to diagnose.

Manual 325s have the weaker Getrag transmission but a ZF can be swapped easily. Also more of those came with LSD. If you want to add power or drift, make sure you reinforce your subframe or you will rip it out of the mounts) again don't ask how I know)

Do a search my friend, you will find your answers there. Good luck

[bimmerman686]

[QUOTE=Richkid79;27807408]It depends on what you want it for. Stock cruiser, track star, or drift machine. All e36s are 15-22 years old and defeniatly need:
1) Cooling system overhaul-new radiator,thermostat with aluminum thermostat housing upgrade and upgraded metal impeller waterpump, and new expansion tank ( all of these plastic parts wear/break quickly)The 3 row radiator from a Z3M is a great upgrade if you do the fan delete
2) Suspension-stock worn struts are not only annoying, but also dangerous (don't ask how I know). If you're changing struts, now is a good time to replace upper strut mounts, control arm bushings, etc...ideally, these should be replaced.
3) Interior, window regulators, and door panels are hard to find in good condition. I've swapped in E46 seats into my E36 vert but had to modify frame rails to fit

I would start with these things first on any e36 no matter what you plan on using the car for. These parts alone can easily cost over $1,000 but it is necessary if you want your BMW to run reliably. These cars will not put down more than 250hp at the wheels without spending major $ (which is why my e39 got a 1JZ swap with 500hp reliably).
E36 are fairly easy to work on compared to newer BMW's but require more $ and maintenance than a Honda. I used to actually give my ex an e36 to drive because she thought it was pretty, and I took her 94 Accord LX to work without worry of having to fix it later. And I almost forgot, changing a e36 starter is easy, its getting to the SOB that sucks.

The manual 328s come with a stronger transmission from the M3 but most did not come with LSD and they have a air pump for emmissions (which I personally don't like), but they are OBD2 and easier to diagnose.

Manual 325s have the weaker Getrag transmission but a ZF can be swapped easily. Also more of those came with LSD. If you want to add power or drift, make sure you reinforce your subframe or you will rip it out of the mounts) again don't ask how I know)

Do a search my friend, you will find your answers there. Good luck[/QUOTE

Hi. Sorry for replying so late. I didn't realize that I had posted a duplicate. Thanks so much for the info.