@Shawnthadon playa Learn to correctly use your and you're before calling someone else an idiot. Their car has stalled. There goes the ball. I can't make this any simpler for you to understand.
The E36 and E39 were the Apex for the BMW 3 and 5 Series respectively. It's been downhill ever since. Especially for the 5er, a shell of it's former self. Thank You MotorWeek!! These are archival gems! Keep 'em coming.
+di foo!! you dont actually know what you are talking about so keep it to yourself because all the facts in the world prove you wrong...the e36 was and still is a benchmark in bmw;s evolution...learn before commenting...
+DININJA RONIN Did you take the time to read my original comment? What does it say? I said the e36 was the best chassis BMW ever made. I've owned an e21, e30, e36, e28. I'm pretty sure you misread or didn't read my original comment lol.
What is that preoccupation with volt and oil pressure gauges, they keep complaining about them in every BMW test. The 6-cylinder models had a 90A alternator, that keeps your battery charged - no matter what and how much you turn on.
I was thinking the same thing. I haven’t seen one in a long time, but I would still see the prior gen e30 every so often. I wonder if these were not as reliable.
It sounds like Jon Davis is talking through a tin can. These E36 3-Series still look good, albeit a little cheap looking in the interior, but still nice.
@@Wasabi9111 it's amazing. My dad still has it (1992 Grey Sedan). Still got that BMW smell and it packs a punch! I drive an M2 and I still feel things whenever I drive the oldie
Certainly the most significant. During the 80's, this model took the 3 Series from cult to mass appeal. It sold units relative to the era, on an industrial scale. Even if it wasn't a success I am sure they would have made the superb second generation 7 Series and brilliant 8 Series, but the brand would have been built up to the point it was, all thanks to this model.
Only thing I really miss on my pretty much fully loaded '93 is a proper steering wheel adjustment. And that the indicators reset with it. Awesome car though, still a hot looker and great fun to drive.
@@karabiny1 Well actually all cars have an oil pressure gauge. The oil light is not an oil level indicator, instead its an oil pressure light, it wont come on until you only have 1-2 quarts of oil in the sump and hit a sharp turn.
So true even in 2020s, the 3 series are now the size of the old 5 series and it's lost its nimbleness. I think you have to look at a 2 series to get the dynamics of the old E36\E46 and prior.
I'm actually pulling 23mpg consistently,and I still have the 3.91 diff in so highway driving keeps me higher in the revs for longer. Also those HP stats are wrong as per the showroom literature
I had a 1994 E36 325i and this was a great car in 2004. The best was 1988 Volvo 740 Turbo with LSD, second best was 325i, both manual, for European market.
I had a silver coupe w a manual. I remember the dealer gave me two options for my money I wanted to spend - either a new 325i Sport w BBS alloys or a E30 M3 w 10,000 miles. Sadly I chose the former and have regretted it since. I can’t afford a proper E30 M3 anymore that’s for sure lol smh
Meh, the suspension was/is roly-poly stock but you got good ride quality in exchange which most of the time is what you want. Very tunable to be flat and sporting if you must though.
I had an e36 m3 for 10 years. Great car but my god the interiors were so cheap. Door panels that cracked and fell off the door. Just really crappy plastics and Vinland door panels. Mine blew a head gasket too. The e46 I had was a better version of the e36 in my opinion. I also had sub frame issues and had to have the rear shock towers reinforced along with tons of electrical problems. You replace everything except an ash tray in an e36
I remember being disappointed at this car's looks when it first came out, especially the fact they removed the round headlights and replaced them with that generic looking rectangular setup. It grew on me as time went on, especially the coupe version, but it never looked as good as the previous generation to me. Nowadays, the previous generation 3-series (i.e. the E30) looks much cooler imo; it remains my favorite 3-series generation.
I had the same reaction when it first came out - esp the headlights. I also love the e30, esp the newer ones w the smaller bumpers. I never had a chance to drive either one of these cars, but always remember hearing how amazing they were as a kid.
@@Wasabi9111 The e30 BMW was the model that started my love affair with that brand which lasted through the 90's but abruptly ended in the 2000's when BMW adopted a weird design language (thanks, Bangle!) and, more importantly, became paragons of unreliability and misguided over engineering.
Wish their current crop of engineers would have a look at this. This was when Bimmer really knew how to build a hell of a car, as opposed to the overbloated, isolated, watered-down, poorly made douchemobiles they crank out now.
lack of oil pressure and volt meter keeps getting mentioned again..Americans hahahaha....tell you a little secret..there is a light that will pop up when there is a problem ;). But love the reviews from Motorweek :)
And nowadays they're all bought up by drift junkies who turn them in to clapped out shitboxes. Finding one thats unmolested and in good condition these days is quite hard
@@carsonmarks2152 You could well be correct, but I had in mind American and Japanese cars of the time, the price refects this of course. Also you could have the e36 in poverty spec with plastic steering wheel, gearknob and handbrake cover, analoge clock and velour seats or you could have a Individual with fine grain leather covering everything, real wood trims and deep pile carpet.
Slimecrazy234 of course. But it's still a more exhilarating car than a legend. It's probably why the 3 series is still around while the legend is gone. The TL wasn't exactly a great car either. I owned one. 2 transmissions and a stupid navigation unit that also controlled the HVAC. I graduated from Honda to BMW. Just my opinion though.
Slimecrazy234 If the E36 wasn't stiff tell me why I could jack the car up on the front left or right sides and still be able to open the rear door on that side?
Still looks so great 25 years later!
Because they’re styling hasn’t really changed at all.
@@luxurreview *their
@Shawnthadon playa there denotes a location or place; their indicates ownership or possession. They're is the contraction of they are.
@Shawnthadon playa Okay, now I think you're just plain stupid, so please stop responding to me. You are not worth my time.
@Shawnthadon playa Learn to correctly use your and you're before calling someone else an idiot.
Their car has stalled.
There goes the ball.
I can't make this any simpler for you to understand.
Really, one of the best iterations of the Three. Just a solid, good handling, willing powertrain and well packaged compact sedan.
The E36 and E39 were the Apex for the BMW 3 and 5 Series respectively. It's been downhill ever since. Especially for the 5er, a shell of it's former self. Thank You MotorWeek!! These are archival gems! Keep 'em coming.
di foo!! your forgetting about the e46
True. e46 was an awesome chassis, can't forget that. 330i with the ZHP Package and 6-speed manual was the sweet spot of the lineup.
+di foo!! you dont actually know what you are talking about so keep it to yourself because all the facts in the world prove you wrong...the e36 was and still is a benchmark in bmw;s evolution...learn before commenting...
+di foo!! so self centered again...
+DININJA RONIN Did you take the time to read my original comment? What does it say? I said the e36 was the best chassis BMW ever made. I've owned an e21, e30, e36, e28. I'm pretty sure you misread or didn't read my original comment lol.
What is that preoccupation with volt and oil pressure gauges, they keep complaining about them in every BMW test. The 6-cylinder models had a 90A alternator, that keeps your battery charged - no matter what and how much you turn on.
The people at Motorweek expect every performance vehicle to have an oil pressure gauge and voltmeter. It's kinda their thing.
When BMW still looked gooood...
THAT SOUND. My 81 year old dad floored it yesterday and it sounds …. PHENOMENAL.
The E36 is my favorite of the 3 Series, especially in the M version.
+WikdSeafood a marvellous car in every aspect...still unbeatable...let the haters hate...
local service writer said, there are more bmw M types in california, than bmw built
Man, those cam and intake covers still look badass today.
I haven't seen this car in a long time, and I'm in love with it now looking back
I was thinking the same thing. I haven’t seen one in a long time, but I would still see the prior gen e30 every so often. I wonder if these were not as reliable.
I have exactly this model 325i 1992. It is 2021 and still running smooth and classy as ever. German engineering at its best!
IT'S THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE. 🚗
Who this cars style has aged much better than most early 90's cars.
Whips through those cones with the rear responding perfectly! Big release for BMW.
It sounds like Jon Davis is talking through a tin can.
These E36 3-Series still look good, albeit a little cheap looking in the interior, but still nice.
Wish that the current 3 series was as compact as this!
M2. Same size. I learnt to drive with this 92 E36 sedan, and my m2 competition has the same frel
@@Gogettor lucky you! Must be a great car to learn to drive in.
@@Wasabi9111 it's amazing. My dad still has it (1992 Grey Sedan). Still got that BMW smell and it packs a punch! I drive an M2 and I still feel things whenever I drive the oldie
The best 3 Series BMW ever built?
Certainly the most significant.
During the 80's, this model took the 3 Series from cult to mass appeal.
It sold units relative to the era, on an industrial scale.
Even if it wasn't a success I am sure they would have made the superb second generation 7 Series and brilliant 8 Series, but the brand would have been built up to the point it was, all thanks to this model.
E39 540i anytime soon?
Tristan Rios YES PLEASE.
Only thing I really miss on my pretty much fully loaded '93 is a proper steering wheel adjustment. And that the indicators reset with it. Awesome car though, still a hot looker and great fun to drive.
voltmeter and oil gauges again!
I’m still driving the E36 touring 320i manual. Great car
This was the cost cutting 3 series. The LCI softened the hard plastics and returned body colored bumpers
The best 3-Series ever!
2:43 you dont need voltmeter at all..
yeah, what for you need oil pressure guage ? These cars have oil pressure light on dash...
@@karabiny1 Well actually all cars have an oil pressure gauge. The oil light is not an oil level indicator, instead its an oil pressure light, it wont come on until you only have 1-2 quarts of oil in the sump and hit a sharp turn.
I miss my 94 325 is. Still ran great at 300k miles. To bad it rusted away
Where do we go wrong? I miss those old BMWs
3 series design is unpretentious and still relevant today. Timeless
So true even in 2020s, the 3 series are now the size of the old 5 series and it's lost its nimbleness. I think you have to look at a 2 series to get the dynamics of the old E36\E46 and prior.
if I was living in 1992 this would be first car I would buy to rip around in with warrenty
Please post all those old Acura videos! Especially Legend and 96-05 RL! Loving these old videos.
AND IT'S GOT COMFORTABLE RIDE
WITH SHARP HANDLING.
My best BMW car, classic.
This was one of the greatest cars of all time
The beginning of the end of the 3 Series for me.
was my first car. loved it
These year models were way more dependable than today
I'm actually pulling 23mpg consistently,and I still have the 3.91 diff in so highway driving keeps me higher in the revs for longer. Also those HP stats are wrong as per the showroom literature
8 series please and What do you need a volt meter for ?
Didn't the 6-cylinder E36s come with a FIVE-speed automatic?
Yes they did!
They had a ZF 4HP-22 - GA 4 speed with torque converter lockup and a GM 4L30-E 4 speed with torque converter lockup.
@@InsipidVirus94 didn't some markets like Aus have a German ZF 5 spd.
E39 528i PLEASE! thank you
(CONTINUED)
- FRONT-WHEEL
DRIVE
- LESS PRECISE
HANDLING
& LACKS FEEL
MotorWeek | Retro Review: '92 BMW E36
325i
mhm what a nice handsome car this old e36 3 series was 🙂
I had a 1994 E36 325i and this was a great car in 2004. The best was 1988 Volvo 740 Turbo with LSD, second best was 325i, both manual, for European market.
Jackie Kennedy had one also I remember it was green
Please go back to this style of reviewing. Maybe just once. April fools day? A “throwback Thursday” special? We’d love it.
A last of the real BMWs
More bmw reviews there awesome. Any chance of e85 z4
I had a silver coupe w a manual. I remember the dealer gave me two options for my money I wanted to spend - either a new 325i Sport w BBS alloys or a E30 M3 w 10,000 miles. Sadly I chose the former and have regretted it since. I can’t afford a proper E30 M3 anymore that’s for sure lol smh
just get a badge and stick on the car.. lots of mideast guys do it..
"Launches this car to 60 in 8.0 seconds flat".... "Feels neutral, going exactly where you point it" *tons of body roll*
My how technology changes lol
Meh, the suspension was/is roly-poly stock but you got good ride quality in exchange which most of the time is what you want. Very tunable to be flat and sporting if you must though.
is this a good first car the 1992 BMW 325i?
BRAKING - 60 MPH:
113 FEET
No passenger’s side airbag for a BMW?
3 CYLINDERS + 3 CYLINDERS = 6 CYLINDERS.
Sweet ride
WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION:
50/50 FRONT TO REAR
I had an e36 m3 for 10 years. Great car but my god the interiors were so cheap. Door panels that cracked and fell off the door. Just really crappy plastics and Vinland door panels. Mine blew a head gasket too. The e46 I had was a better version of the e36 in my opinion. I also had sub frame issues and had to have the rear shock towers reinforced along with tons of electrical problems. You replace everything except an ash tray in an e36
Did MT ever review the e46 chassis?
Great car!
I remember being disappointed at this car's looks when it first came out, especially the fact they removed the round headlights and replaced them with that generic looking rectangular setup. It grew on me as time went on, especially the coupe version, but it never looked as good as the previous generation to me. Nowadays, the previous generation 3-series (i.e. the E30) looks much cooler imo; it remains my favorite 3-series generation.
I had the same reaction when it first came out - esp the headlights. I also love the e30, esp the newer ones w the smaller bumpers. I never had a chance to drive either one of these cars, but always remember hearing how amazing they were as a kid.
@@Wasabi9111 The e30 BMW was the model that started my love affair with that brand which lasted through the 90's but abruptly ended in the 2000's when BMW adopted a weird design language (thanks, Bangle!) and, more importantly, became paragons of unreliability and misguided over engineering.
No e34 reviews appart from M5's ?
love the 3 series vids coming out right now. can we get a w202 review?
He said he'd do the W220 a long time ago.
i want see a c class review, not an s class review. but if mw said they'd do the w202 then im excited to see it
How come you didn't see the m3 as being more desirable?
1995 525i pleaseeeeee
Headphone users RIP
E36 Compact review please!
This was my dream, till the e46 came out. :)
Any of the Volvo R cars would be cool (850R/S70R/V70R/S60R)
Have driven an e36 with leather in MD summer. As bad as this guy fears...
could you use a 92 bmw 325i e36 manual fuel pump on a automatic bmw same model ?
+cruise mahuika yes
What is the song at 3:13
3:16
Wish their current crop of engineers would have a look at this. This was when Bimmer really knew how to build a hell of a car, as opposed to the overbloated, isolated, watered-down, poorly made douchemobiles they crank out now.
lack of oil pressure and volt meter keeps getting mentioned again..Americans hahahaha....tell you a little secret..there is a light that will pop up when there is a problem ;). But love the reviews from Motorweek :)
e36 vs e46 which one is better
mujjuman e36s
EPA MILEAGE:
18 CITY 26 HIGHWAY
Great car
318i auto best buy in general.
the 323i has a 2.5l engine too...
+wedepeixmen not the e21 and e30
E36...Finally!
バンパーはこれが1番似合う
these were last good BMW,s
I'm more into hardcore plow.
TEST MILEAGE:
21 MPG
And nowadays they're all bought up by drift junkies who turn them in to clapped out shitboxes. Finding one thats unmolested and in good condition these days is quite hard
I had to wind it back because I thought I misheard it, this guy just criticized e36 for its cheap feeling interior plastics! Not bias much?
As someone who daily drives one I can say that it does have a cheaper feeling and looking interior than other generations.
@@carsonmarks2152 You could well be correct, but I had in mind American and Japanese cars of the time, the price refects this of course. Also you could have the e36 in poverty spec with plastic steering wheel, gearknob and handbrake cover, analoge clock and velour seats or you could have a Individual with fine grain leather covering everything, real wood trims and deep pile carpet.
MotorWeek: earrape edition
These were truly designs with character and harmony, nowadays are just lines going to nowhere, as Lexux, yucs!!!
Need - MORE - GAUGES!!
328i
3+2+5=10
Goddamit this Car so sexy! Have the 4 Cylinder 318i nice little Machine
FOR COMPARISON:
ACURA LEGEND LS
- LESS
EXPENSIVE
- QUICKER WITH
MORE POWER
- MORE REFINED
ahhh audio
wow, now i can get a fake M badge on the rear, and become a real men
Lol low 16s. Love them to death though
Quarter mile is more like 15.2 not 16.2 :)
TERRIFIC HANDLING!
I am the 666th person that liked this video. Yeah!
That is 2 pacs car
;)
After the e46 the all look like shit
The Acura Legend was a better car.
No. Not even. It looked like a bloated accord and had the personality of a rock. A good car for boring people
9890jsp Yeah but the E36 had the body stiffness of a shoebox, the interior was garbage quality, and the mechanicals were prone to going wrong.
Slimecrazy234 of course. But it's still a more exhilarating car than a legend. It's probably why the 3 series is still around while the legend is gone. The TL wasn't exactly a great car either. I owned one. 2 transmissions and a stupid navigation unit that also controlled the HVAC.
I graduated from Honda to BMW. Just my opinion though.
Slimecrazy234 If the E36 wasn't stiff tell me why I could jack the car up on the front left or right sides and still be able to open the rear door on that side?
bimmerman3 Because that's within engineering spec for most cars.