Although the BMW E36 3 Series will always have a particular place in my heart, I am completely aware of how temperamental it can be. Check the back of the side skirts and the rear wheel wells for corrosion if you’re looking for one. It is well known to rust horribly in those places, and mine did too.
The cooling system can also be a major pain. A word of advice: even if you work on it yourself, whenever you need to, have a professional bleed the air out of the coolant system because doing it yourself is frustrating.
Additionally, the VANOS variable valve timing system is susceptible to failure; when it happens, the engine’s front end makes a sound similar to marbles in a tin can. So make sure to check it as well. Check the PCV system while you’re under the hood because it frequently develops an oil leak that also results in a vacuum leak.
Check the idle control valve under the intake manifold, which regulates the idle air intake and can occasionally develop some carbon build-up that stops it from opening, if the engine idles roughly when the engine is first started.
The BMW E36 3 Series is a fantastic entry-level BMW overall. Thanks to its excellent hydraulic steering, it’s affordable, entertaining to drive, and attractive. It also reminds me a little of an old-school BMW. Even if it’s not the most dependable car and will frustrate you, it can be fixed for a reasonable price and by you.
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The E36 3 Series from BMW
The E36 is definitely not an exception to the rule that not all BMWs are created equally. Over the years, BMW has produced some incredible vehicles as well as some duds. Comparing the BMW E36 to the E30, E46, and E90 3 Series models, how does it compare?
One of the best-built vehicles to ever leave the BMW lineup is the E36. The BMW E36 is dependable, gorgeous, reasonably priced, and it handles flawlessly.
But the BMW E36 is far more than its two-sentence summary can convey. You may read about my personal ten-year experience owning multiple BMW E36s in this article. I’ll go through the many benefits of having a BMW E36, as well as some of the E36’s drawbacks, because even though the E36 is a fantastic vehicle, it is far from flawless.
Visit one of my favorite must-have BMW gadgets (a fantastic scanner) by clicking here if you’re interested.
In the market for an E36 318i with roughly 120k miles as a daily driver. Carfax indicates that it has only had one owner and that the control arms and bearings may have just been replaced. What should I be on the lookout for before I buy, according to people who have experience? Is it possible to determine whether the water pump and timing belt have been changed? Though I am doubtful, the cost is only a few thousand dollars. I welcome any suggestions.
Before a tree fell on it, my E36 328i, which had 140k miles, felt more sturdy than my E90, which had 40k. They may have records. Visit an independent store before you buy.
E36 sedans are indestructibly constructed and, in my opinion, have the best styling of any M3 sedan.
For more than ten years, I’ve had an e36 325i and an M3. The cars are fairly dependable, despite not being a 318i, which I believe has a 4-cylinder engine. The plastic thermostat housing and water pump are what have failed in my experience. If it hasn’t already been done, I would replace the radiator along with the entire cooling system. If you do it yourself, it shouldn’t cost more than $300. On the 2.8 or 3.0 engines, the vanos can get noisy over time and develop slow valve cover leaks, which can be fixed in 30 minutes for roughly $30. There is a chain instead of a timing belt.
The rear trailing arm bushings will eventually wear out if the automobile is tracked or dogged.
E36s are reliable vehicles! I recently sold mine, and I’m sorry about it. It had 203k miles on it. The cooling system is the main problem. If you don’t know the history of it, replace it. New expansion tank, water pump, radiator, thermostat, and hoses. You should consider suspension parts such bushings, control arms, struts, shocks, etc. given the vehicle’s age and mileage. But unless the automobile absolutely needed it, I wouldn’t automatically go that route. The power steering hose fittings frequently get loose, which might lead to some leaking. Some people only replace the fittings or clamps; others replace the hoses. It wouldn’t harm to use Besian system seals in place of the VANOS seals. The gasket and seals on the valve cover should be changed. Spark plugs would also be a good idea. Every 100,000 miles, O2 sensors are meant to be replaced.
The bulk of these goods can be changed as you have the time and money, so don’t let this scare you. Complete the cooling system, then put your work on hold. Both the O2 sensors and the power steering fittings were never replaced on my e36. Additionally, compared to an e9x, the e36 is SO much simpler to work on. It will take, at most, one day to rebuild the entire cooling system. 1-2 hours for the valve cover gasket and plugs.
Guide on engine dependability for BMW E36
It makes sense to select the model that will be the most dependable and require the least amount of maintenance when you are shopping for a vehicle as ancient as the E36 generation 3 series. Here is a list of the benefits and drawbacks of the majority of the accessible engines.
One of BMW’s less impressive engines. It has a timing belt that needs to be replaced on a regular basis. displays extreme wear.
This engine was carried over to the E36 coupe with a few alterations after being first introduced around the end of the life cycle of the previous E30 generation. use a durable double row timing chain. The rattling of the valve gear is not alarming but can occasionally occur.
the successor to the M40. has a timing chain installed. For the most part, this engine appears to be dependable.
the successor to the M42. with a timing chain yet. Roller rockers enhanced the valve gear. equipped with a few plastic coolant pipes that deteriorate over time. One is behind the engine and is challenging to replace without pulling the engine or transmission. [Edit: I’ve now learned that all that has to be done to replace this pipe is to remove the valve cover.]
The oil filter housing gasket on the M44 also leaks. This is the most likely reason if you frequently leave a lot of oil on the ground where you park. Thankfully, they can be changed very quickly.
has a timing chain installed. Early models (1991 and 1992) did not have variable valve timing for inlet valves, however later models did. block of sturdy iron with an aluminum head.
substitute for the M50. equipped with an adjustable valve timing system on both the inlet and exhaust valves and a timing chain. Because it is made of aluminum, the block dislikes being overheated and head gasket replacement might cause stripped threads. There have been some issues with oil consumption brought on by Nikasil cylinder linings, bore glazing, or oil separator valve. Many engine blocks had their warranties updated.
The M52’s VANOS system can have issues, just like the majority of BMW engines with this technology.
The cooling system on all BMW engines is known to require routine maintenance. I only had to replace one water pump in the more than ten years that I have owned BMWs—roughly seven different models. However, in practically every BMW I’ve owned, I’ve had to swap out the thermostat. Overheating has never been a concern for me.
The finest options, in my opinion, are the M42 or M44 for machines with 4 cylinders or the M50 for ones with 6 cylinders.
I would strongly advise avoiding the early M40-powered cars and looking for a later model with the M43 engine if you do decide you want a 318i.
How Much Does a BMW E36 Cost to Maintain?
Most sources agree that the E36 BMW has four difficulties in particular that need to be resolved as soon as possible.
The RWD E36 3-Series was successfully produced by BMW from 1990 to 2000, and in the last ten years, it has had a resurgence in popularity. Nowadays, the top-tier M3 has a nearly cult-like following, as evidenced by the late Paul Walker’s automobile collection. People genuinely believed BMW to be “The Ultimate Driving Machine,” as advertised.
The original MSRP ranged from $21 to $40K, or $42 to $70K in modern currency. A well-engineered, high-performance European car should be relatively expensive to maintain, and that is indeed the case. As a brand, BMW has shown to be relatively unreliable and to have among the highest average maintenance and repair expenditures. It is preferable if you are an eager DIYer with time on your hands if you wish to acquire a 20–30 year old European car and are not independently affluent.
Most sources agree that the E36 has four key problems that need to be resolved as quickly as possible. Let’s find out what those might cost.
E36 M3 reliability
Reliability of the BMW E36 M3 These cars, like any BMW, are excellent and often trouble-free IF they were maintained by the previous owner. However, purchasing one today means the vehicle is likely well over 100,000 kilometers old.
Which BMW is the most dependable?
When it comes to the creation of sport sedans, BMW has established the benchmark for premium vehicles with the E90 330i that Acura and Volvo aspire to match. The BMW E90 330i is your best option if you’re looking for a sedan that provides the ideal balance of functionality and performance without sacrificing stability and comfort.
The BMW E90 330i is one of the most popular luxury vehicles in the United States and is not only the best-selling model in the 3 Series. It also sold over 336,232 units. Even in the mid-size luxury automobile category, the BMW 3 Series received the Top Safety Pick designation in 2006. The best car options in terms of driver injury prevention and driver restraint features are highlighted by this award.
Is the BMW E36 a vintage car?
The current pinnacle of traditional retro appearance, analog performance, contemporary comfort, and affordability is the BMW E36.
The BMW 3-Series bridges the gap between accessible enjoyment and a taste of luxury, making it a superb vehicle for anyone seeking “The Ultimate Driving Experience.” A sporty sedan may be customized with a broad variety of tunes and components to meet the desires of almost any enthusiast. It should come as no surprise that it has gained a sizable following.
Choosing the best 3-Series might be daunting, even with the abundance of forums. The E36 is currently available for a fair price, offers comparatively modern amenities, and keeps the iconic BMW design. Here is all you need to know about the E36 and how it compares to previous generations before making a purchase.
BMW E36: Is it collectible?
Definitely a collectible vehicle is the E36 M3. It has all the right components: it is uncommon, fashionable, handles superbly, and is a performance icon.
The E36 M3 is one of the most sought-after BMW M vehicles in the world of auto collecting.
It may not be the most sought-after M automobile, but because to its enormous appeal and relative scarcity, it is unquestionably a classic vehicle.
The E36 M3 is unquestionably a vehicle to take into consideration if you’re searching for an investment-grade performance vehicle.
Which BMW has the fewest issues?
The 325i was the entry-level model when the E90 made its début in 2006. A 2.5-liter six-cylinder engine with 215 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque was installed in it. The E90 range was then revised in 2008, and the 325i was replaced with the 328i. It had a 2.8-liter six-cylinder engine that produced 200 lb-ft of torque and 230 horsepower. The 268-hp 330i, according to BimmerLife, is one of the most potent naturally-aspirated BMWs ever produced.