[JRF]

I've owned an OG M2, and E36, E46, and e92. The E36 was by far my favorite of the bunch from a pure "fun to drive" standpoint, but, it would be the last one that I'd ever own again. It's one of the few cars that i've owned that I lost a decent amount of money on because of the cost of upkeep and maintenance. My impression of the E36 is that while the drivetrain itself might be relatively bulletproof, the rest of the car is the complete opposite (suspension, cooling, electronics, plastics, seals, interior, etc. etc. etc.).

[John in VA]

Originally Posted by JRF

My impression of the E36 is that while the drivetrain itself might be relatively bulletproof, the rest of the car is the complete opposite (suspension, cooling, electronics, plastics, seals, interior, etc. etc. etc.).

This was the era when the bean counters really affected BMW quality. E34 experienced the same issues.

[f30.jd__]

I'd buy it in a heart beat

[t5motorworks]

Cant beat a e36 m3 sedan

[M-technik-3]

EU spec https://bringatrailer.com/listing/19...mpaign_2648441

[dabernethy]

The e36 is still a blast to drive all these years later. I've had my '95 for about 15 years and will never sell it. Looking to get an e90 m3 to daily but will always return to the e36 for driving enjoyment!

[MParallel]

I love the E36 M3. Was my dream car. In 2013 I had the opportunity to buy one after finding a mint 78.500km (about 49k miles) example in the motherland.

It's an oddball one. Cabrio (which I love, specially with hardtop on), SMG(1) which isn't as bad as the internets want you to believe. Never had an issue in all these years. In fact, it's fun in a goofy way.
Then it was also loaded with options and what was not there I retrofitted, so I have this super heavyweight example. But I love it. It's just special and only one of 15 LHD 3.2 cabrio's made in Alpine White.

The S50B32 is just awesome. It's a Mr Jakyll and Hide, thanks to that chunk of aluminium magic box, beter known as Double Vanos. So besides having this amazing top end, it also has enormous amounts of torque. 350nm at just 3250, but even more impressive, 320nm between 2600-6200.

Basically, it has more power and torque at any rev number from all the E36's. So this US S52 excuse of: we don't need the S50, because we like more lazy, torquey cars. Yeah that can go straight out the window.

From all the E36's the E36 M3 3.2 is the one to have. And don't get me started on the GT. A slightly better S50B30 in an ugly color, with even worse interior color.

TL-DR: yes

[nunzo]

It is a completely different experience driving US spec and EU back to back. I have both, and I forget to rev out the s50b30 to get the full effect. The s52 just doesn’t come close.