@Theogenis Aguilar they're plenty reliable if you don't neglect them. It's like I tell people when they sneeringly ask if my "beamer" is reliable. I tell them that if they drove their Camry the way I drive my M3 it wouldn't last 6 months. They're incredibly reliable given how most of us thrash them.
So excited to see an E36 on the channel! I’ve had my ‘97 M3 for 15 years now, and I don’t think I’ll ever get rid of it. I take it out a couple of times a month and it just brings a smile to my face. After going through so many iterations of mods over the years, the two that really transform this car are the E46 330i ZHP steering rack and 3.46+ diff. OEM+ is definitely the way to go.
I have recently found your channel, quickly becoming “obsessed”. Also, as a previous e36 m3 owner, you will never look back. Do it! E46 is too techy, much more expensive to maintain, and you just can’t beat the feel of the e36. It’s so enjoyable. I was nodding my head in agreement this entire video, the car just feels so good. Get one. You’ll love it forever.
I detailed and drove many E36 m3 and e30 m3 varieties back in the 90’s. A few families I knew well had the m3’s as dailies and Porsche 964’s as the weekend cars. Driving those cars even approaching 200k, besides my roommates e30 80’s with 200k plus, made me a believer in the quality. My wife thanks you for my new pursuits for an E36 M3. Sarcasm *... I’m likely to seek my childhood obsession like you for the e36. I still can’t find the green in an acceptable mileage. I’ll likely settle for a general color. Thank you for all you have done for all of us to inform on the art and pursuit of the best detailing possible.
Very nice find! I have a 95 AVUS Blue Metallic M3. I fully restored it, as it used to be a parts car. I still have the pics when I first picked it up since no one believes it was a parts car. I only bought it because I had a poster of it when I was in high school, with the exact same color (AVUS Blue), and it still had its drivetrain, NO RUST. But it was missing the entire front end, side skirts, rear bumper, driver side fender, and the entire interior. Took me two years to source the interior and parts, give it a coat of paint, and get the exterior trim. I enjoyed watching this video and your big smile while driving. I had the same exact smile after my car was finally done. I didn't install any intake or anything. Just the BORLA exhaust, Bilstein Suspension, Fluidyne Radiator, Stewart high pressure water pump, and H&R springs. Everything else is OEM BMW. I paid $3K for it, spent another $4K restoring it, engine, electrical gremlins, and drivetrain work was done by me, as was taught by my dad (before he passed). Definitely a good buy, just for sheer fun. New cars drive you more than you drive it.
Really? I’ve owned two and wasn’t the most impressed. Still an amazing car, but still felt a little lacking compared to my E46 & E90 M3s. The engine especially; perhaps if it had ITBs & hotter cams.
Agree me too owning the euro spec s50b32 321 hp 6 speed manual getrag version, sure e46 slightly faster but too bloated to be any fun. Wouldnt trade it for the world. This car will grow into you, you will fall in love with it, you will see. Sold the e46 m3 and that hurt a lot but maintenance was steep. Havent had an e30 m3 though.
As an owner of a '98 M3 I can relate to all your comments about how it was a 'dream car', though I was a fair bit older than you when the E36 M3 became the Porsche Killer in '93 in Europe. I bought mine in 2008. Everybody on the forums laments about how the American M3's didn't get the 340hp European version, but I find the the torque of the S52 is excellent for NA roads and more than fast enough to get me into trouble. What you missed in your short drive is to get the car out on some twistys. The E36 M3 was Car and Driver's 1997 'Best Handling Car at Any Price'. it's not about how fast it goes from stop light to stop light. It's how good it feels going around corners that puts a perma-grin on my face.
These engines are bulletproof. No rod bearing issues, no vanos issues. Nothing. Worked on 4-5 if them all ranging from 20k miles clean to 220k miles with heavy tracking and the car just runs.
I picked up a clean one last year and did suspension, cooling, shifter, diff gearing, brakes and wheels and love it. Such a good modding platform and a blast to mob around in. These cars are just so easy to drive it’s become my daily.
I love how BMW offered so many unique and bright color options on the E36 M3. Boston Green, Dakar Yellow, Techno Violet, Estoril Blue, and the super rare Byzanz Metallic.
I daily drive an e36 M3 sedan its a little beat up here and there sure but its such a proper car, never a dull moment. I love how engaging and pure it is to drive even if that crazy straight line speed isn’t there
The best time to buy an e36 M3 was in 2014. If you bought well back then and kept up on maintenance, you're sitting on 3-4 times the money now. Mine has 104K and is not for sale.
I am also in my 40s and bought a 1997 E36 M3/4/5 not too long ago and I have no regrets. I had a '98 in Estoril blue back in 2000 (coupe, 5-spd.) and have missed it every day since I sold it- no, really. I've had a lot of other cars, currently including a 2018 F80 M3 6-spd., but I love the natural feel of the E36. Buy one with confidence! Thanks for all the videos and sharing your experiences.
I hadn’t even watched the video and I was gonna say Style 24’s or LM’s for wheels ha! 17x8.5 squared for Style 24’s. Maybe 17x9’s for BBS LM’s. The rest? Gotta go wingless. OE front license plate delete strip. GC Coils street set up with reasonable spring rates. S52 with M50 manifold, 3.5” Euro HFM, Dinan intake and exhaust. Engine tune. ZKW glass projectors with hid’s. No angel eyezzzz! Euro OE clear tails/sidemarkers/front corners.
I've owned my 99' Estoril/Dove since 2005 and I will not get rid of it. I'm still in love with it like I was when I bought it. Values keep going up so that's always nice.
I agree, if you're looking to spend $40k+ you might consider importing a euro spec. While more power is always nice, the six speed is what I want the most in my 95 US model ... no overdrive means high RPM from 70mph on up.
i got my first car in september. I bought it when i was 23 and now that im 24 as of early march of this year i come to say that i love my 1995 bmw 325i convertible. I bought it at 88k miles and i cannot stop driving it and taking care of it. Its in samba blue and Ive been slowly restoring it mainly on internal parts. The outside has no scratchs, dents, and rust. i already bought a brand new blue soft top and better after market radio with bluetooth and it looks retro and orange lights. Replaced the lift supports for the hood, trunk, and convertible top. This car set the bar for what it feels. I AM IN LOVE. I paid the car in full in cash and wanted to worry about just the insurance. I got so lucky that my premium insurance is only $60 under my own name. My dad loves to ride with me. i can't wait to get to the point where my car doesnt need any more upgrades. I am planning on getting brand new speakers on all 10 speakers and then spending $2k on a whole new leather upholstery. I dont care if i spend more money on restoring it. my love for my car justifies my expenses lol. By the way.... some people my age like my car because its different but man do the ladies like the convertible version. I have gotten more complements on how clean my car is by older people. I can talk for hours with them. The e36 fandom is still big!!!
I own an e36 and e46 M3. I recommend driving an e46 competition package 2004-2006 before you make your decision. the E46 has a motor that redlines over 8K, and the competition package gives the car a different steering ratio that just gives the car an unbelievable connection to the road. Both are great cars though and you will get more people giving you thumbs ups than any modern car.
Ive always loved this car. Ever since i had my first 97 328i i loved the sound, the way it drove, how comfortable it was to drive long distance, and how classic it looked. Def need to get another one.
seeing you drive one and slowly become obsessed with it was awesome! i feel like a lot of people enjoy these cars but as soon as they drive one, that seals the deal for many as they start the hunt for their own!
There was something about these E36 M3's that I loved. They weren't super fast but they felt faster then they were. They were ahead of there time. I just bought one as well and I am in love. Great video!!!
Ive owned two e36 M3's. You will love it guaranteed. My first one was Avus blue with Dove grey interior. I should have kept it. Its my favorite color option for the E36m3. Unfortunately it was only available in 1995 so its pretty rare. I'm late to reply to this post but since you are fortunate enough to have access to the funds needed I would have recommend getting a Euro version. There was a used BMW dealer that had several of them available here in the stated. They came with ITB's and made 320hp in stock form so not too far from a S54 in power. I currently own a '97 Cosmos Black E36 M3, 2003 Silver E46 M3 and a '91 318is that I'm restoring. I drove the E30 for a couple of years before starting the restoration. All of my BMW's are a blast and very satisfying to drive. Hope you enjoy your technoviolet M3.
I bought my E36 M3 EVO in London 18 years ago. One of the last of them built in September 1998 my car is completely original 34 thousand miles from new. I love driving this ! Techno Violet is the colour I wanted .I love it !
My neighbor has an E36 M3 that has 230k miles and you would never know by looking at it. He keeps it OG spec! They're a blast to drive too! E36>E46 all day!
These crayon smelling cars r the best. After high school I got my e36 m3 for $4200 with a bunch of Dinan goodies on it. Have been daily driving it for a few years + weekend track days and the car still puts a smile on my face every time
I own a 1997 m3 manual coupe in Dakar yellow since 2016. I too am 40 years old and lived that dream too to get a M3 but could only afford the civic SI. Matt, you should get it. What got me and what I tbink see in your video is that great feel of instant torque on tap on that 1st drive that made me buy it, not to mention it handles very nice, but who am I to say for a man who has a 911 GT3RS.
I have a 99 M3 Coupe. It is an absolute dream and I am excited to drive it every time I do. I had an e39 M5, and an r56 Mini S. Both were great and amazing dream cars. But the e36 in the end won my heart.
I am elated at the idea of an obsessed garage e36 m3. I just purchased mine from Cali and had it delivered to me after a several month search ( I live in the northeast so they're mostly rusted junk). Although mine is the less desirable silver it has similar miles and condition to your example here and the driving experience is second to none. I am sure I am not the only one when I say I would enjoy following your journey with one of these and I'd learn a thing or two.
Thats one clean E36 M3. I also own one 97 2 door- 5 speed with 247k miles.. Still brings a smile to my face every time! Awesome Matt cant wait to see what you do!
Man the E36 is one of my Unicorns!!!! It’s 1994, Cape Town SA. I’m 10yrs old and my school took us to the IMAX theatre in the V&A Waterfront, the IMAX was inside the BMW Pavilion building. As my class walked into the BMW showroom, first two cars I saw the was a Dakar Yellow and Techno Violet E36 M3’s. I’ve never driven one besides sitting in the drivers seat when I was 10yrs old.
Please get one! You’ll love it, I can’t wait to take mine back out for spring, I have an E36 M3 in a sedan and manual and would love to see you build one
I have a saloon /4 door 3.2 Evo , it’s a sleeper , I have de-badged it and put a 320 badge on the boot and I smoke these kids on traffic lights lol with their boy racer cars !!! My car pushing out 316/321 horses Great car , looks awesome and great investment also ... prices are going up
I dunno. I went back n forth 2xs each from an e46 m to e36m and stuck w the e36. Felt less bloated and i just enjoyed it more. Nice video, glad u found yourself a tunnel to amplify great sound in!
My love for BMW with the E36 M3. When I was young playing basketball one of my teammates dad had a Dakar Yellow coupe with exhaust. That rasp is intoxicating you’ll enjoy it when it’s dialed in.
I'm with you on the E36. Absolutely beautiful chassis leads to a a great driving experience. However, if I had to choose I'd probably get an E46 and add a CSL airbox to get probably one of the best sounding cars out there. If you do end up going with an E36, I'd recommend getting on in Dakota Violet.
Love this chasis. As for supercharging, the car is really upgradeable so you can make 400 hp and have it feel good. I'd start with rear subframe reinforcement plates, then give it some powerflex bushings all round, then even that out with some kw coils and a bbk, stoptech makes a very good one. That is my personal recipe for a car I want to build some day. You should ask Adam about his setup on his drift car. It has stupid amounts of grip.
As an E36 owner and lover, please get one. Such a blast to drive. The only thing is that after watching you build one, you'll fire me up too much and I'll start spending too much money on parts. I'll be broke when your done.
I too was a Tweeter guy back in the late 90s and early 2ks. I’m certain we crossed paths. Our stories are similar as I purchased a 37k mile e36M3 about 6 years ago for the same reason you state above. Likely the only car I will never sell. I have refreshed it to factory plus spec and it now has 60k miles on it.
I know Matt said he wasn’t into special M cars but building a 6 speed CSL spec E46 M3 would be awesome. Airbox, flap, bumper, the whole nine. Also buy an E30 M3 and you have a complete set. “Lightweight,” high revving, naturally aspirated M3s
Nice car, brought back memories. I had a 95 M3 Dakar Yellow. I loved that car. I always felt the car had more horsepower than the 240 listed. I think I had a Dinan chip after a couple of years. Hope you buy one!
No way. Have owned both, e36 over e46 easily - e36 is the purer experience. There is a reason why guys like tommyfyeah and Chelsea DeNofa prefer e36's over e46's.
the e36 is smaller and the US engines are way more reliable than the euro s50, or the later s54. i would say if you want a car you can wind out on the road the e36 is the better choice. how often are you going to hit redline in an e46 outside of first and maybe second gear?
My childhood dream car's. 993 GT2 911, 68' Fastback Mustang GT390, and FD3S RX-7. I went the opposite way real quick. I own a 1970 Pontiac Firebird, 1989 Chevy Camaro RS, 95' ej1 D16z6 Civic, and 1982 Euro-Spec 728ia.
I owned this exact car a couple of years ago before Mike. Still sounds great and extremely clean. Mike did a nice job on making that modena interior pop. So prior to owning this, I also had prior experience with an E46 (ZHP) and E30 325is. I found that the E46 is too heavy and insulated, and the E30 too raw and slow. I think BMW got it right with the E36 in terms of power/weight ratio with enough driver engagement. Good luck on the hunt!
Beautiful e36. Kudos to Mike for keeping that thing mint. Get one, even the US spec cars are fun with some mods. Change the gearing, intake, 6 speed swap etc
The hero car I always wanted when I was a teen. I was able to get a 328is and later a ZHP but the lust for the MTech bumpers and the 240hp never went away, even after I bought my S2000. Remember the magazine ad? The best handling car in America.. And a bunch of others that look like they should be.
My first BMW was a 1998 E36 M3. It was a CPO car with around 33K miles on it and I still remember driving it home from Ft. Walton Beach feeling like a king and I owned the road with that 240hp. Haha.
Matt, an E36 build is the right move for MANY reasons (enthusiast and business). You should be able to find an E36 to your taste/spec for ~$30k. $40k-$50k is ridiculous even though the E36 market has definitely jumped up. Best of luck and looking forward to this series.
I have a 97 Dinan M3S3 sedan with 98K miles; never restored, always starts, always passes Cali Smogging and always brings me a bigger smile than either of my M6s or my Renntech Mercedes. If the US E36 is built right it should have roughly the same HP as the Euro E36. The only regretted mod is the UUC light flywheel & M5 clutch as the flywheel rattles when not under load.
Drove my uncle’s black ‘98 M3 back in ‘99. It was gorgeous and perfectly peppy. Absolutely loved it. I always wanted one. I’ve often wondered what I would think of the car if I drove it today.
The E36 M3 is a better car overall than a E46 M3 and the E36 M3 costs less to maintain, is more reliable, and a better investment than a M3 E46 long term E36 M3 is a win win all round !!
Ah man, I just love how you're still in love with the E36 M3 Matt, after all those years of admiring from afar haha! Even if you end up getting an E46 M3 instead or something completely different, can't wait to see another car getting dialed in.
S52 with a nice set of headers and a tune sounds incredible and they are seemingly less finicky than a s54. My best friend had a s52 m coupe and with a nice set of coilovers the car was a n/a aspirated blast. You’ll easily be satisfied.
I’m an 88 kid. I’ve always dreamed about owning an M3 when I grow up. It was too expensive in my 20s and now when I’m financially capable but the new M3s doesn’t appeal to me anymore. It’s not longer the Motorsport street car or the “ultimate driving machine” that it once was. It’s a luxury missile with boy racer design. The E36 is beautiful even to this day.
We are the same age. I’m a detailer and I have ocd and an e36 m3 and it’s far from perfect but it’s a sweet automobile. Mine has a Z3 steering rack. Just a thought. In addition , I absolutely love it. And so will you.
Had one of these in for some bodywork. Some kind of metallic blue with cream leather interior.. or maybe it was light grey, I don't remember. Really nice car with a really annoying immobilizer!
I like the e36 BMWs, however, the e46 is the dream. I anticipate getting one sometime in the near future. It is really hard to find one that hasn't been abused at a reasonable price.
You could bring one back and do a "budget build", like companies like garagistic instead of Dinan, etc.. not ebay stuff but a mid tier car. Would be a very cool series. A super clean e36 would be awesome though too.
![SahBabii - Viking [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/D37cL92JX0I/mqdefault.jpg)
![[SFM] Risky Recital](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/RzNkY1_Nk3o/mqdefault.jpg)
![[DRAGON BALL LEGENDS REVEALS ＆ STUFF] LEGENDS FESTIVAL 2024 Special Edition Part 2](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/af0phKxitX8/mqdefault.jpg)
its weird that kid in the 90s dream of owning a e36 m3 and kids nowadays dont dream about a brand new m3, they also dream about a e36 m3
That really says something about the current automotive industry.
... kids nowadays have never heard of an M3. They dream about the next iPhone.
I’m 15, and my dream car is an e36 m3 in imola red
@@Ryantach Good for you. It's nice to meet a youngster who loves cars. May your dream come true.
@Theogenis Aguilar they're plenty reliable if you don't neglect them.
It's like I tell people when they sneeringly ask if my "beamer" is reliable.
I tell them that if they drove their Camry the way I drive my M3 it wouldn't last 6 months.
They're incredibly reliable given how most of us thrash them.
Wow! What a well preserved example of an e36. The fact that Matt had nothing bad to say about a 125k mile car says a lot! Hehe
Euro E36 have steering wheels that are adjustable.
Only up and down unfortunately, not back and forth.
95s also came with an optional adjustable tilt steering wheel
optional, most people didnt get it
I did 😁
As do early production '95s.
So excited to see an E36 on the channel! I’ve had my ‘97 M3 for 15 years now, and I don’t think I’ll ever get rid of it. I take it out a couple of times a month and it just brings a smile to my face. After going through so many iterations of mods over the years, the two that really transform this car are the E46 330i ZHP steering rack and 3.46+ diff. OEM+ is definitely the way to go.
looking at buying myself a project car to daily. make it oem+ thanks for the tips
I have recently found your channel, quickly becoming “obsessed”. Also, as a previous e36 m3 owner, you will never look back. Do it! E46 is too techy, much more expensive to maintain, and you just can’t beat the feel of the e36. It’s so enjoyable. I was nodding my head in agreement this entire video, the car just feels so good. Get one. You’ll love it forever.
e36 was the last great bmw. Best analog car ever
I detailed and drove many E36 m3 and e30 m3 varieties back in the 90’s. A few families I knew well had the m3’s as dailies and Porsche 964’s as the weekend cars. Driving those cars even approaching 200k, besides my roommates e30 80’s with 200k plus, made me a believer in the quality. My wife thanks you for my new pursuits for an E36 M3. Sarcasm *... I’m likely to seek my childhood obsession like you for the e36. I still can’t find the green in an acceptable mileage. I’ll likely settle for a general color. Thank you for all you have done for all of us to inform on the art and pursuit of the best detailing possible.
Yeah. I agree. The E46 obsession online isn't really justified to me. The e36 is my favorite, and if I was rich, of course the E30 M3 lol :)
Very nice find! I have a 95 AVUS Blue Metallic M3. I fully restored it, as it used to be a parts car. I still have the pics when I first picked it up since no one believes it was a parts car. I only bought it because I had a poster of it when I was in high school, with the exact same color (AVUS Blue), and it still had its drivetrain, NO RUST. But it was missing the entire front end, side skirts, rear bumper, driver side fender, and the entire interior. Took me two years to source the interior and parts, give it a coat of paint, and get the exterior trim.
I enjoyed watching this video and your big smile while driving. I had the same exact smile after my car was finally done. I didn't install any intake or anything. Just the BORLA exhaust, Bilstein Suspension, Fluidyne Radiator, Stewart high pressure water pump, and H&R springs. Everything else is OEM BMW. I paid $3K for it, spent another $4K restoring it, engine, electrical gremlins, and drivetrain work was done by me, as was taught by my dad (before he passed).
Definitely a good buy, just for sheer fun. New cars drive you more than you drive it.
I’ve owned all iterations. The e36 is overall the best version.
Really? I’ve owned two and wasn’t the most impressed. Still an amazing car, but still felt a little lacking compared to my E46 & E90 M3s. The engine especially; perhaps if it had ITBs & hotter cams.
Agree me too owning the euro spec s50b32 321 hp 6 speed manual getrag version, sure e46 slightly faster but too bloated to be any fun. Wouldnt trade it for the world. This car will grow into you, you will fall in love with it, you will see. Sold the e46 m3 and that hurt a lot but maintenance was steep. Havent had an e30 m3 though.
@@gt1r the others got more power,but the design and the feeling is lower compare to the E36 M3
As an owner of a '98 M3 I can relate to all your comments about how it was a 'dream car', though I was a fair bit older than you when the E36 M3 became the Porsche Killer in '93 in Europe. I bought mine in 2008. Everybody on the forums laments about how the American M3's didn't get the 340hp European version, but I find the the torque of the S52 is excellent for NA roads and more than fast enough to get me into trouble. What you missed in your short drive is to get the car out on some twistys. The E36 M3 was Car and Driver's 1997 'Best Handling Car at Any Price'. it's not about how fast it goes from stop light to stop light. It's how good it feels going around corners that puts a perma-grin on my face.
I have a 23k mile '99 M3 that I picked up recently, I'm also very local to you. Great car.
You should post a video or some pictures of that virgin!!!
These engines are bulletproof. No rod bearing issues, no vanos issues. Nothing. Worked on 4-5 if them all ranging from 20k miles clean to 220k miles with heavy tracking and the car just runs.
I picked up a clean one last year and did suspension, cooling, shifter, diff gearing, brakes and wheels and love it. Such a good modding platform and a blast to mob around in. These cars are just so easy to drive it’s become my daily.
do you mind if I ask around how much all of that costed
Those headrest move up on those Vader seats. They were on the lowest setting in this video.
E46 honestly. Would love to see a E46 dialed in
I love how BMW offered so many unique and bright color options on the E36 M3. Boston Green, Dakar Yellow, Techno Violet, Estoril Blue, and the super rare Byzanz Metallic.
That is one of the most beautiful e36s ive ever seen. That interior is so mint and looks so good against the green
I haven’t borne yet when this bmw came out and now I bought my e36 318i just because is my dream car
Just got my E36 M3 3 months ago and I dont regret it! Its value is appreciating fast! Best of its time!
Gorgeous interior.
That tan colored interior sold me on the car.
I hope your buddy is getting years out of that M3.
I daily drive an e36 M3 sedan its a little beat up here and there sure but its such a proper car, never a dull moment. I love how engaging and pure it is to drive even if that crazy straight line speed isn’t there
The best time to buy an e36 M3 was in 2014.
If you bought well back then and kept up on maintenance, you're sitting on 3-4 times the money now.
Mine has 104K and is not for sale.
I am also in my 40s and bought a 1997 E36 M3/4/5 not too long ago and I have no regrets. I had a '98 in Estoril blue back in 2000 (coupe, 5-spd.) and have missed it every day since I sold it- no, really. I've had a lot of other cars, currently including a 2018 F80 M3 6-spd., but I love the natural feel of the E36. Buy one with confidence!
Thanks for all the videos and sharing your experiences.
Thanks for the input! I'm excited to get one.
Can we tag the owner? That e36 is the nicest I’ve ever seen!!! Such a good combo
Anybody knows whos the owner tho?
The E36 made me fall in love with BMWs. I love everything about that car. It's my hero car as well.
I’ve driven E36s almost got a decade now and they’re awesome cars. Very reliable and fun to drive, while looking stylish and cool at the same time.
Import an NSX or RX7 and dialed in. Will add variety of your collection
I'd love to see Matt do a NSX.
Yes NSX be a great addition
Holy shit yes, a red one.
I hadn’t even watched the video and I was gonna say Style 24’s or LM’s for wheels ha! 17x8.5 squared for Style 24’s. Maybe 17x9’s for BBS LM’s.
The rest?
Gotta go wingless.
OE front license plate delete strip.
GC Coils street set up with reasonable spring rates.
S52 with M50 manifold, 3.5” Euro HFM, Dinan intake and exhaust.
Engine tune.
ZKW glass projectors with hid’s. No angel eyezzzz!
Euro OE clear tails/sidemarkers/front corners.
Yessss. A great car and opportunity to showcase how great the US spec car is.
I've owned my 99' Estoril/Dove since 2005 and I will not get rid of it. I'm still in love with it like I was when I bought it. Values keep going up so that's always nice.
Nice I have a 99 Estoril/Sand-beige
An interesting option would be to import a 1995-96 euro spec M3 with the 320 hp S50B32 engine with the six-speed! Or the E36 M3 GT
I agree, if you're looking to spend $40k+ you might consider importing a euro spec. While more power is always nice, the six speed is what I want the most in my 95 US model ... no overdrive means high RPM from 70mph on up.
i got my first car in september. I bought it when i was 23 and now that im 24 as of early march of this year i come to say that i love my 1995 bmw 325i convertible. I bought it at 88k miles and i cannot stop driving it and taking care of it. Its in samba blue and Ive been slowly restoring it mainly on internal parts. The outside has no scratchs, dents, and rust. i already bought a brand new blue soft top and better after market radio with bluetooth and it looks retro and orange lights. Replaced the lift supports for the hood, trunk, and convertible top. This car set the bar for what it feels. I AM IN LOVE. I paid the car in full in cash and wanted to worry about just the insurance. I got so lucky that my premium insurance is only $60 under my own name. My dad loves to ride with me. i can't wait to get to the point where my car doesnt need any more upgrades. I am planning on getting brand new speakers on all 10 speakers and then spending $2k on a whole new leather upholstery. I dont care if i spend more money on restoring it. my love for my car justifies my expenses lol. By the way.... some people my age like my car because its different but man do the ladies like the convertible version. I have gotten more complements on how clean my car is by older people. I can talk for hours with them. The e36 fandom is still big!!!
I own an e36 and e46 M3. I recommend driving an e46 competition package 2004-2006 before you make your decision. the E46 has a motor that redlines over 8K, and the competition package gives the car a different steering ratio that just gives the car an unbelievable connection to the road. Both are great cars though and you will get more people giving you thumbs ups than any modern car.
Shame the USA spec cars have a different motor to euro cars ,
the S52 is still a great engine that compliments the E36 chassis very well.
@@user-rx8sq3fu7c I’m sure , but I have a 1997 M3 evo , these were 3.2 s50 engine that produced 322bhp stock
Sorry I meant had not have
S52 is just a tuned up m52. Cant even compare to a S50
@@MultiTerpen the s52 is better
Ive always loved this car. Ever since i had my first 97 328i i loved the sound, the way it drove, how comfortable it was to drive long distance, and how classic it looked. Def need to get another one.
I used to not like the E36 very much but I’ve come to really appreciate them. This is pretty much my perfect spec too. Absolutely stunning.
seeing you drive one and slowly become obsessed with it was awesome! i feel like a lot of people enjoy these cars but as soon as they drive one, that seals the deal for many as they start the hunt for their own!
I don’t really care what car you buy, I’m just excited for you.
Born in 80 as well, the rich kids had new E36 m3’s at my high school. And like you this was and currently is my aspirational M car. E36✅
I’m so glad you got an m3
There was something about these E36 M3's that I loved. They weren't super fast but they felt faster then they were. They were ahead of there time. I just bought one as well and I am in love. Great video!!!
Ive owned two e36 M3's. You will love it guaranteed. My first one was Avus blue with Dove grey interior. I should have kept it. Its my favorite color option for the E36m3. Unfortunately it was only available in 1995 so its pretty rare. I'm late to reply to this post but since you are fortunate enough to have access to the funds needed I would have recommend getting a Euro version. There was a used BMW dealer that had several of them available here in the stated. They came with ITB's and made 320hp in stock form so not too far from a S54 in power. I currently own a '97 Cosmos Black E36 M3, 2003 Silver E46 M3 and a '91 318is that I'm restoring. I drove the E30 for a couple of years before starting the restoration. All of my BMW's are a blast and very satisfying to drive. Hope you enjoy your technoviolet M3.
I'd love to see an 03-04 terminator cobra version of the civic build.
That’s actually a good fukn idea.
I have been thinking that. Matt won’t like it though, he will probably think it’s janky etc.
I bought my E36 M3 EVO in London 18 years ago. One of the last of them built in September 1998 my car is completely original 34 thousand miles from new. I love driving this ! Techno Violet is the colour I wanted .I love it !
I had a 95 with a VF Engineering supercharger and a cat back exhaust. It was amazing!!
Yes Matt we all knew you were going to get one. You can order the exhaust now!
My neighbor has an E36 M3 that has 230k miles and you would never know by looking at it. He keeps it OG spec! They're a blast to drive too! E36>E46 all day!
These crayon smelling cars r the best. After high school I got my e36 m3 for $4200 with a bunch of Dinan goodies on it. Have been daily driving it for a few years + weekend track days and the car still puts a smile on my face every time
Used to own one and even with all the problems that car gave me, I still want another. GET IT!! So much fun to drive
How much did you have to dial down the exposure so that Matt’s legs weren’t blown out
I own a 1997 m3 manual coupe in Dakar yellow since 2016. I too am 40 years old and lived that dream too to get a M3 but could only afford the civic SI. Matt, you should get it. What got me and what I tbink see in your video is that great feel of instant torque on tap on that 1st drive that made me buy it, not to mention it handles very nice, but who am I to say for a man who has a 911 GT3RS.
I have a 99 M3 Coupe. It is an absolute dream and I am excited to drive it every time I do. I had an e39 M5, and an r56 Mini S. Both were great and amazing dream cars. But the e36 in the end won my heart.
That’s one of the cleanest E-36 M3’s I’ve ever seen! The E-36 has always been my favorite BMW M car ever made. I’d love to own this one!👌🏽🔥🔥🔥
I am elated at the idea of an obsessed garage e36 m3. I just purchased mine from Cali and had it delivered to me after a several month search ( I live in the northeast so they're mostly rusted junk). Although mine is the less desirable silver it has similar miles and condition to your example here and the driving experience is second to none. I am sure I am not the only one when I say I would enjoy following your journey with one of these and I'd learn a thing or two.
Thats one clean E36 M3. I also own one 97 2 door- 5 speed with 247k miles.. Still brings a smile to my face every time! Awesome Matt cant wait to see what you do!
Man the E36 is one of my Unicorns!!!! It’s 1994, Cape Town SA. I’m 10yrs old and my school took us to the IMAX theatre in the V&A Waterfront, the IMAX was inside the BMW Pavilion building. As my class walked into the BMW showroom, first two cars I saw the was a Dakar Yellow and Techno Violet E36 M3’s. I’ve never driven one besides sitting in the drivers seat when I was 10yrs old.
Please get one! You’ll love it, I can’t wait to take mine back out for spring, I have an E36 M3 in a sedan and manual and would love to see you build one
I have a saloon /4 door 3.2 Evo , it’s a sleeper , I have de-badged it and put a 320 badge on the boot and I smoke these kids on traffic lights lol with their boy racer cars !!!
My car pushing out 316/321 horses
Great car , looks awesome and great investment also ... prices are going up
That’s the thing about e36, you are always smiling and you just don’t want to stop driving!
I dunno. I went back n forth 2xs each from an e46 m to e36m and stuck w the e36. Felt less bloated and i just enjoyed it more. Nice video, glad u found yourself a tunnel to amplify great sound in!
My love for BMW with the E36 M3. When I was young playing basketball one of my teammates dad had a Dakar Yellow coupe with exhaust. That rasp is intoxicating you’ll enjoy it when it’s dialed in.
I'm with you on the E36. Absolutely beautiful chassis leads to a a great driving experience. However, if I had to choose I'd probably get an E46 and add a CSL airbox to get probably one of the best sounding cars out there. If you do end up going with an E36, I'd recommend getting on in Dakota Violet.
Love this chasis. As for supercharging, the car is really upgradeable so you can make 400 hp and have it feel good. I'd start with rear subframe reinforcement plates, then give it some powerflex bushings all round, then even that out with some kw coils and a bbk, stoptech makes a very good one. That is my personal recipe for a car I want to build some day. You should ask Adam about his setup on his drift car. It has stupid amounts of grip.
As an E36 owner and lover, please get one. Such a blast to drive. The only thing is that after watching you build one, you'll fire me up too much and I'll start spending too much money on parts. I'll be broke when your done.
I too was a Tweeter guy back in the late 90s and early 2ks. I’m certain we crossed paths. Our stories are similar as I purchased a 37k mile e36M3 about 6 years ago for the same reason you state above. Likely the only car I will never sell. I have refreshed it to factory plus spec and it now has 60k miles on it.
I had a '97 Boston green e36 M3 just like this... you're bringing back memories. I loved that car!
YES PLEASE!! I would love to see some E36 content on the channel!!
I know Matt said he wasn’t into special M cars but building a 6 speed CSL spec E46 M3 would be awesome. Airbox, flap, bumper, the whole nine. Also buy an E30 M3 and you have a complete set. “Lightweight,” high revving, naturally aspirated M3s
Nice car, brought back memories. I had a 95 M3 Dakar Yellow. I loved that car. I always felt the car had more horsepower than the 240 listed. I think I had a Dinan chip after a couple of years. Hope you buy one!
Incredible car , respect your elders!!! Can’t wait to see when you get the e30 M3
These are great cars, lots of my friends had them years ago
If I was you I would go for the E46 instead.
My son and I covet our E30 and E46...They require love every so often, but we enjoy every minute.
No way. Have owned both, e36 over e46 easily - e36 is the purer experience. There is a reason why guys like tommyfyeah and Chelsea DeNofa prefer e36's over e46's.
E36 is way better than a bloated e46 that has more problems
nah matts good, E30 - E46 M cars are the best ERA's for N/A power/ driving experience. hes good. ///M
the e36 is smaller and the US engines are way more reliable than the euro s50, or the later s54. i would say if you want a car you can wind out on the road the e36 is the better choice. how often are you going to hit redline in an e46 outside of first and maybe second gear?
My childhood dream car's. 993 GT2 911, 68' Fastback Mustang GT390, and FD3S RX-7. I went the opposite way real quick. I own a 1970 Pontiac Firebird, 1989 Chevy Camaro RS, 95' ej1 D16z6 Civic, and 1982 Euro-Spec 728ia.
I owned this exact car a couple of years ago before Mike. Still sounds great and extremely clean. Mike did a nice job on making that modena interior pop. So prior to owning this, I also had prior experience with an E46 (ZHP) and E30 325is. I found that the E46 is too heavy and insulated, and the E30 too raw and slow. I think BMW got it right with the E36 in terms of power/weight ratio with enough driver engagement. Good luck on the hunt!
Good timing! I am 41 and looking at a technoviolet E36 M3 manual, convertible. It needs love with 180k+ miles.
Beautiful e36. Kudos to Mike for keeping that thing mint. Get one, even the US spec cars are fun with some mods. Change the gearing, intake, 6 speed swap etc
The hero car I always wanted when I was a teen. I was able to get a 328is and later a ZHP but the lust for the MTech bumpers and the 240hp never went away, even after I bought my S2000.
Remember the magazine ad?
The best handling car in America..
And a bunch of others that look like they should be.
My first BMW was a 1998 E36 M3. It was a CPO car with around 33K miles on it and I still remember driving it home from Ft. Walton Beach feeling like a king and I owned the road with that 240hp. Haha.
Late euro e36 M3 have 321hp.
Matt, an E36 build is the right move for MANY reasons (enthusiast and business). You should be able to find an E36 to your taste/spec for ~$30k. $40k-$50k is ridiculous even though the E36 market has definitely jumped up. Best of luck and looking forward to this series.
I have a 97 Dinan M3S3 sedan with 98K miles; never restored, always starts, always passes Cali Smogging and always brings me a bigger smile than either of my M6s or my Renntech Mercedes. If the US E36 is built right it should have roughly the same HP as the Euro E36. The only regretted mod is the UUC light flywheel & M5 clutch as the flywheel rattles when not under load.
Drove my uncle’s black ‘98 M3 back in ‘99. It was gorgeous and perfectly peppy. Absolutely loved it. I always wanted one. I’ve often wondered what I would think of the car if I drove it today.
E36 M3s are great cars. Super underrated IMO.
I have a 98 E36 M3 and love it! Drives well and you can push it without having to worry.
Ive owned my Techno Violet E36 M3 for over 10 years and I thought about selling it but its just too good.
The E36 M3 is a better car overall than a E46 M3 and the E36 M3 costs less to maintain, is more reliable, and a better investment than a M3 E46 long term
E36 M3 is a win win all round !!
Ah man, I just love how you're still in love with the E36 M3 Matt, after all those years of admiring from afar haha!
Even if you end up getting an E46 M3 instead or something completely different, can't wait to see another car getting dialed in.
Love the car, great choice. I hope you can get one without a sunroof, way more headroom.
Jus picked up a 95 m3 few months ago and has been the best driving experience
oh he's gonna lose it with this car
Another HERO of his past.
I love my m3 and it has 172k miles. E36 m3>>98% of cars
it made me really happy hearing you talk about how you would modify it
currently looking for an e36 m3 myself
E36 is a great car, E46 is a great car also, the extra power is nice if I could have both I could. E46 m3 is my dream car
S52 with a nice set of headers and a tune sounds incredible and they are seemingly less finicky than a s54. My best friend had a s52 m coupe and with a nice set of coilovers the car was a n/a aspirated blast. You’ll easily be satisfied.
good thing about owning a civic is everything from then on feels like an upgrade
Yesterday brought home a ‘98 blue/black M3 with 26 k miles.. I’m loving this baby stock:-)
Sick!
Oh man that's the one i would love to own. Boston green with that interior.
What a lovely car. You live in a beautiful place Matt.
Interesting, my first M car was a 95 M3. I had it for 13 years. I will be following this project of yours.
I’m an 88 kid. I’ve always dreamed about owning an M3 when I grow up. It was too expensive in my 20s and now when I’m financially capable but the new M3s doesn’t appeal to me anymore. It’s not longer the Motorsport street car or the “ultimate driving machine” that it once was. It’s a luxury missile with boy racer design. The E36 is beautiful even to this day.
We are the same age. I’m a detailer and I have ocd and an e36 m3 and it’s far from perfect but it’s a sweet automobile. Mine has a Z3 steering rack. Just a thought.
In addition , I absolutely love it. And so will you.
Had one of these in for some bodywork. Some kind of metallic blue with cream leather interior.. or maybe it was light grey, I don't remember. Really nice car with a really annoying immobilizer!
I like the e36 BMWs, however, the e46 is the dream. I anticipate getting one sometime in the near future. It is really hard to find one that hasn't been abused at a reasonable price.
I ❤️ my 98 e36 M3 Sedan!
You could bring one back and do a "budget build", like companies like garagistic instead of Dinan, etc.. not ebay stuff but a mid tier car. Would be a very cool series. A super clean e36 would be awesome though too.
No thanks. I only want good stuff.
@@ObsessedGarage As if that junk from ECS passes for the "good stuff". Steve Dinan is gone.