There are several model options for the BMW E36 M3. There are various different trims and variants, including GT models for consumers who prefer more power and speed.
As a result, the E36 M3’s pricing varies by model, as well as by year and condition. The four-door sedan is often the most basic model of the BMW E36 M3.
Today, these models start at around $20,000. Prices might rise to more than $50,000 depending on the age and condition of the car. These costs are comparable to those in the early years of production. Customers would need to budget about $56,000 for the sedan models if they took inflation into account.
For those who recognize older models that are still in good condition, they are available for less than that. Given the variety of models and trims available, the cost may change depending on the particular model a buyer is looking for.
In This Article...
A BMW E36: Is it worth it?
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.
What is the value of an E36 M3?
According to Hagerty, a good-condition manual E36 M3 today costs between $25K and $30K. Examples in excellent condition are easily worth twice that. And the most expensive US-spec E36s are frequently the 1995-only Lightweight variants.
What kind of engine powers a BMW E36 M3?
The straight-six engine from a BMW S50 powers the E36 M3. The majority of M3 models since have utilized six-cylinder engines, making it the first M3 to do so.
The original 2,990 cc (182 cu in) version produced 320 Nm (236 lbft) at 3,600 rpm and 210 kW (286 PS; 282 horsepower) at 7,000 rpm in the majority of countries. Except for the limited-edition Canadian “M3 Euro-Spec” model, North American versions had the BMW S50B30US engine, which was less potent.
A 3,201 cc (195 cu in) version of the BMW S50 engine was added to the facelift vehicles in late 1995. This engine produces 350 Nm (258 lbft) at 3,250 rpm and 236 kW (316 hp) at 7,400 rpm. Instead, North American vehicles had the BMW S52 engine, which was less potent.
A BMW M3 E36’s top speed?
The production of this BMW 3 Series M3 lasted from 1995 until 1998. It belongs to the 3 Series’ E36 generation. It is a facelift of the 1994 BMW M3, and the 2008 BMW M3 from the current 3 Series generation took its place in 2009. It’s a midsize car with four doors and a front engine that seats five people. The naturally aspirated 3.2 Liter 24v Inline 6 gasoline engine (BMW S50B32), with 317 horsepower, propels this M3 from zero to sixty miles per hour (mph) in 5.5 seconds, with a top speed of 155 mph. It has a curb weight of 3384 pounds, gets an average fuel economy of 26.7 mpg, and has a maximum range of 458 miles on a single fill-up of its 17.2 gallon fuel tank. A six-speed manual transmission is included. 15.4 cubic feet of luggage room and a 915 lb payload limit are available. Last revised on November 30, 2018.
How old are E36 BMWs?
From 1995 until 1999, the E36, a second-generation M3, was sold in the US. The majority are coupes, however sedan variants were produced from 1997 to 1999 (when the coupe’s auto gearbox option was eliminated), and convertible versions were produced from 1998. (when all versions got side airbags as standard)
Describe BMW E30.
The BMW E30, the successor of the E21 3 Series, is the second generation of the BMW 3 Series. It was manufactured between 1982 and 1994. In addition to being the first 3 Series to be produced in 4-door sedan and wagon/estate body types, the model range featured 2-door coupe and convertible body variants. It was propelled by four-, six-, and six-cylinder diesel engines, the latter of which was a first for the 3 Series. The first BMW with all-wheel drive was the E30 325iX.
Built on the E30 architecture, the original BMW M3 model was propelled by the BMW S14 four-cylinder petrol engine, which had a maximum output of 175 kW (235 bhp). On the E30 chassis was also built the BMW Z1 roadster. The E30 started to be phased out in 1990 after the release of the E36 3 Series.
Why are E36 M3 prices so high?
The E46 has a hip combination of curves and athletic style. This M3 is a pleasure to drive, much like the other M3s mentioned before. Its acceleration not only sounds terrific, but it also feels great.
Five years ago, you might have been able to get one for around $10,000 to $15,000, but today, these vehicles can sell for anywhere from $20,000 to $40,000.
The short answer is that they are extremely fun to drive, have excellent build quality, are becoming more and more rare, and look beautiful.
They also have a sizable following among both young and senior people. They are also selling like hotcakes because nostalgia-related things appear to be at the top of people’s purchasing lists at the moment.
However, regardless of how the market for used vehicles develops in the future or how much these great cars cost, regardless of how much they are worth, they will provide their owners a degree of thrill that money simply cannot buy! And that is, quite simply, priceless.
Is the E36 a vintage car?
The current pinnacle of traditional retro appearance, analog performance, contemporary comfort, and affordability is the BMW E36.
For those seeking “The Ultimate Driving Experience,” the BMW 3-Series is a fantastic vehicle. It serves as a link between cheap entertainment and a taste of luxury. 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.
E36 M3: Is it uncommon?
Only 346 of this particular M3 GT were ever produced, and it has a few minor upgrades over the original to provide the most intense driving experience.
Being the middle kid has always been a handicap for the E36 M3. Despite its capabilities, the E30 quickly rose to fame among collectors, with the E46 having to catch up despite the fact that the E36 was the original’s replacement.
But there is one such E36 that has crept past enemy lines, and it’s even better than the ordinary version, as Henry Catchpole explains in this Carfection YouTube video. This version was chosen for their current series since it was a homologation special as opposed to the normal E36, which was created as a result of the original’s commercial success.
The extremely unusual GT variant of the dark green E36 you see here features a number of improvements that only ardent E36 enthusiasts will notice. This extremely uncommon beast was created in just 346 examples. Additionally, no right hand drive versions were available. Although some would disagree, right-hand-drive models had what was known as the “GT Optic Pack” or “GT Individual” installed, which gives a few minor variations to the genuine GT, such as this 1994 version.
The vehicle in this article comes with the full-blown GT package, which includes enticing engine upgrades in addition to chassis and visual improvements. With a new intake manifold, numerous minor improvements to the Vanos management, a BMW Motorsport oil pan, and other factors, the compression ratio is raised to 10.8:1.
Even with all the improvements, the power is only increased to 295 horsepower at 7000 RPM. However, the GT weighs 30 kg less than the basic vehicle, in part because of modifications like the use of aluminum for the doors. Normally, M3s are limited to the infamous 155 mph wall, but the GT does away with such gimmickry, allowing the car to reach a mind-boggling 171 mph peak speed even with a shorter final drive. Not bad for a disguised 3 Series that is 25 years old.
A rear wing, transparent indicator lenses, and adjustable front spoilers are just a few of the exterior’s modest modifications from a conventional automobile. The wing may be the most interesting since, at high speeds, the down force pressures from the part are sufficient to eventually break the boot release. That’s a lot of force.
Is the E36 an inexpensive repair?
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.
Amount of E36 M3 sedans produced
Since 71,242 E36 M3s were produced, they are not the most uncommon M vehicles available. Even so, it’s still a somewhat uncommon car when compared to some of its contemporaries.
Most of those were coupes built to European standards. Only 12,603 E36 M3 sedans and 12,114 convertibles were produced.
A manual M3 is unquestionably uncommon to see in the US. They were more in demand than their automatic counterparts because there were fewer than 5,000 instances sent there.
Despite the M3 being produced in quite high quantities, many of these vehicles have vanished from the market over time. Some have suffered major losses in collisions, some have been disassembled for parts, while others have merely succumbed to the effects of aging and neglect.
So it’s getting harder and harder to acquire a pristine, genuine E36 M3, especially if you’re looking for one of the more sought-after models.