E36 M3 Buying Guide

[m3f_M_Parallel]

I am happy I bought mine when I did...

And that is all that matters in the end.

[Obioban]

I really don't care about value going up. If it does, fine, if it doesn't fine. I never bought mine as an investment object. Nor to even sell.


Having said that, every E36 M3 here, nomatter what model or gearbox, has gone up in price. If I would ever sell it, I wouldn't lose a penny on it (of course maintenance, fuel, etc not counted).


Verts were never the most sought after. If I'd have bought one as an investment object, I would've gotten something else.


On a little side note, reading the many SMG2 topics, it's funny how the SMG2 actually suffers from more problems than the SMG1.

We don't have SMG1 topics because we didn't get SMG1

(not that I'm any defender of SMG2, either-- I far prefer the 6mt.)


My s50b32 e36 originally had SMG1. Briefly.

[m3f_M_Parallel]

We don't have SMG1 topics because we didn't get SMG1

(not that I'm any defender of SMG2, either-- I far prefer the 6mt.)



My s50b32 e36 originally had SMG1. Briefly.

Ha! When was that? Did you import one or did you live in Europe?



SMG is mostly unloved, because unknown. Hey even a manual guy like myself has grown love for what it is. Now finishing my paddle shifter mod...

[Obioban]

Ha! When was that? Did you import one or did you live in Europe?


SMG is mostly unloved, because unknown. Hey even a manual guy like myself has grown love for what it is. Now finishing my paddle shifter mod...

2009-2015, in the USA. It was a dedicated track car, so no need for street legality.


I've actually had 3 e36 M3s at this point, which seems crazy. Plus my brother had a FBO one that I worked on a lot.

[m3f_Bimma360]

Honestly, I really only see it being a touchy subject for some when its coming from you. Maybe that tells you something haha.

You never see my complain?



But seriously though. I have never called the S52 bad or shit. There is nothing wrong with it on its own.



Only when you campare it to the Euro plant, then it looses out.



And on another note. This article is from a UK magazine, about the Euro model.



All I said to the guy who was happy he bought one (US), was that based on a EU model article, that does not apply.



He might as well have said that he was happy he bought a Chevy Pinto. This seems incomprehensible to some, just because both cars here happen to be BMW's and E36's and M3's.



Then see half the US owners jump on my neck for "bashing" the US car.



If you want to call me out, do as you please, but read first before playing me the Pavlov reflex and played out "oh it's him talking shit again" card again.

I don't think you understood what I was saying haha. The point I tried to make is that I only observe this to be a "touchy" subject, when this subject is only brought up by you and/or the manner and context in which you bring it up.



Its like this. Imagine a room full of people, and one person keeps saying the same thing over and over and over again. Most will just roll their eyes, but some will actually say something (thats the part you refer to as "calling out"). Basically, this person is just plain annoying the hell out of everyone when it comes to that subject. Then he steps back and goes "geez, touchy subject with this crowed isn't it? It can't possibly be me, its gotta be you."



It gets old ya know.

[m3f_englishtom1596q]

I don't think you understood what I was saying haha. The point I tried to make is that I only observe this to be a "touchy" subject, when this subject is only brought up by you and/or the manner and context in which you bring it up.



Its like this. Imagine a room full of people, and one person keeps saying the same thing over and over and over again. Most will just roll their eyes, but some will actually say something (thats the part you refer to as "calling out"). Basically, this person is just plain annoying the hell out of everyone when it comes to that subject. Then he steps back and goes "geez, touchy subject with this crowed isn't it? It can't possibly be me, its gotta be you."



It gets old ya know.

He's only on this (US) forum becuase he thinks people will be in awe over his silly SMG vert and think he's the god of everything euro. Also because he's nothing special on euro forums and wasn't told he was special enough.

[m3f_EKaru]

[m3f_Bimma360]

I have always found that the e36 M3 is about 80-90% of the e30 feel with double the performance, and that it is also what I would consider a "modern" version of an e30.

[m3f_frbz]

Well it is nice to see the Brits reassess their attitude towards the E36 m3. The bullshit they spewed out in the 90s about the E36 was epic. On this side of the Atlantic the E36 M3 was universally loved.

[m3f_M_Parallel]

The E36 has always, in general, been regarded as the ugly duckling of the staple.


Now with all other models becoming less available, people have started looking into the E36 M3 as well.


And now realize it isn't half as bad as they thought.

[m3f_Braymond141]

I never heard the E36 M3 regarded as the ugly duckling. The E90, yes. E30, E36, E46 no.

[m3f_M_Parallel]

I never heard the E36 M3 regarded as the ugly duckling. The E90, yes. E30, E36, E46 no.

Oh over here enough. Not the homologation special that is the E30, no unique body panels/wider arches as the E30/E46.

[m3f_W///]

I am happy I bought mine when I did. Perhaps, as you say, the article does not apply to U.S. models. The engines are not the same and I think everyone will agree the Euro model got the better deal. But the U.S. model is still a blast to drive and are going up in price. So I'm happy I paid $11K for a very clean low mileage car just a couple years ago that would cost me closer to $18K today (or more).

I think the U.S. vs. Euro argument is worn out. Anyone that thinks the U.S. model is the same as the Euro model just does not know the difference. Anyone that knows the difference knows the Euro car is better. Otherwise why would so many forum members be swapping the S54 into their cars. Anyway, I like my car U.S. version or not.

I agree with you. Compared to my S65 and S54, the S52 is not the centerpiece of the car. However, it's still a very good engine and I still thoroughly enjoy putting it through its paces. Reliable, good torque, sounds good and can be found anywhere. It's still a BMW engine afterall, not a FIAT.



The handling is fantastic. To me, the US E36 M3 is still a special car.