I also have automatic E36 m3, not a bad car at all! And It didn't break the bank. You can totally still get it loose if you take off the first throttle body and do the 90 degree boot. You won't be able to predict your shifts as good but it still works!
M3 automatics have never been "money shifted" and are more often stock and not riced out. I have a 99 M3 coupe (5spd) and a 98 M3 sedan (auto). I'm swapping the 98 to a 6 spd soon.
i don't know if you still read the comments, however my dad bought an e36 m3 automatic when we moved to the US about 16 years ago and now that I am 16 myself, he gave it to me. I don't plan on trans swapping it because I personally love how it is now. I also grew up with this car, and it's like a sibling almost. It honestly makes me sad that so many people shit on the automatic version and call it a fake m3, when although idk how to drive a manual, I don't think the automatic is bad at all. As much as the manual probably is better, I stand by saying the automatic is still incredible. Hope I can get a reply w your thoughts
yeah man! for daily driving its ok, not as fun or engaging to drive. it's not a bad transmission at all, but the main thing that makes these old BMW's so much fun to drive is the old school binary feel mechanical feel. if you take an auto up to a canyon or to a track day or drifting, that's when the transmission really falls short compared to a manual. if you like the auto trans then keep it! no shame in enjoying the car.
The "coupe" looks better I guess, but the 4dr sedan is way more comfortable (IMHO) and it definitely handles better. The chassis on the 4dr is way stiffer. Add the vert front x-brace to either car and it's a huge improvement!
3 Series are like lego.. you buy the autos, then buy an auto box for a sixteeth of the price of the car, then just buy a clutch kit and flywheel, pedal assembly (litterally any E36's pedal assembly would work) and you double the value of the original manual car.. just take advantage of everyone else's ignorance and don't complain about it imo...
I got mine for 6.5k with 116k miles (auto) compared to one I saw which was in the same exact condition, and that one was 13k with 139k miles (manual)...
I daily a 92’ 325i with an Automatic. I’ve had four other E36’s and my 92’ is my first auto. It’s slushy machine of a transmission. But there’s a plus too it being auto, the car itself is minty. One owner old lady, Original paint, and everything works. I plan too swap to a manual which isn’t difficult. So if you want a mint pod condition get an auto. Put the work in for the swap and you’ll have a the best Beamer out of all you’re broke Beamer buddies.
I can’t wait for your build series. I got my auto-tragic E36 as a hand me down from my parents so I certainly can’t complain. It was an amazing first car. Now that I have a daily driver and the e36 has become my project/autocross car, I really want to do the manual conversion. I’m reasonably mechanically inclined, but I’m still nervous about how difficult the swap is. Your videos were a lifesaver for me when I replaced my head gasket so I definitely don’t want to start the swap until you put out some videos on it.
I cant wait to start the swap. I will say that the manual swap is grunt work, not specialty work. if you can successfully replace a headgasket, the manual swap will be a cakewalk. its just alot of heavy lifting under the car, but everything just unbolts and re-bolts.
In theory, S-sport is supposed to hold shifts longer under acceleration and deceleration. E- is economy for getting up to 5th and converter lock-up the fastest to maximize MPG and M- is for when you are moving the shifter up/down. Since the trans and its TCU is leftover late 80's early 90's technology, it far behind the ZF5HP-19 that the next-gen cars got with tip-Tronic shifting. I have an auto 97 M3 and rebuild the VB at about 125k and also have a Dinan E-prom. After resetting adaption values the trans shifts great but after 1000 miles of regular driving, it goes back to what it just learned. I recommend to anyone who wants to keep their car a 2-peddle, replace the plastic check balls and screen in their VB, and replace filter and fluid often. I tried out several different diffs ratios and going from the stock 3:38 to a 3:73 with 3 clutches was the best performance mod you can do.
@@ajl0426 Since this 1995 car covered 140k miles already and I only drove it just to get from point A to point B. How often do I have to replace trans filter and fluid so it will last for a good while longer. Also do you recommend that I should use the S-sport mode once in a while. Cause I don't think I ever use that mode since I bought it as a used car back in 2005 with 80K miles on it at that time.
@@potencianocarin2303 I always use S mode on surface streets and in traffic. I put it in E mode only on the interstate. In cold weather start offs, I use M mode and shift to 2nd-3rd leaving my subdivision, this will keep it from upshifting to 4th, generate heat faster for better shifting sooner. Change to S or E mode when done with M mode. If you have never replaced the TPS(Throttle Position Sensor) get a good 1 from FCP euro since that will get a bad spot on its sweep and cause erratic shifting. Fluid and filter service is a judgement call at this point. If they have never been done, drain the fluid in a clean container and change the filter with a ZF filter and reuse the old fluid. Top off with fresh fluid. If you do a service with 5+ quarts of fresh fluid, it "could" cause problems on high mileage transmission(this applies to all wet clutch /converter) transmissions. Find a local ZF trans specialist and consult with them if you do not want to do it yourself. If you take it a non ZF specialist you might get mis-information which could cost you a trans. I use the OE green style fluid in my trans and see zero need to ever use red ATF!!!!!
@@ajl0426 thanks for the info. And one more thing all of a sudden the fog lights is stop working. Just wondering cause I tried changing the fuse or it could be something else. What's your opinion?
Tits! Was hoping you were going say diy for the 5spd swap. When my 98 323 coupe 5spd blows up I might follow your approach to M3 ownership. Very interesting 🤔.....
i wanna learn how to drive stick but i dont have a stick to drive lmao, and since im chilling with a min wage job, i dont feel like like buying a second car just to learn stickp
Lmao Im trying to sell my 1998 323is with an automatic however I have like 3 boxes of spare parts including a zf 5 speed and driveshaft for a swap. Its been on the market for a month now...
Bruh, 5k USD for a auto sedan E36 is the same as manual sedan E36 in Malaysia. *cries in poor* I really want to buy a manual e36 but I don't got much miney on me. Bruh
@@M3NACE thank youuuuuuu ❤️ so i out it on Manual mode then i can swutch from 2 to 4 then to D and i can down shift to right i just need to put it on Manual ?
So I know completely nothing about car but this car I’ve always been looking at. I don’t like driving manual so would it still be worth me getting the automatic ? Even though I’m not looking to upgrade or do much to it
Well I know it is too late, since it's been a year since you commented, however if you still are considering an automatic, from personal experience as a 16 year old getting his license soon, the e36 m3 automatic really makes me so happy. I don't know how to drive manual but plan to at some point, however my auto m3 really shoots a love arrow thru my heart and I love it so much.
Good advice! Automatic E36's are where the hidden gems can be found.
I also have automatic E36 m3, not a bad car at all! And It didn't break the bank. You can totally still get it loose if you take off the first throttle body and do the 90 degree boot. You won't be able to predict your shifts as good but it still works!
Nice! I just bought a 97 m3 sedan with 262k I am waiting to get it shipped I can’t wait!
M3 automatics have never been "money shifted" and are more often stock and not riced out. I have a 99 M3 coupe (5spd) and a 98 M3 sedan (auto). I'm swapping the 98 to a 6 spd soon.
i don't know if you still read the comments, however my dad bought an e36 m3 automatic when we moved to the US about 16 years ago and now that I am 16 myself, he gave it to me. I don't plan on trans swapping it because I personally love how it is now. I also grew up with this car, and it's like a sibling almost. It honestly makes me sad that so many people shit on the automatic version and call it a fake m3, when although idk how to drive a manual, I don't think the automatic is bad at all. As much as the manual probably is better, I stand by saying the automatic is still incredible. Hope I can get a reply w your thoughts
yeah man! for daily driving its ok, not as fun or engaging to drive. it's not a bad transmission at all, but the main thing that makes these old BMW's so much fun to drive is the old school binary feel mechanical feel. if you take an auto up to a canyon or to a track day or drifting, that's when the transmission really falls short compared to a manual. if you like the auto trans then keep it! no shame in enjoying the car.
How many miles do you have on it?
@@hudgypudgy2960 just hit 158k
The "coupe" looks better I guess, but the 4dr sedan is way more comfortable (IMHO) and it definitely handles better. The chassis on the 4dr is way stiffer. Add the vert front x-brace to either car and it's a huge improvement!
3 Series are like lego.. you buy the autos, then buy an auto box for a sixteeth of the price of the car, then just buy a clutch kit and flywheel, pedal assembly (litterally any E36's pedal assembly would work) and you double the value of the original manual car.. just take advantage of everyone else's ignorance and don't complain about it imo...
exactly lmao "Its Auto" well watch it wont be
Buying an E36 M3 automatic for $3500 tomorrow! its a perfect daily, dailying a drift car gets a little upsetting in 104 degree weather.
I got mine for 6.5k with 116k miles (auto) compared to one I saw which was in the same exact condition, and that one was 13k with 139k miles (manual)...
When you swap it you’ll be able to sell it for way more
I daily a 92’ 325i with an Automatic. I’ve had four other E36’s and my 92’ is my first auto. It’s slushy machine of a transmission. But there’s a plus too it being auto, the car itself is minty. One owner old lady, Original paint, and everything works. I plan too swap to a manual which isn’t difficult. So if you want a mint pod condition get an auto. Put the work in for the swap and you’ll have a the best Beamer out of all you’re broke Beamer buddies.
+1 for mint automatic's
M3NACE check out my beam on my IG: Mikeyz36 .... I’ll shoot a follow back of course
How many miles coupe
Or sedan?
I love the automatic! I bought my second one. My wife has a 5 speed 328
I can’t wait for your build series. I got my auto-tragic E36 as a hand me down from my parents so I certainly can’t complain. It was an amazing first car. Now that I have a daily driver and the e36 has become my project/autocross car, I really want to do the manual conversion. I’m reasonably mechanically inclined, but I’m still nervous about how difficult the swap is. Your videos were a lifesaver for me when I replaced my head gasket so I definitely don’t want to start the swap until you put out some videos on it.
I cant wait to start the swap. I will say that the manual swap is grunt work, not specialty work. if you can successfully replace a headgasket, the manual swap will be a cakewalk. its just alot of heavy lifting under the car, but everything just unbolts and re-bolts.
I just bought a 97 m3 sedan with 262k automatic. Looking forward to having it shipped!
How is it
@@bossmanq6504 sold it.
How WAS it?
99 M3 auto had the best automatic fastest shifting
Im looking at an e36 m3 vert with 64k miles and an automatic for 7500 bucks.
Viktor Dimitrovski I’ll sell u mine
Viktor Dimitrovski 3500
@@Inthesticks541 u still selling ?
What a steal
I wanted one I can't find automatics Coupe near me at all I'm in Tampa Florida
I have a very rare auto m3 for sale in Tampa if you’re still looking!
I own an e36 M3 automatic but I'm not planning for a manual conversion however can you explain how does the transmission mode selector function?
In theory, S-sport is supposed to hold shifts longer under acceleration and deceleration. E- is economy for getting up to 5th and converter lock-up the fastest to maximize MPG and M- is for when you are moving the shifter up/down. Since the trans and its TCU is leftover late 80's early 90's technology, it far behind the ZF5HP-19 that the next-gen cars got with tip-Tronic shifting. I have an auto 97 M3 and rebuild the VB at about 125k and also have a Dinan E-prom. After resetting adaption values the trans shifts great but after 1000 miles of regular driving, it goes back to what it just learned. I recommend to anyone who wants to keep their car a 2-peddle, replace the plastic check balls and screen in their VB, and replace filter and fluid often. I tried out several different diffs ratios and going from the stock 3:38 to a 3:73 with 3 clutches was the best performance mod you can do.
@@ajl0426 Since this 1995 car covered 140k miles already and I only drove it just to get from point A to point B. How often do I have to replace trans filter and fluid so it will last for a good while longer. Also do you recommend that I should use the S-sport mode once in a while. Cause I don't think I ever use that mode since I bought it as a used car back in 2005 with 80K miles on it at that time.
@@potencianocarin2303 I always use S mode on surface streets and in traffic. I put it in E mode only on the interstate. In cold weather start offs, I use M mode and shift to 2nd-3rd leaving my subdivision, this will keep it from upshifting to 4th, generate heat faster for better shifting sooner. Change to S or E mode when done with M mode. If you have never replaced the TPS(Throttle Position Sensor) get a good 1 from FCP euro since that will get a bad spot on its sweep and cause erratic shifting. Fluid and filter service is a judgement call at this point. If they have never been done, drain the fluid in a clean container and change the filter with a ZF filter and reuse the old fluid. Top off with fresh fluid. If you do a service with 5+ quarts of fresh fluid, it "could" cause problems on high mileage transmission(this applies to all wet clutch /converter) transmissions. Find a local ZF trans specialist and consult with them if you do not want to do it yourself. If you take it a non ZF specialist you might get mis-information which could cost you a trans.
I use the OE green style fluid in my trans and see zero need to ever use red ATF!!!!!
@@ajl0426 thanks for the info. And one more thing all of a sudden the fog lights is stop working. Just wondering cause I tried changing the fuse or it could be something else. What's your opinion?
Tits! Was hoping you were going say diy for the 5spd swap. When my 98 323 coupe 5spd blows up I might follow your approach to M3 ownership. Very interesting 🤔.....
kind of a different view point on buying the car noone wants lol
i wanna learn how to drive stick but i dont have a stick to drive lmao, and since im chilling with a min wage job, i dont feel like like buying a second car just to learn stickp
Lmao Im trying to sell my 1998 323is with an automatic however I have like 3 boxes of spare parts including a zf 5 speed and driveshaft for a swap. Its been on the market for a month now...
it will sell eventually my dude! if not swap it and call it a day!
still for sale?😂
Bruh, 5k USD for a auto sedan E36 is the same as manual sedan E36 in Malaysia.
*cries in poor*
I really want to buy a manual e36 but I don't got much miney on me. Bruh
Can i upshift from d4 to D ? With no problems ?
Yes
@@M3NACE thank youuuuuuu ❤️ so i out it on Manual mode then i can swutch from 2 to 4 then to D and i can down shift to right i just need to put it on Manual ?
So I know completely nothing about car but this car I’ve always been looking at. I don’t like driving manual so would it still be worth me getting the automatic ? Even though I’m not looking to upgrade or do much to it
Well I know it is too late, since it's been a year since you commented, however if you still are considering an automatic, from personal experience as a 16 year old getting his license soon, the e36 m3 automatic really makes me so happy. I don't know how to drive manual but plan to at some point, however my auto m3 really shoots a love arrow thru my heart and I love it so much.
@@ballemanden8460 hey and your not to late im actually getting ready to buy a car either next month or after that thanks on the input
Email??
Can i buy it for 2000
what my sedan?
@@M3NACE yup😅😅
@@rumanakubra4860 lmao smack another Zero on there and ill think about it lmao
@@M3NACE 😂😂😂bruh i live in saudi where these cars are rare so i would love an automatic m3
@@M3NACE where can i buy it with a budget of 3000 dollars max