Even the non-M 6cyl models are going up these days. Especially the coupe and convertible chassis. Not as much of course, but these cars are supposed to be driven, and if you drive one you'll lose money anyway.
True. The E36 ///M3 (US version), though less iconic than the E30, and not the best bang-for-buck E46, is still part of the M heritage and for whatever reason, it comes with a collectors bonus. The value is in keeping it as all-original as possible. Light bolt-on mods sure, but that's about it. For performance, any E36 chassis will do since you'll be building it to your specs. Their track potential is well proven. All of the E36's are great daily drivers --- even the the M. The E36 ///M prices have gone up a lot in the last couple of years. I guess we've run low on the E30 and E46 ///M's. I say, just get any E36 for the sheer driving pleasure. Back in the day, I use to drive my girlfriend's E30 318is a lot. It was about as slow a car as any, but it was a joy to put through the paces. The silky smooth sounds, the tight rear-end handling --- Yes! (Oh, and the car was great too... LOL).
I ran into this same dilemma a little over 4 years ago. Found a 93 325is, $1200 with 200k. And 95 M3 $6500 with 130k. Both needed suspension refresh and brakes. I bought the 93 325is, replaced suspension and brakes with M3 upgraded parts. Bilstein, H&R, and so on. And installed the M3 bumper cover side skirts side moldings. The car handles and stopped a better than the M3 did and I still have quite a bit of money left over 4 engine modifications. I love my E36, and have absolutely no regrets choosing this one
Well, if you had bought the m3 with those kilometers and that price now you could sell it for between 18-30K and buy 5,325 of $ 1200 XD They are crazy expensive nowadays
Not entirely. There is no place on my car that says M3. I even removed the M3 badge from the side molding. My front M3 replica bumper cover was a necessity. I needed the airflow for the intercooler, to keep the charge temperature down coming from my Eaton m122 supercharger. All of the other parts are aftermarket. My brakes are much larger than an M3. Suspension and Chassis reinforcements are also above that. All of this and more is what I was planning on doing. And knowing how rare the 95 M3 is, I would not have done any of this. So the car would be completely useless to me. I believe cars are meant to be driven. Not stuffed away in the garage somewhere.
Exactly. The difference between the American e36 m3 and the European one is tremendous. Not to mention the difference between 328i and EU m3... they’re like different models
For drifting what do you recommend differential wise I was lost because I’m new to cars he said something about welding it somehow or buying an aftermarket one?
@@Franco_Rothar what exactly are you welding I’m sorry I’m new to cars like if I took it to a shop what would I tell them and what’s the draw back to welding ur diff
@@bartiniboy If you really want 100% lock, then you should buy an open diff and weld it, or buy an aftermarket one (Probably more expensive). But you can try with the lsd you should be able to drift very well. Treats On The Streets is currently using and lsd and as you can see in the videos it drifts perfectly. If you want to weld an open diff you have to weld a plate in the inner gears, just search it on youtube. Although for daily use is not recomended cause you can break the axles with a welded diff
As I told you in the past, i started to see this channel 4 years ago, and convinced to purchase my beloved e36 325i 1994 M50B25 Vanos, almost 5 years of pure joy and it is a whole diferent car since then. Mtechnic look etc. haha
Love my 328, I have to sort out a few things subframe wise, but I definitely love it! The 2.8 is a strong block and has some forged internals, if I remember correctly! Can't wait to turbo mine in the near future!
If I remember correctly the m52b28 should be able to handle up to around 400 - 450 hp or 14psi boost without replacing internals, but if I boosted the stock internals I'd probably call it quits around 300- 350hp or 10psi to be safe and itd probably last a lot longer
@@daniellong9596 correct! I just want it to be fun, not always on a operating table. Lol. A friend of mine has one that's around 600whp. Only drives it on Sundays.
I kind of like the non-M's more. Because these days, a clean non-M is something you don't really see any more. Btw, the early bumper E36's came with brake ducts. Not sure about the later ones.
I brought my 1997 BMW 328IC for $3800, easily one of the best things I have payed money for. For reference it had 230,000 miles on it when I brought it. But I was very lucky because the previous owner raced it so it had a ton of modifications done to it and so forth. Since then I've had a blast with it.
I own a 328i, I drove the EU-spec M3, too. Of course the M3 versus a stock 328i (which mine was when I got it) is a different beast. But with a good bunch of mods to the suspension, and with the proper stock ///M packet just for the looks, it also offers a crapton of fun. Get the M50 intake and a good tune, get a good exhaust system, if you get the ATE PowerDisc brakes then even the stock diameter of a 28i is fine, but I got the E46 30i set of brakes - voila, you got a very fun and capable car on the twisties that does feel a lot like the M3 minus a bit of power if you compare it to the EU spec. Sure, M3 will always hold more power and you can also notice some improvement in the rigidity (although that can be improved easily as well). But it also costs a hell of a lot more than a well sorted 28i even with all the mods. I do drive the crap out of my car including track days, it can handle the stress very well. Managed to beat some sililarly experienced drivers even with GT86s which I consider a wild thing considering how great a GT86 is on a track, and how old the E36 is. Or just keep your 28i stock - believe me, even a little 20i (the smallest 6cyl) is a fun machine as is. These cars are oldschool, be it an M or not.
@@erikbistrom6147 Yup, even the 20i had those options, but the M Packet suspension is not exactly the same as the M3 suspension. My convertible does have this package (which is a 20i - I have two of these old boys)
Don't forget to upgrade the ENTIRE cooling system. Swap out of the cheap plastic parts for aluminum, steel, and glass(headlights). It is not a matter of IF it will eventually overheat, but WHEN it will....
Good video. It's fun watching the 80% mod their E36 M3. It just makes mine go higher in value as an OEM car. If I want a faster car, I'll just buy the next version.
I love my 328i. If I had the money I probably wouldve bought an m3, but right off the bat you can grab some cams from the s52 plop them right in and the m50 manifold with a proper tune you should be adding 30-40 ponies with an exhaust and intake over the stock 190hp. Get you some decent coilovers (dont forget the rear strut plates) and an lsd, all together maybe a few thousand $ if you hunt for good prices. And if you really wanted to you could swap in the tranny from an m3 of you find a good priced used one or buy a professional remanufactured for about 4k then you've got the same gearing and even more similar power output for still less then youd pay for an m3 plus all that maintenance you got done along the way. Many many miles of pure enjoyment
Yes im aware of every version. But still s50 cars or just the engine itself is pretty expensive. Not sure off the top of my head, but I think the most power any of the versions of that put out was 310 maybe a little more. Horsepower per dollar a 328 is a better deal and you can upgrade it. You could probably stick a really good turbo or supercharger set up on it and still be saving money over the s50 m3
I have a 328ic and I absolutely love the way it drives, sounds, and looks. I have a cold air intake, mantifold, and exhaust system in line as well as some cosmetics like the diffusers and front bumper. Beautiful car :)
Bro, I'm trying to buy an E36 right now and all my relatives are like "BMW parts are expensive" and so on, and I'm just like you don't get it, it's an E36!!
I couldn't afford an M3 so I bought a $2k 328IC. The motor is strong, top and AC works. I have put $3k into it over time and now it looks and still runs great! I am considering getting the Turner Motorsport stage 3 package that adds 34hp which brings it within 16hp of an M3.
@@LavendrHoney you don't need much , you need the engine , ECU , transmission, drive shaft and then you're good to go . Just have to do wiring after . I'm going to put a s54 in my E46 sedan I got last week .
Yep, I would buy a non M and do the swap because I know I would modify it more anyway. If I bought an M3, I would be too nervous to modify it for fear it would lose value Unfofrtuantely E36 M3's have over priced themselves. Sadly, at only 240hp (IF is still put that out) I wouldn't want an expensive sports car with less than 300-400hp.
Throw the Turner Motorsport kit with the Schrick cams in your M3, and it gets more nutty. Gets you close to the euro power numbers. No regrets spending $2k on that for my 95 M
I got my 99 328is with minimal rust , 218xxx miles , super clean interior , and runs flawlessly for 1,480$! TH-cam videos soon! I’ve owned 3 e36’s and can honestly say I’ll never go without one! They are hands down my favorite platform!
With US engine spec. id agree, because on 328 if u change cams, intake, exhaust and do a remap you come close to the 240HP on US spec. I never did understand why that was, when u are allowed to drive basically anything in the US
Back in the 90s the emission laws in the US were actually more strict than in Germany (i think that only counts for the laws in California, but you can´t engineer engines for every state 😅), so they basically used an EU M50 325 engine and increased it to 3.0 (M52 for the 3.2). Those engines are less complex constructed (thus cheaper to produce) because they don´t have individual throttle valves and high-pressure VANOS. Because of this the US versions only have 240hp compared to the 320hp of the EU 3.2., but are also like 200 lbs lighter than the EU versions.
Most of the things you mentioned on the exterior you will find on any M/S E36, the grills on the bonnet are found on coupes not just M3, the bumpers and sill covers fit all E36 models aside from the TI
1996 318IS coupe here. Bought it from original owner for $2,000 with 87K original miles back in 2014.(little old lady from San Diego) It now has 127K miles. I've had to replace the door panel, window actuators, radiator, you know, the regular stuff...yes, my felt on the interior of the roof is coming unhinged. Yes, it is slow. But pound for pound, you just can't beat the steering feel and the chassis. And it is aging so damn gracefully. I love it. Maybe I'll drop a turbo in it one of these days. I have a 2013 328xi I'm ready to sell because I like driving the e36 better. I am lucky to have a Tundra as well. I'm happy with the e36/Tundra combo over the F30/Tundra combo. Call me crazy.
I just picked up my 107k mile e36 328ic for $600.00 2 weeks ago. I'm blessed and happy. I've had an e46 zhp i regret letting go and an e90 335i I miss but was a money pit for issues. I look forward to upgrading this bad boy.
love this video. just picked up a e36 328is for less than 6k, then promptly purchased 10k worth of parts (to be fair, including wheels). seriously, complete cooling overhaul, power steering overhaul, FA coilovers, etc. one day, when the M52 engine dies, i'll swap in a S52 or S54. in any case, your video made me feel better about my strategy.
Ive had a 98 323is automatic for 3 years it was my first car and i really want to get it manual swapped, the car is mint on the inside and outside and was garage kept for its entire lifespan. Love that car more than anything else ive ever driven.
@oahgfojsdljknsdlfw my mehanic had m43b18 crazy build. 4 cylinder, 8 evo injectors (2 per cylinder), turbine from volvo xc90. Run on e85. 420hp at the crank. Fuel economy normal driving 40l/100km 😅
@oahgfojsdljknsdlfw I've been told numerous times to swap the engine, swap it bro, why don't you just swap? For what? Added weight? This is a simple engine. Sure it many not be boosted or have a turbocharger and I may not be beating subies down the road but that's not why I got it lol
@@Minoru72991 its fun to see the face of them when a 1.6l 102hp with 2nd gear can go sideways 😅 on wet with 3rd.. Ofc it wont be 325i or something like that. But for what it is, its an awesome engine. Its so easy to control in snow at high speeds. Just dont put oversize tires on it.
Now this is a hot take lol. For anyone itching for power in a non M E36 just get one of the many off the shelf ecu tune/flash paired with the m50 intake manifold, short ram air intake and an equal length header. You will gain more torque at the higher end and depending on what tune you get, a higher rev limit and governor delete. Handling will be tightened with new bushings of harder bushings, E46 control arms for more track width and camber. Underbody chassis braces, hood and trunk braces help stiffen the car. Oem lowering springs work well for sporty daily driving or opt in for coilovers. You now have a **pseudo** USDM M3 E36
One major difference in the suspension is that the m3 uses the e30 style sway bar that I believe bolts up to the strut itself, where the non m uses the more traditional setup used in e36-46
Hey Gav! Excellent video brother! I've owned my 96 M3 Lux pack for 15 years. I was originally looking for a e46 328i and never considered the e36 M3 until one day my baby popped up on Autotrader...I still have the original listing printed out too! It was roughly in my budget so I called on it and the rest was history. Bought it with 96k on the clock and now has 116k.... Its an Estoril Blue luxury package with dark tan extended leather.... I don't think I could ever bring myself to sell it.... I'm too emotionally attached to it lol! 😜🍻
For anyone watching this video who wants to know the full difference between E36 US 325/328, & US M3: M3 front subframe is different - M3 subframe accommodates the Xbrace. You can modify the 325/328 to adapt the X-brace M3 has X-brace M3 has different front spindles - allows for larger brake calipers M3 has larger brake calipers front and back - they are actually pretty good M3 has tougher/thicker rear axles M3 has thicker rear trailing arms M3 has LSD M3 has thicker sway bars front and rear - this is significant between non M M3 has different front suspension setup (strut, control arm, lollipop, camber) M3 is "supposed" to have a different rear subframe (there is an "M" stamp on it), but in my experience they are all identical All in all, it's more expensive than you think, I've had these apart, and done the conversion multiple times. The parts from wrecked M3's are now getting expensive, and very hard to find. They do definitely make a difference in handling & performance, especially the rear trailing arms for guys running big power, and day to day stuff like suspension, brakes, and X-brace. When you add all those parts and labor up, the S52 engine, and the M3 body panels, sometimes you're actually just much better off finding a good deal on an M3. That's been my experience.
Although I loved my E36 328is coupe, and wish I still had it, this was in England, and the difference between the 328i and the M3 is MASSIVE. You got basically a tweaked 328i as an M3, not the proper M3 we got.
We got an M54b30 from a rusted and torn 330i wagon. We are putting it into an E36. The torque will be just enough to slide around without having to rev high all the time. It's the budget smart way I think. Engine will go a long way because again you don't need to go crazy with it to drift, or in general accelerate. Easy engine to control, making it that much better and enjoyable to drive.
I originally was looking for an E36 328 last year, I couldn’t find one for a solid month and then my M52 swapped E30 popped up and I loved how simple it was compared to the E36 engine bay
@@czsup8967 Actually a lot, I'm M50 manifold swapped as well so no cruise control, just ICV, no PCV, no SAP, no post cat O2, OBD1 converted, so yeah, lot more simple, plus for being in a smaller car I have more room than in an E36
I just bought ‘96 328i. It should arrive tomorrow. Haven’t even driven it. As ex-owner says it says it has tons of M and after-market mods and has approximately 300 hp with slip differential and 5-speed manual gearbox. I’m so excited to just drive this oldie. Just satisfied myself with your video. +1 subscriber💪♥️
ive had a 328i 96 for 10 years and man this engine sounds amazing and the engine is strong at 230k, its now my weekend car but imma drive it till the wheels fall off
Great points! If you're looking for fun and want to modify, an M3 seems to be a waste of money, and of an iconic car, when an e36 s52 or s54 swap or turbo/supercharge will provide miles of smiles for less $.
great video, solid points! finally got some cool skids and revs regularly on the channel, appreciated lol I would just add that, while obviously m3 is the banger you want - for that price, just get a fkn regular 6-pot. US got both m50 and m52's with iron block. Those can handle 450whp with just studs and a headgasket. to turbo it is about 5-6k and to turn it into full mtech look is about 3k in general, less for many but anyways... if you buy real good example (non m) for 5k and turbo it and turn it into m tech, that will equal about 15k and for 15k you can get "meh" to "okay" m3 because the real good ones are well above that point. So think what you would rather drive. Another point is, if you're mechanically inclined, just get a WBS (m3) shell/roller and build that puppy up!
I own both a 99 328is and a 99 M3. They are completely different animals, and both are great fun. The M3 has torque everywhere and is very easy to drive. The 328is has noticeably less torque, but it really begs you to rev it out and get the most out of the 191 hp. I actually like driving the 328 more in daily traffic, it's more engaging as you push it harder. The M3 is far more fun for autocross. That said the M3 is also fun in the streets but more because it makes torque. Also, the 328 sounds better to me, it has this beautiful rasp, where as the M3 is a deeper note that is good but not quite as spine tingling epic.
My ‘98 328is coupe is gutted by almost 600 lbs, and now has the same PWR as the stock M3. I haven’t even tuned it yet. Paid $2k even for a beautiful example. It’ll only get an M wing and bumpers to match the OEM skirt. Absolutely adore this car.
Money is not the only reason I won't buy M3 I like e36 compact more than coupe. Coupe seems like sedan, just without rear doors. Compact is well as the name says compact and light, it's just what you need. It looks also better in my oppinion. I want to fit in my compact 1.8is engine, and if that won't be enough I will put a turbo in it. I also will get a pandem like bodykit + m3 like wing kr if that will be too hard to find/too expensive I will just put a duck tale on it. Obviously I will get better suspention, probably first thing I will do to this thing. It will not only be astronomically cheaper (I'm from eu, m3 are really really expensive), I will like it way more than if I would buy a m3
Just putting it out there as well the difference in the M3 trailing arms + front knuckles are that the caliper mounts are different to accommodate bigger brakes. Other than that they're identical.
@@sultanofswingdrift3021 I'm not proposing getting an m3 36 over a non m3 I just wanted to make sure people knew the knuckles and trailing arms are different as well since it wasnt covered in the video
The ///M tax is a real thing....and I totally can appreciate your points as I have driven E36 M3s a number of times (but never owned one). I have had E30s in the past - one of the best bang for the buck mods for street and the occasional track day is swapping out the diff with a factory LSD. For E30s, the fun option was the 4.10:1 LSD from the 325is automatic. Manual 325is had a 3.73:1 LSD. If I had a E36 328i/is manual, I would swap out the factory ratio of 2.93:1 (open) to a 3.38:1 LSD from any E36 M3 equipped with an automatic. If that's too aggressive, go for the 3.23:1 LSD from a manual E36 M3. With either one, you will up the fun driving factor of any non-///M E36. Great vid - thanks for showing some love to the non-///Ms 👍
I had two of those, I loved them. But I always felt as I press on the pedal that there was a hell of a lot more power waiting under that hood. This is why I am on the hunt for an M E36, definitely worth it.
@@tkitchens91 Finally bought one, blew me away!!! not only is it better than the E30 (80's M3) its also better than the E46 (2000's M3) which I owned and better than the V8 that followed which I also drove. It feels faster which blew my mind, how is this possible? well... think about it, its about 1,000 lbs lighter than the pigs that followed. Imagine towing a ton when you get off the line, the E36 is lighter and that makes it quicker. But forget about that, I had a V10 M5 with the Williams racing engine. THIS THING feels better! why? because not only has a telepathic throttle response, (just think of pushing down the pedal and you feel the engine winding up) but also it has a doble mass sprung fly heavy flywheel, so what? so what??? so it holds the RPM's between shifts forever!!, you can race this car's engine yet, shift in slow motion and it doesn't give a sht! just waits for you and receives the next shifts and says: "what else do you have?", it is so fast I called the dealership and asked them to check if I had the European version, I didn't, than I asked my mechanic if I had a tune? he will check. It really was this fast in 1999? apparently it was, it's insane. Visceral, becomes part of your body, you look forward to EVERY SINGLE SHIFT. Is it an M engine, yes the "S" designation confirms that, but even if it didn't who cares, could be a jupiter/mars engine for all I care, its HEAVEN on earth. I should have bought htis car decades ago had I know it was this good and enjoy able to drive. It is the peak of the curve of automotive perfection, after the 90's BMW went downhill.
Very good video and advice. I'm older so my 3 series are E46's. I can get E46's for less than E30 and and about the same or less than E36. My $2,600 '03 E46 at 225 HP and 225 ft/lbs and six speed manual with 5 series wheels that give it a wider stance is good enough for me on twisty two lane roads. Parts are cheaper than an M, and easier to find at the salvage yard, too. And my pick for mountain roads is my $3,000 E36 Z3 with the same HP and ft/lbs and a 5spd manual. I'm well aware of the critics that don't like the E36 front suspension and E30 rear, but they work for me. And I have an MX5-NA and 986 to compare. I got my son into a 330ci 5spd manual, my daughter into a 330xi 5spd auto, and my lady friend into a 330cic 5spd auto. I take a cheap E36, but for the same price I've chosen the E46 3 liter models.
Got so lucky buying my e36 m3, and since then I look Canada wide for others and the search comes up pretty much empty constantly, and the very few that pop are listing at around 30k candian dollars. Best car I've owned and I've owned many bmw platforms over the years. This car has serious staying power, even if it doesn't have the engine from Europe, it's a fantastic car.
I’ve had a 92 325is , a 95 325is and currently a 99 328is and can honestly say I’m addicted to the e36 platform! The current prices of a e36 M3 is ridiculous right now and there isn’t much of a difference! I would save the money to import a Euro E36 M3👀 or a E36 touring! Love the video man! That e36 is absolutely stunning!
The back bumper on the M3 is different. Put a normal bumper against the M3 and you will find that the M3 is "pumped" out a little near the rear wheels. Its is not just the lower valance..
I love my us spec 99 m3 vert in cosmos black 5 speed. I added cruise, tilt steering, 18 button obc, bilstien pss9 coil over kit. Absolutely my favorite car to drive even over my Ferrari 348 gated manual vert! I do wish it had more power and a 6 speed manual like the euro spec tho, the Power peters out to quickly imo. Was thinking about spending the 12k (vs the same $ to do a s54 swap with way more headaches to make everything work properly) to install the twin screw super charger kit which fixes the restrictive intake issue the s52 has at the same time as upping hp and torque significantly. I don't think I'd buy any other e36 unless I was going to ls swap it as well as add all the m components to make it look and handle like an m3 because I wouldn't care about resale value or it's collectable status at that point.
buy the M3 if you can afford it - buy a 328 if can't. simple. If buy 328i you'll always be sort of chasing the M3. If you buy the M3 you'll still be chasing more power but very nice feeling starting from the M3.
What about the resale price? You will spend more money for an M3, but also sell it for a lot more after 5 or 10 years (especially if you don't intend on modifying it too much or driving it very hard).
@@vancefr I don't, I am just like you, I want to enjoy cars as much as possible, but the world is how it is. As Andrew Tate says "you can't change the game, learn the rules and become good at it".
Honestly if someone wants to build a full track car out of the e36 chassis, just get a really cheap (but still in half good condition) 316i or 318i and swap the engine (or don't if you want to race in a low power league) there will be some parts that need to be changed but I think you can go much cheaper with such a build. Also the lower powered 4 banger E36's tend to be driven less aggressive and after almost 30 years that the cars have on their axles you will have a better chance of finding a good one for your money.
I like the Vador as driver seat only, but I hate M3 outside mirrors' visibility. I have a 1999 328is M-Tech manual with 2.93 diff modified to Torsen, plus the quick steering rack from the non-M Z3.
This video is now 3 years old. Maybe it’s just me but I’m able to find more e36 M3’s available vs the e36 3 series. Most e36 chassis 3 series cars seem to be few and far between and are usually trashed and used up. Or “stanced” beyond repair haha!
my first performance car build was a 328, i chose it because it shared the same ZF 5 speed as the M3 and when I blew up the m52, i s52 swapped it. although you have to upgrade the clutch, flywheel, brakes, wheels, differential, shocks and springs to coilovers, shift components.. pretty much everything. after money shifting the s52 i got sick of it and purchased an e46 M3. im on my 2nd e46 M3 and havent looked back. thats been the past 12 years of m car ownership history.
An euro spec M3 e36 with a 3.2 liter engine and 321 hp can go up to 50k€ if is a cabrio or if is just coupe is around 40 ( low mileage) a highly mileage is around 25k€ even the spec with 286 hp and it will probably stay there for 10 years than the price will drop because of the petrol cars restrictions
E36 328 manual ; Replaced rear diff. With E36 m3 automatic diff. . Replaced front brake with E46 330 straight bolt on . Engine modification E46 330 crankshaft ( cheap to get & same stroke as s52 US ) /custom piston 84.5 mm bore s52 stroke 89.mm = More reliable engine . Due to head gasket sealing between cylinder . I owned E36 328 is with 230k miles with valve job Due to broken head bolt at 210k miles, just replaced rod bearing at 230k miles, PSS9 bilstein / Hotchkis sway bar kit , E46 330 front brakes - @ My E36 M3 with rebuilt engine with PSS9 bilstein , need Hotchkis sway bar . I own All the M3 up to E92 . But E36 328 is with the set up I mention is my favor car to drive .
I've got a Euro 3.2 M3 and yeah it's definitely easier to say "the non M is better" when you own an M3. They're the best car if you adore the E36 platform, and also have a second car
I got real lucky with my E36 328i. I work at a indy bmw shop and an older gentleman who always kept up with all his maintenance decided he was getting too old to own it because he couldn't have fun any more driving it (he's roughly 75) and wanted to sell it. 1 owner, 55k miles, black, 5spd. Everything I could ask for. Sold it to me for $1500
Absolutely killed it on the video! Great job man. I've had my e36 m3 for nearly 20 years now and I still love ❤️ it like the day I bought it. I got mine at auction totally with a salvaged title and fixed it back to perfect condition for $1700.00 more including paint and a new stereo lol I'll probably have it for another 20 years. Check out all the mods I did to mine on my channel.
man,i have a e36 320i touring with lsd and i have a lots of fun with it every single day for the last 7 years...m52 engine is sooo strong you cant kill it as long as the cooling is perfect...i am with stock cooling and i never overheated it...even on the track she runs on the red line all the way...only the stock brakes need a cooling lap every 5-6 laps on our track in Bulgaria...the touring is not so driftable like the coupes or sedans but if you want it to slide it will slide...if you want a very stiff bmw for time atack the touring is the best...i am amazed how this car with 10 years old tires doesnt drift if you are goin for a fast lap...its amazing...p.s. i had a friend with 328i 4 door with a lots of mods to the engine and the car was faster then the stock e36 M3 euro 3,0l 286hp....0-100km/h 6,2 sec. this was the fastest non turbo e36 in Bulgaria for 7 years.
While I have not owned or driven an M3, I do have and drive often my 97 328i convertible. Unless if you want crazy speed, hard corning, drifting, this car actually does it also and quite well....but for extreme nutzoid, probably not!
Hello friend i was quite hesitant whether I want the old BMW E36,🚗 but after watching your video I was motivated and bought an old coupe with the weak m50b20 but 🏆 I love how you tell the benefits of taking 328i instead of M3 (e36) 🛠 So tnx for everything specely were to look about her the most common pains and problems especially in the suspension🔧🔝. Greethins from Bulgaria (eastern europe)🌍
A 325 or 328 would be cheaper but when it’s time to sell the M3 would keep going up in value.
Even the non-M 6cyl models are going up these days. Especially the coupe and convertible chassis. Not as much of course, but these cars are supposed to be driven, and if you drive one you'll lose money anyway.
Also the Non M versions.
True. The E36 ///M3 (US version), though less iconic than the E30, and not the best bang-for-buck E46, is still part of the M heritage and for whatever reason, it comes with a collectors bonus. The value is in keeping it as all-original as possible. Light bolt-on mods sure, but that's about it.
For performance, any E36 chassis will do since you'll be building it to your specs. Their track potential is well proven. All of the E36's are great daily drivers --- even the the M.
The E36 ///M prices have gone up a lot in the last couple of years. I guess we've run low on the E30 and E46 ///M's. I say, just get any E36 for the sheer driving pleasure. Back in the day, I use to drive my girlfriend's E30 318is a lot. It was about as slow a car as any, but it was a joy to put through the paces. The silky smooth sounds, the tight rear-end handling --- Yes! (Oh, and the car was great too... LOL).
My 328 has gone up in value 2k since I got it
but if you have the money why spend it on a 2.5 or a 2.8? and not a 3.2?
I ran into this same dilemma a little over 4 years ago. Found a 93 325is, $1200 with 200k. And 95 M3 $6500 with 130k. Both needed suspension refresh and brakes. I bought the 93 325is, replaced suspension and brakes with M3 upgraded parts. Bilstein, H&R, and so on. And installed the M3 bumper cover side skirts side moldings. The car handles and stopped a better than the M3 did and I still have quite a bit of money left over 4 engine modifications.
I love my E36, and have absolutely no regrets choosing this one
Cool
also owning a 325/328i that beats m3 is another..
Well, if you had bought the m3 with those kilometers and that price now you could sell it for between 18-30K and buy 5,325 of $ 1200 XD They are crazy expensive nowadays
You have a "Clone Ranger" !
Not entirely. There is no place on my car that says M3. I even removed the M3 badge from the side molding. My front M3 replica bumper cover was a necessity. I needed the airflow for the intercooler, to keep the charge temperature down coming from my Eaton m122 supercharger. All of the other parts are aftermarket. My brakes are much larger than an M3. Suspension and Chassis reinforcements are also above that.
All of this and more is what I was planning on doing. And knowing how rare the 95 M3 is, I would not have done any of this. So the car would be completely useless to me. I believe cars are meant to be driven. Not stuffed away in the garage somewhere.
Only in the US can people say that there isn't much difference.
Holla if you from Europe and get sick spec cars (UK)
Exactly. The difference between the American e36 m3 and the European one is tremendous. Not to mention the difference between 328i and EU m3... they’re like different models
@@Onlydansmtb we got g8x with a 6mt how bout you
low mile e36 m3 cost around 30-35k here tho, mint condition 328i up to 18k in austria
cause in europe it has a 3.2l beast of an engine
Extremely happy with my E36 328i Sedan over here! You encouraged me to buy one, now its been two years of ownership and im totally in love with it!
For drifting what do you recommend differential wise I was lost because I’m new to cars he said something about welding it somehow or buying an aftermarket one?
@@bartiniboy For drifting definitely weld it, its cheaper and would last forever. I do not use mine to drift so im planning to buy an lsd from a 325i
@@Franco_Rothar what exactly are you welding I’m sorry I’m new to cars like if I took it to a shop what would I tell them and what’s the draw back to welding ur diff
@@Franco_Rothar and apparently the car I’m looking at already has a LSD
@@bartiniboy If you really want 100% lock, then you should buy an open diff and weld it, or buy an aftermarket one (Probably more expensive).
But you can try with the lsd you should be able to drift very well. Treats On The Streets is currently using and lsd and as you can see in the videos it drifts perfectly.
If you want to weld an open diff you have to weld a plate in the inner gears, just search it on youtube. Although for daily use is not recomended cause you can break the axles with a welded diff
As I told you in the past, i started to see this channel 4 years ago, and convinced to purchase my beloved e36 325i 1994 M50B25 Vanos, almost 5 years of pure joy and it is a whole diferent car since then. Mtechnic look etc. haha
Nice 👍 i hate that mine is a 97 and i need to do an m50 manifold swap to give more air lol
Love my 328, I have to sort out a few things subframe wise, but I definitely love it! The 2.8 is a strong block and has some forged internals, if I remember correctly! Can't wait to turbo mine in the near future!
Be careful, the lag could take you a bit of that plesure :)
Think a supercharger would make that engine bay look more pretty 😏
If I remember correctly the m52b28 should be able to handle up to around 400 - 450 hp or 14psi boost without replacing internals, but if I boosted the stock internals I'd probably call it quits around 300- 350hp or 10psi to be safe and itd probably last a lot longer
@@daniellong9596 correct! I just want it to be fun, not always on a operating table. Lol. A friend of mine has one that's around 600whp. Only drives it on Sundays.
@@ARSR 328i's aren't known to be laggy, with a decent turbo ofc. The 320i is a different story though...
I kind of like the non-M's more. Because these days, a clean non-M is something you don't really see any more. Btw, the early bumper E36's came with brake ducts. Not sure about the later ones.
They did as well, they’re integrated in the bottom grill
My 99 M3 has brake ducts, so does my parent's E38. The one car that doesn't have them is the e39 M5
I brought my 1997 BMW 328IC for $3800, easily one of the best things I have payed money for. For reference it had 230,000 miles on it when I brought it. But I was very lucky because the previous owner raced it so it had a ton of modifications done to it and so forth. Since then I've had a blast with it.
Ya, at the milage in its lifespan and existing mods, just go with it and have fun!
I own a 328i, I drove the EU-spec M3, too.
Of course the M3 versus a stock 328i (which mine was when I got it) is a different beast. But with a good bunch of mods to the suspension, and with the proper stock ///M packet just for the looks, it also offers a crapton of fun. Get the M50 intake and a good tune, get a good exhaust system, if you get the ATE PowerDisc brakes then even the stock diameter of a 28i is fine, but I got the E46 30i set of brakes - voila, you got a very fun and capable car on the twisties that does feel a lot like the M3 minus a bit of power if you compare it to the EU spec. Sure, M3 will always hold more power and you can also notice some improvement in the rigidity (although that can be improved easily as well). But it also costs a hell of a lot more than a well sorted 28i even with all the mods. I do drive the crap out of my car including track days, it can handle the stress very well. Managed to beat some sililarly experienced drivers even with GT86s which I consider a wild thing considering how great a GT86 is on a track, and how old the E36 is.
Or just keep your 28i stock - believe me, even a little 20i (the smallest 6cyl) is a fun machine as is. These cars are oldschool, be it an M or not.
U can bay a 328 whit M suspension/subframe paket, and whit a (winter diff) 25%
@@erikbistrom6147 Yup, even the 20i had those options, but the M Packet suspension is not exactly the same as the M3 suspension. My convertible does have this package (which is a 20i - I have two of these old boys)
I got the 1998 e36 m3 convertible and is been hard to find a decent price coilovers,most of them on eBay don't fit convertible 😭any suggestions thanks
Finally got the truhard coilovers that fit perfect 😊🙏🙏🙏thanks
Don't forget to upgrade the ENTIRE cooling system. Swap out of the cheap plastic parts for aluminum, steel, and glass(headlights). It is not a matter of IF it will eventually overheat, but WHEN it will....
Good video. It's fun watching the 80% mod their E36 M3. It just makes mine go higher in value as an OEM car. If I want a faster car, I'll just buy the next version.
Ya, if you are mainly lookin for speed, get the E46 M3 instead. They are about the same prices these days.
Everyone’s mindset is different
So u just care about value of the car then you not a true car person 😂
I love my 328i. If I had the money I probably wouldve bought an m3, but right off the bat you can grab some cams from the s52 plop them right in and the m50 manifold with a proper tune you should be adding 30-40 ponies with an exhaust and intake over the stock 190hp. Get you some decent coilovers (dont forget the rear strut plates) and an lsd, all together maybe a few thousand $ if you hunt for good prices. And if you really wanted to you could swap in the tranny from an m3 of you find a good priced used one or buy a professional remanufactured for about 4k then you've got the same gearing and even more similar power output for still less then youd pay for an m3 plus all that maintenance you got done along the way. Many many miles of pure enjoyment
The USA m engine was different engine to the rest of the world. If you got the original m engine you would know the difference.
Yes im aware of every version. But still s50 cars or just the engine itself is pretty expensive. Not sure off the top of my head, but I think the most power any of the versions of that put out was 310 maybe a little more. Horsepower per dollar a 328 is a better deal and you can upgrade it. You could probably stick a really good turbo or supercharger set up on it and still be saving money over the s50 m3
Goated comment
This is exactly why I’m buying 1997 328I @47,000 miles for 9k tomorrow. Basically a garage queen 😮 going to investigate this bimmer!
Recently bought an e28 that was engine swapped with a 95 325i m50, that engine feels soo good
Keepin my e36 m3 Daytona violet ❤
wyd
@@frwystr what do you mean?
Can I see a picture of your M3?
@@Panzertank123 how do i send it? Im not good at using youtube.
@@younghustler5634post a video on your channel
I have a 328ic and I absolutely love the way it drives, sounds, and looks. I have a cold air intake, mantifold, and exhaust system in line as well as some cosmetics like the diffusers and front bumper. Beautiful car :)
Bro, I'm trying to buy an E36 right now and all my relatives are like "BMW parts are expensive" and so on, and I'm just like you don't get it, it's an E36!!
I couldn't afford an M3 so I bought a $2k 328IC. The motor is strong, top and AC works. I have put $3k into it over time and now it looks and still runs great! I am considering getting the Turner Motorsport stage 3 package that adds 34hp which brings it within 16hp of an M3.
i swapped my e36's engine that was a m52 with a s54 and its just amazinggg
Did you really was it a pain to do the swap and what is needed
@@LavendrHoney you don't need much , you need the engine , ECU , transmission, drive shaft and then you're good to go . Just have to do wiring after . I'm going to put a s54 in my E46 sedan I got last week .
As long as it’s a e36 châssis the engine, trans, rear end, all can be swapped over from the m3. Currently making my 323i into a m
this gives me hope to my 318 sedan auto.
Yep, I would buy a non M and do the swap because I know I would modify it more anyway. If I bought an M3, I would be too nervous to modify it for fear it would lose value Unfofrtuantely E36 M3's have over priced themselves. Sadly, at only 240hp (IF is still put that out) I wouldn't want an expensive sports car with less than 300-400hp.
Throw the Turner Motorsport kit with the Schrick cams in your M3, and it gets more nutty. Gets you close to the euro power numbers. No regrets spending $2k on that for my 95 M
I got my 99 328is with minimal rust , 218xxx miles , super clean interior , and runs flawlessly for 1,480$! TH-cam videos soon! I’ve owned 3 e36’s and can honestly say I’ll never go without one! They are hands down my favorite platform!
I bought my M3 for 4k the guy thought the engine was seized but the starter was just out. 3 years later and 15k in parts best car ever made IMO.
I always wanted a m3 but I ended up with a e36 non vanos and honestly I'm super happy with that tbh 💯
Crazzzzzzy to see what e36 prices have done recently, especially since I was driving them from 2001- 2010.
With US engine spec. id agree, because on 328 if u change cams, intake, exhaust and do a remap you come close to the 240HP on US spec. I never did understand why that was, when u are allowed to drive basically anything in the US
Back in the 90s the emission laws in the US were actually more strict than in Germany (i think that only counts for the laws in California, but you can´t engineer engines for every state 😅), so they basically used an EU M50 325 engine and increased it to 3.0 (M52 for the 3.2). Those engines are less complex constructed (thus cheaper to produce) because they don´t have individual throttle valves and high-pressure VANOS. Because of this the US versions only have 240hp compared to the 320hp of the EU 3.2., but are also like 200 lbs lighter than the EU versions.
buying another E36 manual and KEEPING it. learned my lesson letting the previous ones go being stupid.
Most of the things you mentioned on the exterior you will find on any M/S E36, the grills on the bonnet are found on coupes not just M3, the bumpers and sill covers fit all E36 models aside from the TI
Currently own a Fern green e36 m3 coupe , first car was a 325i love how the m3 feels !!! Great video !!!!!!!!
My favorite e36 color for sure 👍.
Own a obd1 325is for 4 years absolutely love it. Did full suspension rebuild and new axles , save e36...
1996 318IS coupe here. Bought it from original owner for $2,000 with 87K original miles back in 2014.(little old lady from San Diego) It now has 127K miles. I've had to replace the door panel, window actuators, radiator, you know, the regular stuff...yes, my felt on the interior of the roof is coming unhinged. Yes, it is slow. But pound for pound, you just can't beat the steering feel and the chassis. And it is aging so damn gracefully. I love it. Maybe I'll drop a turbo in it one of these days. I have a 2013 328xi I'm ready to sell because I like driving the e36 better. I am lucky to have a Tundra as well. I'm happy with the e36/Tundra combo over the F30/Tundra combo. Call me crazy.
Back in December I got a 323is. I did the M50 mani and a tune have the AC Schnitzer front bumper. I love it it soo much
Ayeee i recently picked up a 323is too! Awesome car huh
I just picked up my 107k mile e36 328ic for $600.00 2 weeks ago. I'm blessed and happy. I've had an e46 zhp i regret letting go and an e90 335i I miss but was a money pit for issues. I look forward to upgrading this bad boy.
I’ve owned an e36 m3 for almost a year and I finally found out the vents missing in the front are for the brakes 😂😂
love this video. just picked up a e36 328is for less than 6k, then promptly purchased 10k worth of parts (to be fair, including wheels). seriously, complete cooling overhaul, power steering overhaul, FA coilovers, etc. one day, when the M52 engine dies, i'll swap in a S52 or S54. in any case, your video made me feel better about my strategy.
You're gonna wait a bit because m50 and m52 engines go forever lol
Ive had a 98 323is automatic for 3 years it was my first car and i really want to get it manual swapped, the car is mint on the inside and outside and was garage kept for its entire lifespan. Love that car more than anything else ive ever driven.
dont
Almost pulled the trigger on a M3 but I'm happy with my 318i as a daily. Love the channel, man.
Yoooo 4 cylinder clan 😁👍 m43b16. As a daily its awesome. On stright at 100km/h eats just 6.5l. Did get mine 3rd in 2013. And still going.
@oahgfojsdljknsdlfw my mehanic had m43b18 crazy build. 4 cylinder, 8 evo injectors (2 per cylinder), turbine from volvo xc90. Run on e85. 420hp at the crank. Fuel economy normal driving 40l/100km 😅
@oahgfojsdljknsdlfw I've been told numerous times to swap the engine, swap it bro, why don't you just swap?
For what? Added weight? This is a simple engine. Sure it many not be boosted or have a turbocharger and I may not be beating subies down the road but that's not why I got it lol
318i m44 vert here!
@@Minoru72991 its fun to see the face of them when a 1.6l 102hp with 2nd gear can go sideways 😅 on wet with 3rd.. Ofc it wont be 325i or something like that. But for what it is, its an awesome engine. Its so easy to control in snow at high speeds. Just dont put oversize tires on it.
Now this is a hot take lol.
For anyone itching for power in a non M E36 just get one of the many off the shelf ecu tune/flash paired with the m50 intake manifold, short ram air intake and an equal length header. You will gain more torque at the higher end and depending on what tune you get, a higher rev limit and governor delete.
Handling will be tightened with new bushings of harder bushings, E46 control arms for more track width and camber. Underbody chassis braces, hood and trunk braces help stiffen the car. Oem lowering springs work well for sporty daily driving or opt in for coilovers.
You now have a **pseudo** USDM M3 E36
One major difference in the suspension is that the m3 uses the e30 style sway bar that I believe bolts up to the strut itself, where the non m uses the more traditional setup used in e36-46
I was never getting an M3 but convince me more good Sir.
Hey Gav! Excellent video brother! I've owned my 96 M3 Lux pack for 15 years. I was originally looking for a e46 328i and never considered the e36 M3 until one day my baby popped up on Autotrader...I still have the original listing printed out too! It was roughly in my budget so I called on it and the rest was history. Bought it with 96k on the clock and now has 116k.... Its an Estoril Blue luxury package with dark tan extended leather.... I don't think I could ever bring myself to sell it.... I'm too emotionally attached to it lol! 😜🍻
Good choice of car brother.
@@johnfurey3593 🤘
Beautiful color. If I ever buy another E36 I will get that color.
For anyone watching this video who wants to know the full difference between E36 US 325/328, & US M3:
M3 front subframe is different - M3 subframe accommodates the Xbrace. You can modify the 325/328 to adapt the X-brace
M3 has X-brace
M3 has different front spindles - allows for larger brake calipers
M3 has larger brake calipers front and back - they are actually pretty good
M3 has tougher/thicker rear axles
M3 has thicker rear trailing arms
M3 has LSD
M3 has thicker sway bars front and rear - this is significant between non M
M3 has different front suspension setup (strut, control arm, lollipop, camber)
M3 is "supposed" to have a different rear subframe (there is an "M" stamp on it), but in my experience they are all identical
All in all, it's more expensive than you think, I've had these apart, and done the conversion multiple times. The parts from wrecked M3's are now getting expensive, and very hard to find. They do definitely make a difference in handling & performance, especially the rear trailing arms for guys running big power, and day to day stuff like suspension, brakes, and X-brace.
When you add all those parts and labor up, the S52 engine, and the M3 body panels, sometimes you're actually just much better off finding a good deal on an M3.
That's been my experience.
Everyone just focuses on hp on paper... completely missing the whole point. Great post
Although I loved my E36 328is coupe, and wish I still had it, this was in England, and the difference between the 328i and the M3 is MASSIVE.
You got basically a tweaked 328i as an M3, not the proper M3 we got.
I don’t think the hood vents are unique to the M3. My 1999 323i vert has the vents too. Good video tho, interesting points and discussion
Every e36 coupe have vents :)
My Volkswagen mkII from '92 has similar vents XD
And every Convertible :D
i think its just a facelift thing, had it on my 318t
@@domer3992 not a face lift. My pre face lift 318 had vents. Sedans don't have vents
We got an M54b30 from a rusted and torn 330i wagon. We are putting it into an E36. The torque will be just enough to slide around without having to rev high all the time. It's the budget smart way I think. Engine will go a long way because again you don't need to go crazy with it to drift, or in general accelerate. Easy engine to control, making it that much better and enjoyable to drive.
I originally was looking for an E36 328 last year, I couldn’t find one for a solid month and then my M52 swapped E30 popped up and I loved how simple it was compared to the E36 engine bay
LOL what’s so much more simple about an e30s engine bay compared to an e36? Maybe the cruise control module?
@@czsup8967 Actually a lot, I'm M50 manifold swapped as well so no cruise control, just ICV, no PCV, no SAP, no post cat O2, OBD1 converted, so yeah, lot more simple, plus for being in a smaller car I have more room than in an E36
My 328i has ducts to cool the brakes but no hole in the bumper specific to them just the big grill.
I bought a E36 about 6 months ago and I love it
Great video I currently own a 97 328is but have always wanted an e36 m3
Me too
I just bought ‘96 328i. It should arrive tomorrow. Haven’t even driven it. As ex-owner says it says it has tons of M and after-market mods and has approximately 300 hp with slip differential and 5-speed manual gearbox. I’m so excited to just drive this oldie. Just satisfied myself with your video. +1 subscriber💪♥️
300hp ? Is it turbo?
@@willfry501 no bro. Engine has all of M parts and stage1+
@@mamukakobakhidze1245 not 300 lol
I got a 1999 328i e36 with only 13k miles when I got it now it’s has 18k miles and drives sooooo quick and full of power.
This is great information. I bought The 325IS. It was cheap. $5000. 175000km on it. I'm going To mod
The hell out of it..
ive had a 328i 96 for 10 years and man this engine sounds amazing and the engine is strong at 230k, its now my weekend car but imma drive it till the wheels fall off
I have e46 328ci, absolutely worth it! I wouldn’t spend the extra for the M version.
😂 drive an e46 M first before making that dumb statement
the best version of the non m model is always the best bang for your buck. ex. 328is m sport, 540i m sport, 335is m etc
the 335i was the only one that was faster than its m counterpart. 540i and m5 are worlds apart they don't even feel remotely similar.
Great points! If you're looking for fun and want to modify, an M3 seems to be a waste of money, and of an iconic car, when an e36 s52 or s54 swap or turbo/supercharge will provide miles of smiles for less $.
Of all the cars I've had...Audi Quattros, Toyota Landcruiser, Range Rovers, Corvette...I miss my '86 325es the most.
great video, solid points! finally got some cool skids and revs regularly on the channel, appreciated lol
I would just add that, while obviously m3 is the banger you want - for that price, just get a fkn regular 6-pot. US got both m50 and m52's with iron block. Those can handle 450whp with just studs and a headgasket. to turbo it is about 5-6k and to turn it into full mtech look is about 3k in general, less for many but anyways... if you buy real good example (non m) for 5k and turbo it and turn it into m tech, that will equal about 15k and for 15k you can get "meh" to "okay" m3 because the real good ones are well above that point. So think what you would rather drive.
Another point is, if you're mechanically inclined, just get a WBS (m3) shell/roller and build that puppy up!
Once I can drive I'm going to buy an E36, I love these cars.
I own both a 99 328is and a 99 M3. They are completely different animals, and both are great fun. The M3 has torque everywhere and is very easy to drive. The 328is has noticeably less torque, but it really begs you to rev it out and get the most out of the 191 hp. I actually like driving the 328 more in daily traffic, it's more engaging as you push it harder. The M3 is far more fun for autocross. That said the M3 is also fun in the streets but more because it makes torque.
Also, the 328 sounds better to me, it has this beautiful rasp, where as the M3 is a deeper note that is good but not quite as spine tingling epic.
I have had a e36 m3 euro spec 232kw and m3 german spec 210kw When i drove them they were still one of the fastest things on the road.
I have a 98-328iS and I Iove it. Had many M3s, but my 328 is my fav. I love the look as is too. No need to change it to M look.
My ‘98 328is coupe is gutted by almost 600 lbs, and now has the same PWR as the stock M3. I haven’t even tuned it yet. Paid $2k even for a beautiful example. It’ll only get an M wing and bumpers to match the OEM skirt. Absolutely adore this car.
I own a 98' 328is, too. How did you gut out 600lbs?
Money is not the only reason I won't buy M3
I like e36 compact more than coupe. Coupe seems like sedan, just without rear doors. Compact is well as the name says compact and light, it's just what you need. It looks also better in my oppinion.
I want to fit in my compact 1.8is engine, and if that won't be enough I will put a turbo in it. I also will get a pandem like bodykit + m3 like wing kr if that will be too hard to find/too expensive I will just put a duck tale on it. Obviously I will get better suspention, probably first thing I will do to this thing.
It will not only be astronomically cheaper (I'm from eu, m3 are really really expensive), I will like it way more than if I would buy a m3
Just putting it out there as well the difference in the M3 trailing arms + front knuckles are that the caliper mounts are different to accommodate bigger brakes. Other than that they're identical.
e36 M3 really is not a strong proposal, shell is the same, most of suspension is the same... e46 M3 on the other hand has quite a few differences
@@sultanofswingdrift3021 I'm not proposing getting an m3 36 over a non m3 I just wanted to make sure people knew the knuckles and trailing arms are different as well since it wasnt covered in the video
The ///M tax is a real thing....and I totally can appreciate your points as I have driven E36 M3s a number of times (but never owned one). I have had E30s in the past - one of the best bang for the buck mods for street and the occasional track day is swapping out the diff with a factory LSD. For E30s, the fun option was the 4.10:1 LSD from the 325is automatic. Manual 325is had a 3.73:1 LSD. If I had a E36 328i/is manual, I would swap out the factory ratio of 2.93:1 (open) to a 3.38:1 LSD from any E36 M3 equipped with an automatic. If that's too aggressive, go for the 3.23:1 LSD from a manual E36 M3. With either one, you will up the fun driving factor of any non-///M E36. Great vid - thanks for showing some love to the non-///Ms 👍
I had two of those, I loved them. But I always felt as I press on the pedal that there was a hell of a lot more power waiting under that hood. This is why I am on the hunt for an M E36, definitely worth it.
But it doesn't even have an M motor, soooo I'm having trouble figuring out where all this extra power you're banking on is gonna come from?
@@tkitchens91 Finally bought one, blew me away!!! not only is it better than the E30 (80's M3) its also better than the E46 (2000's M3) which I owned and better than the V8 that followed which I also drove. It feels faster which blew my mind, how is this possible? well... think about it, its about 1,000 lbs lighter than the pigs that followed. Imagine towing a ton when you get off the line, the E36 is lighter and that makes it quicker. But forget about that, I had a V10 M5 with the Williams racing engine. THIS THING feels better! why? because not only has a telepathic throttle response, (just think of pushing down the pedal and you feel the engine winding up) but also it has a doble mass sprung fly heavy flywheel, so what? so what??? so it holds the RPM's between shifts forever!!, you can race this car's engine yet, shift in slow motion and it doesn't give a sht! just waits for you and receives the next shifts and says: "what else do you have?", it is so fast I called the dealership and asked them to check if I had the European version, I didn't, than I asked my mechanic if I had a tune? he will check. It really was this fast in 1999? apparently it was, it's insane. Visceral, becomes part of your body, you look forward to EVERY SINGLE SHIFT. Is it an M engine, yes the "S" designation confirms that, but even if it didn't who cares, could be a jupiter/mars engine for all I care, its HEAVEN on earth. I should have bought htis car decades ago had I know it was this good and enjoy able to drive. It is the peak of the curve of automotive perfection, after the 90's BMW went downhill.
@@tkitchens91 Of course it has an M motor, all M cars do. That's why they are called "M", also the suspension is M and better.
Very good video and advice. I'm older so my 3 series are E46's. I can get E46's for less than E30 and and about the same or less than E36. My $2,600 '03 E46 at 225 HP and 225 ft/lbs and six speed manual with 5 series wheels that give it a wider stance is good enough for me on twisty two lane roads. Parts are cheaper than an M, and easier to find at the salvage yard, too. And my pick for mountain roads is my $3,000 E36 Z3 with the same HP and ft/lbs and a 5spd manual. I'm well aware of the critics that don't like the E36 front suspension and E30 rear, but they work for me. And I have an MX5-NA and 986 to compare. I got my son into a 330ci 5spd manual, my daughter into a 330xi 5spd auto, and my lady friend into a 330cic 5spd auto. I take a cheap E36, but for the same price I've chosen the E46 3 liter models.
I have way more fun M swapping my E36's. Ive done 2 of em and they're both boosted and stroked.
are the internals built tho
@@BmwMe-uh9sy mine yes.
I’m blessed to own a 94 e36 mtechnic one of the only 500 left in the United States.
You’re one lucky fellow. Do you still own your mtechnic ?
@ barley just spent 7k on the motor and the water pump nut came off. But yes. Looks like another 5k at lease
Got so lucky buying my e36 m3, and since then I look Canada wide for others and the search comes up pretty much empty constantly, and the very few that pop are listing at around 30k candian dollars. Best car I've owned and I've owned many bmw platforms over the years. This car has serious staying power, even if it doesn't have the engine from Europe, it's a fantastic car.
I’ve had a 92 325is , a 95 325is and currently a 99 328is and can honestly say I’m addicted to the e36 platform! The current prices of a e36 M3 is ridiculous right now and there isn’t much of a difference! I would save the money to import a Euro E36 M3👀 or a E36 touring! Love the video man! That e36 is absolutely stunning!
Found this video after I've just bought a 328i. Seems like I've made the right decision
You remind me of the guy from blues clues 😂😂love the content either way!
It's mail time baby
@@TreatsOnTheStreets 😂😂😂 at least you have the sense of humor !
The back bumper on the M3 is different. Put a normal bumper against the M3 and you will find that the M3 is "pumped" out a little near the rear wheels. Its is not just the lower valance..
Wanted to say the same thing
Also m bumper has indent above defused as non m are straight flat down
Finally got an e36 318IS as my first car. may not be the fastest but i sure as hell love every bit of it!
how much u pay?
@@bobbilly5701 price was 3.75k but the guy found out it was my first car and wanted to be nice so he let me off with 2k
Great car, in my opinion on of the best E36's that were build. The engine compared with the car just makes sense to me idk
Just bought a 325i vert with 94,000 miles. They are getting hella rare in my area
I recently picked up an e36 325i. It's so slow, it can't get out of it's own way. It's like driving a bus.
How can I tell which E36 M3 I have? There’s no 316i, 318i, ti, tds etc on the papers or trunk
As a `95 M3 owner I would like to add, that you should have some pretty good wrenching skills or the ownership experience is going to be costly.
would getting a e36 328i be costly for a first car?
good thing is e36's are really fun to work on yourself nothing too complicated
@@w4vyk524yes
My e36 has 323is has 259k still pushing
I love my us spec 99 m3 vert in cosmos black 5 speed. I added cruise, tilt steering, 18 button obc, bilstien pss9 coil over kit. Absolutely my favorite car to drive even over my Ferrari 348 gated manual vert! I do wish it had more power and a 6 speed manual like the euro spec tho, the Power peters out to quickly imo. Was thinking about spending the 12k (vs the same $ to do a s54 swap with way more headaches to make everything work properly) to install the twin screw super charger kit which fixes the restrictive intake issue the s52 has at the same time as upping hp and torque significantly.
I don't think I'd buy any other e36 unless I was going to ls swap it as well as add all the m components to make it look and handle like an m3 because I wouldn't care about resale value or it's collectable status at that point.
If I had a choice between US spec m3 and a good 328
I'd pick the 328 hands down.
But if it's a EURO spec M3 vs a 328
I'd pick the euro m3 no doubt
Id grab the us spec m3 everytime
I hear maintaining the individual throttle body it too often and expensive, but just rumors
just got a "tuned" e46 328i and have been loving everything except the cooling system issues
buy the M3 if you can afford it - buy a 328 if can't. simple. If buy 328i you'll always be sort of chasing the M3. If you buy the M3 you'll still be chasing more power but very nice feeling starting from the M3.
What about the resale price? You will spend more money for an M3, but also sell it for a lot more after 5 or 10 years (especially if you don't intend on modifying it too much or driving it very hard).
you should stop seeing a car as an investment opportunity people like you have ruined old cars for the rest of us
@@vancefr I don't, I am just like you, I want to enjoy cars as much as possible, but the world is how it is. As Andrew Tate says "you can't change the game, learn the rules and become good at it".
The regular bumpers for 325i 94 has the air ducks to mines came with it and it’s a non m bumper
Honestly if someone wants to build a full track car out of the e36 chassis, just get a really cheap (but still in half good condition) 316i or 318i and swap the engine (or don't if you want to race in a low power league) there will be some parts that need to be changed but I think you can go much cheaper with such a build. Also the lower powered 4 banger E36's tend to be driven less aggressive and after almost 30 years that the cars have on their axles you will have a better chance of finding a good one for your money.
I like the Vador as driver seat only, but I hate M3 outside mirrors' visibility. I have a 1999 328is M-Tech manual with 2.93 diff modified to Torsen, plus the quick steering rack from the non-M Z3.
This video is now 3 years old. Maybe it’s just me but I’m able to find more e36 M3’s available vs the e36 3 series. Most e36 chassis 3 series cars seem to be few and far between and are usually trashed and used up. Or “stanced” beyond repair haha!
They definitely have different customers. People tend to keep the m3s nicer.
my first performance car build was a 328, i chose it because it shared the same ZF 5 speed as the M3 and when I blew up the m52, i s52 swapped it. although you have to upgrade the clutch, flywheel, brakes, wheels, differential, shocks and springs to coilovers, shift components.. pretty much everything. after money shifting the s52 i got sick of it and purchased an e46 M3. im on my 2nd e46 M3 and havent looked back. thats been the past 12 years of m car ownership history.
An euro spec M3 e36 with a 3.2 liter engine and 321 hp can go up to 50k€ if is a cabrio or if is just coupe is around 40 ( low mileage) a highly mileage is around 25k€ even the spec with 286 hp and it will probably stay there for 10 years than the price will drop because of the petrol cars restrictions
E36 328 manual ; Replaced rear diff. With E36 m3 automatic diff. . Replaced front brake with E46 330 straight bolt on . Engine modification E46 330 crankshaft ( cheap to get & same stroke as s52 US ) /custom piston 84.5 mm bore s52 stroke 89.mm = More reliable engine . Due to head gasket sealing between cylinder . I owned E36 328 is with 230k miles with valve job Due to broken head bolt at 210k miles, just replaced rod bearing at 230k miles, PSS9 bilstein / Hotchkis sway bar kit , E46 330 front brakes - @ My E36 M3 with rebuilt engine with PSS9 bilstein , need Hotchkis sway bar . I own All the M3 up to E92 . But E36 328 is with the set up I mention is my favor car to drive .
I've got a Euro 3.2 M3 and yeah it's definitely easier to say "the non M is better" when you own an M3.
They're the best car if you adore the E36 platform, and also have a second car
I got real lucky with my E36 328i. I work at a indy bmw shop and an older gentleman who always kept up with all his maintenance decided he was getting too old to own it because he couldn't have fun any more driving it (he's roughly 75) and wanted to sell it. 1 owner, 55k miles, black, 5spd. Everything I could ask for. Sold it to me for $1500
That's crazy 👍
Same idea, would you want a integra type-R or a GSR ?
You forgot the black A,b and pillars, carpet and headliner in black as well as much nicer Napa leather which makes the interior smell better
Here in Australia, our Euro Spec M3's are going for 40k-70k AUD... And manual 328i coupes reaching 18k AUD...
Absolutely killed it on the video! Great job man. I've had my e36 m3 for nearly 20 years now and I still love ❤️ it like the day I bought it. I got mine at auction totally with a salvaged title and fixed it back to perfect condition for $1700.00 more including paint and a new stereo lol I'll probably have it for another 20 years. Check out all the mods I did to mine on my channel.
man,i have a e36 320i touring with lsd and i have a lots of fun with it every single day for the last 7 years...m52 engine is sooo strong you cant kill it as long as the cooling is perfect...i am with stock cooling and i never overheated it...even on the track she runs on the red line all the way...only the stock brakes need a cooling lap every 5-6 laps on our track in Bulgaria...the touring is not so driftable like the coupes or sedans but if you want it to slide it will slide...if you want a very stiff bmw for time atack the touring is the best...i am amazed how this car with 10 years old tires doesnt drift if you are goin for a fast lap...its amazing...p.s. i had a friend with 328i 4 door with a lots of mods to the engine and the car was faster then the stock e36 M3 euro 3,0l 286hp....0-100km/h 6,2 sec. this was the fastest non turbo e36 in Bulgaria for 7 years.
this 328i was full stock except of the engine...and it had a LPG...the guy was driving it daily
While I have not owned or driven an M3, I do have and drive often my 97 328i convertible. Unless if you want crazy speed, hard corning, drifting, this car actually does it also and quite well....but for extreme nutzoid, probably not!
Hello friend i was quite hesitant whether I want the old BMW E36,🚗 but after watching your video I was motivated and bought an old coupe with the weak m50b20 but
🏆 I love how you tell the benefits of taking 328i instead of M3 (e36) 🛠
So tnx for everything specely were to look about her the most common pains and problems especially in the suspension🔧🔝. Greethins from Bulgaria (eastern europe)🌍