E36 M3 Owner - thinking about a 128i 6-speed...

[GothamKnight33]

Hey all! I have had three different E36 M3s. My current is a 1996 white coupe, but it's been giving me the most problems of any car I've ever had. It might be normal as I'm at 150k miles. Nothing that serious, seems like it's mostly just typical maintenance stuff. The engine doesn't leak any oil or anything serious.

Anyway, it seems like the 2011-2013ish 128i (6-speed) is the last real BMW (imo, of course). Naturally Aspirated Inline-6...It's about the size of an E36 which I like.

Seems like with upgraded suspension, M body kit (or something else to make it more aggressive-looking), and an LSD it could be even more fun. Has anyone driven both cars? Any other mods worth doing on the 128i to make it a bit quicker?

How is the maintenance?

[Genes1s]

I have not driven 128i but have both E36 M3 Nd 135i DCT. Stock vs stock the E82 chassis seems more rigid. I like the E36 steering better than E82 though, you get more feel on the road with E36. Maintanance wise, well I like my E36 M3 better than 135i. I think the 128i should be more reliable though. For DD, the 1 series is better because it just feels newer and more refined. Which one do I like better, E36 M3.

[MarcoZandrini]

Regardless of which used car your looking to buy, gave it undergo a pre-purchase inspection performed by a reputable indie shop that specializes in bimmers. All used cars have issues. Try www.bimrs.org to find a shop in your area.

[Genes1s]

Regardless of which used car your looking to buy, gave it undergo a pre-purchase inspection performed by a reputable indie shop that specializes in bimmers. All used cars have issues. Try www.bimrs.org to find a shop in your area.

This is the key. I had PPI done at reputable BMW specialist and yet they still missed few things. Otherwise the best way to do PPI is ask them if they can walk you thru when the car is on the lift. Some big shop didn't let you in the bay but smaller more specilaty shop tend to let you in. Prepare with your questions too. All I can say is that if you are the E82 platform is not as simple as your E36 that's for sure...

[Richkid79]

I currently have both. a 1999 5 speed manual M3 and a 2011 128i 6spd automatic (daily driver). I can say is that Im a e36 and e39 fan, Ive had half a dozen of them in all configurations. When I bought my 128i, I inadvertently made myself like my e36 only in nostalgia. The N52 is better/improved in every way. My M3 sits in the garage as a collector now. That being said, I HATE working on my e82 because of the fact that everythings so tightly fit and every time you remove a bolt from the magnesium engine, they must be replaced with NEW ones. My e36 is great, but the e82 is that much more refined (except that the electric water pump/thermostat sucks). Also, close to 300hp with just bolt ons & tune on a N/A motor is fun for a daily and just as fun/fast as a stock 135i. The only thing I wish I had in my 128i is a proper LSD. The e36 M3 needs a turbo kit to be great again.
Keep us updated on your final decision. Im curious to know what you end up with.

**edit, I drove a friends 128i convertible years ago before I bought my 128i coupe. The additional weight of the convertible is very apparent when you drive them both. What sold me on a coupe was the rigidity of the chassis in addition to the M-sport suspension it was optioned with
Cheers
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