E36 1995 Consumer Guide
Review I bought my 95 brand new in Bellevue, WA. This car has been nothing short of perfect. I had a 12 year old son, a prairie dog with a cage that was 3' x 4', and we skied a lot! We went to the mountains in snow, sleet and rain.we have experienced several tropical storms and hurricanes.we moved to the Arizona desert. This car has taken us here, there and just about everywhere. We had a minor problems in the beginning. Never any engine problems, we have over 230,000 miles and are still going strong.
Wear and tear has had it usual issues, and we are going in for struts this week. Still have original clutch, tranny, (got a rock in the radiator) not the cars fault. Love this car!
Best Features very roomy for my 5'9' frame, can see well out of windows. Cloth interior is tough, no tears, but we have had some spills. Back seats look brand new even though I have hauled some hay and saddles in it. Rugs have seen better days. LOL Lost the antenna a few years back. Car hums along just fine. A/C has never been the best, but then I was living in Seattle when I bought it.
E36 1995 Consumer Guide
If you change your oil regularly, this tried and true 4 cylinder is a gem. I am hoping to reach the $300k club some day. Great gas mileage! Ask me what I don't like, I can't think of anything except I wish it (as well as myself) weren't aging.haha Worst Features One thing that 'used' to bug me was the vent over the radio.
I had that replaced because the little open/close valve slipped, now I just use a toothpick. They don't make them anymore, but I strongly suggest anyone discuss their purchase with a mechanic in the back when the sales person is not looking. Those guys will tell you what you should buy, not the sales guys. I was steered away from a new engine and told go with the old 4 cylinder. I could have spent more, but I didn't. I trusted the mechanics who work on these puppies all day long.
It sure paid off! Review This car is great to drive, lets make that one clear. It's just powerful enough to snap your neck back, but not so much so that it gets you noticed.
It's handling is amazing, acceleration robust, and braking solid. If you love to drive this is your car. I take it out multiple times a week on local hilly and curvy roads and it eats them up. What they say about its maintenance costs are true - if you decide to make the plunge you better have spare cash. I bought mine with 130k for $4k and have dumped in 6k, EASILY over the past six months. If you're looking for a commuter car that just happens to be fun look elsewhere. This car is for those who want the rush and are willing to pay for it.
Best Features It revs to the moon and back (and you're going to want to in order to extract the most performance). Windows with auto up/down function. Sports seats are great (a little narrow maybe, but I'm not exactly small). Electrically adjustable front seats. 50/50 split-folding rear seats. Stock sound is pretty decent. Remote locks/alarm with chirp that sound like MONEY.
Manual transmission (these gears BEG to be rowed). Worst Features The interior space on the e36 is tight (I have plenty of space as a 6'3' driver, however my rear passengers often grumble). The headlights are dim (I'm not sure if it's the fact that mine are old or they're just not as bright as modern setups). I wish the sunroof had an auto open/close feature. The rear folding seats don't have a lock on them so the trunk isn't especially secure. Adjustable steering column would be nice. Review Awesome car.
Be prepared to dish out some money on repairs, but the 'fun'factor of driving it out weighs the price on repairs. You will get looks and compliments as if it is a new bmw. Good on gas,not great.
Turns corners awesome, and you can drive 130 mph on highway and feel like you driving 60. Be prepared after 100,000 miles, brakes,radiator,exhaust,clutch, and few others. Nothing major.
But definitely will dish out money for maintainence. Best Features speed,cornering,looks,'cool' factor, Worst Features get a better cup holder, and needs to be a little wider, kind of squishy in the seat. I am 6 foot 3 though. Review Bought my 1995 318i in 2005 with 165,000 km (about 102,000 miles) on it - it now has 217000km (about 135000 miles) on it. It also has rusted out rockers and right rear fender, cracked windshield, the cluster (mph,tach etc) no longer works, lower control arms are shot, struts shot, won't idle, and the drivers seat (it's cloth) is worn out.
I have replaced the alternator, starter, O2 sensors 3 times, MAF (twice) and innumerable other smaller items for a total repair bill of about $3000 I paid $5000 for the car in 2005.it's now worth about $500. BMWs are fine.if you're willing to spend upwards of $1500 a year on repair and maintenance. Review I received the car in high school from my dad with 56,000 miles on it. I wish I would have taken care of it better while I was in high school because this car would have lasted another 100,000 miles.
The car has 178,000 miles on it now and I need new tires, but I am going to upgrade to a newer 2004 BMW 330xi. I love this car because it is fun to drive and has classic looks to it.
Still till this day I love looking at the car - it is beautiful. Best Features 5 speed manual (original) and handling. Worst Features the fog lights, interior materials (the interior ceiling cloth is starting to become unglued), and electronics (windows dont work sometimes and the ignition switch went a year ago ($800).