1996 BMW 318is Goes for a Drive

The E36 BMW 318is was an unusual addition to the range, a lively 4 cylinder replaced the usual straight 6, this one is for sale at www.stonecoldclassics.com
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[@FuzzWoof]

The E36 went from being absolutely everywhere and being worth almost pocket change to being a rare sight seemingly almost overnight. I had a 328 that I enjoyed immensely, sold it on after an MoT fail rather than do the (rather extensive!) work and regretted it quite hugely afterwards.

[@farkinarkin5099]

Yeah. I don't know what happened, but the E36 has gone from dime-a-dozen to almost classic status over the past couple of years. The 318is is a gem. Totally a driver's car.

[@kinpump4696]

What are you talking about? I see a e36 sold everyday on offerup/Craigslist/Facebook market place/Instagram pages and from mutual friends they are literally everywhere u just don't go out

[@mathish1477]

Time to get an e46 - it's time is now!

[@autobarn3793]

I agree, I had an E36 328is, sold it about 7 years ago and got my ZHP which I love. That being said, I was just telling someone that the other day, the E36 market has dried up almost overnight. They used to be the most plentiful just a few years ago. Even here in the SoCal market, they’re not as common as before. I was happy to get $3k when I sold mine, I bet I could get double or even triple that in today’s market 😢

[@hellswindstaff91]

Had a 1997 328 sedan manual I sold for only 1500 in 2019 had some floor rust and almost 300k miles I could not keep that car straight it hit a bump on the highway and it'll shoot left 😂 still loved that car

[@matthewgodwin3050]

For me, the cars BMW made in the 80s & 90s are so much more desirable than their offerings today. The E36 in particular is one of their very best. Wonderful things to drive.

[@julienbee3467]

Even the estate version was nice

[@LOTPOR0402]

Ones of today are to big to complicated and to ugly .Like a lot of makes though

[@julienbee3467]

@@LOTPOR0402 what do you think of mazda 3 style ?

[@LOTPOR0402]

@@julienbee3467 Not a lot

[@LOTPOR0402]

@Peter Ian Staker Cars got to the point 15/20 years ago that there was enough electronic rubbish

[@martsec9330]

I had an E36 328i. Loved that car. My Dad was ill and the hospital phoned to say you had better get here. I got there in time to say bye to my Dad. The 328 got me there in time, I wouldnt of asked for another car to do what it did

[@JustinSeara]

Okay Jeremy Clarkson

[@rivolinho]

Back in 2007, a couple of years after getting my licence at the ripe old age of 24, I sold my fiesta and bought a low mile, one careful owner '94 e36 coupe in hellrot red. They weren't worth much and were still a very common sight on the roads. Over the years, I had a couple of dings and scuffs repaired, a couple of panels resprayed and changed out the interior for full black leather. I learned basic maintenance on my e36 and have religiously kept that up over the last 15 years. It looks and feels like it rolled out of the showroom in '94. Its now a summer classic that only gets driven for 3/4 months. I know I'm getting old because when it was my daily, no one gave it a second glance. Now it gets recognised as an old car and I get the odd thumbs up or smile.

[@MGR99]

I got a '91 318i back in the end of November, never been in an e36 prior to that, nor wanted one that much due to the general gits that drive them, but when looking at whats available as an entry level enthusiast car, nothing else came close. And I've got to say I adore pretty much everything about it, just feels so good, is dead easy to work and fix, parts are cheap and plentiful. And I think I've given the e36 bug to the rest of the town I live in, before e36s were pretty rare, but now I see new ones driving around.😁

[@lrs3]

For some reason I just adore this generation of 3 series - just something about them I love

[@matthewking5612]

I've had 5, 4x 328 and one 323. The e46's is a far superior car.

[@amigachris]

@@matthewking5612 the e46 is really sort of an E36 mk2. actually prefered the unloved E36 compact over regular 36s..

[@OzSaudarna]

@@matthewking5612 you think? I found the e36 to be a much better handling car than the e46

[@anthonyredmond6713]

I spent a year working for a BMW dealership back in 1996-97 as a collection / delivery driver. Myself & 2 other guys would collect cars from customers for repairs, servicing etc & return them when the work was completed, would also bring up new cars from s compound to the dealership. Spent a year driving beamers new, nearly new & some rarities / classics & got paid for it, can't really call it work! We used to argue amongst ourselves over the E36 316 (the most numerous model we came across it seemed) "You take this one, I've already had 3 of these today" Lol. 😁 Good memories.

[@yrasphong]

I love the older buttons and switches, they don't have that rubber coating on the buttons like the newer generation BMWs and u are right about the older manuals the clutch is like a Honda clutch..it's so easy to operate..the older BMW clutch was so smooth while the newer ones are so stiff..like u need incredible hulk legs to push down the clutch..lol

[@tz6414]

I am by no means a bmw fanboy, but my boss had a 3 series back in 92. I drove it few times and despite being a 4 pot, the quality and handling was something special. It just drove so well, slick gearchange, well positioned and balanced pedals, accurate steering.Felt a real drivers car, streets ahead of the cavalier, mondeo etc of that era.

[@benjaniroberts1984]

I had a E36 328i years ago. Best car I’ve had - so much fun to drive!

[@paulrandomview]

I was given a brand new 318iS in 1996 as a company car. It still sticks in my mind as such a nimble, perfectly balanced car, which was huge fun to drive. I've had many considerably more expensive cars & supercars since, but none of which are as enjoyable to drive as the 318iS. It drove like a go-kart, but was comfortable and very stylish in its day too. Someone else wrote it off unfortunately, and I bought a Z3 (horrendous) and then a 728i (slow but comfy).

[@person.X.]

I had a 1993 318i saloon back in the early 2000s. It certainly wasn't fast but a joy to drive. That cockpit and the manual gear shift are absolute class.

[@Elvis_TheKing]

Hey Furious… fond memories, my dad had a 1997 ‘P’ reg 323i SE in flame red - I absolutely loved it! Probably one of my favourite dashboards of any car ever… those large triangular air vents really do float my boat! 😁 The single-DIN slot at the bottom of the dashboard is where the trip computer would go on higher-spec models (my dad’s had one). The idea behind the rear seatbelts buckling at the outer edges was so that rear passengers wouldn’t be thrown together in an accident. Great review as ever… how are you getting on with the new daily?

[@maxidyne]

Great example of the E36 generation! In my village there is a 1st owner 318is coupe from '95 in dark blue. Always stored in a heated garage. My dad almost bought the competitor of the 318is: Audi 80 Competition. But he didn't like rawness of the engine and bought a 80 2.6 quattro. Enjoyed the video Matt.

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

One of my favourite generations of 3 series the E36, yourself and Thomas Edwards sharing the BMW love this week. Excellent review as always Matt.

[@cheapeach]

Very nice review! Always loved the 318is model, here in Greece we also had a 4 door version of the 318is. That is also a very nice example, minimal equipment, the glovebox isn't hanging and closes firmly (typical problem lol) but the kidney grill is from the last facelift model. It is noteably different. Hope it wasn't involved in an accident. Pretty clean nonetheless. Definitely a strong buy, go for it!

[@G928...]

I had two of these brand new in the 90's and loved them. As a complete package I honestly preferred the 318is to a 328 sport coupe I had later. The 328 sport was over tyred for it's power and as a result the chassis did not have the lightness and adjustability of the 318is.

[@jorgbo3909]

bought a brand new 318is Coupe in 91, dark blue. was the only car at that time that had great design. Tried out a lot of different cars in those years from the Magnum Ferrari, some Mercedes coupes, all the Japanese brands, but none of them had the fun sports car feeling like the 318 with its great fuel economy, just incredible. had kids in 94, so I switch to the 328i stationwagon, which was faster but that feeling was just not the same. Today they look so small, but even for a 6foot2 guy like me it was perfect. beautiful to see it again...

[@bekabeka71]

What’s the fuel economy? Should I get 4 cylinder or 6 cylinder

[@markonmotoring]

As a teenager I managed to blah a ride in a neighbours E36 four door saloon. It had steel wheels with trims and grey bumpers but I seem to recall it being a straight six engine and being incredibly smooth. At the time these looked really modern with the wrap around dash and those headlamps covers smoothing the shape but retaining some of the E30 styling cues. Much like yourself Ive spent the last few days struggling with a new, modern daily car. The world we know is changing fast.

[@vspencer9764]

I love the M44 and it really is a forgotten gem and loved it so much in my Z3 that for a winter runabout I bought a Ti so I could have another M44 engine. The problem is the Ti was an immaculate low mileage one owner example so I never ended up using it as a winter car so I then ended up somehow with 5 cars as you do. But out of all my cars the Ti is my favourite as it’s basically a sporty E30 on the cheap and it even gets an E30 looking dash. I’ve never had a single issue on any of my M44 engines as they really are perfection but one of mine has a slightly lumpy idle which is common and apparently when the cars were new you could take them back under warranty to alter the timing slightly to cure it but you lost a couple of BHP. I even got a letter in the post last year for a safety recall for an airbag and a steering joint and can’t fault service like that on a 26 year old car but I was happy to give the courtesy 1 series back for my E36 keys.

[@furiousdriving]

You've nailed the perennial problem - buy a beater, its too good, buy another beater...

[@wernvt35]

Very nice. In South Africa we only had the 4 door version of this car. The later models changed from 318iS to 318i when an automatic was introduced....at least in South Africa as these cars were manufactured here and exported to other countries. Oh and the colour is Merea Green. Grün is Green in English. Here in South Africa we also called it Petrol Green. I loved the E36, it was my very first BMW; I had an Oxford Green 328i from 1996.

[@rezaq1]

This shape was my favourite and I am well known for my passion. I’ve had 33 I think in my life, most recently of which were a pair of 318Ti M Sport compacts (an early 1.8 and a 1.9). My favourites were: 1995 Dakar yellow M3 3.0 cabriolet with hardtop 1998 Fern Green 328i M Sport touring manual (I’ve seen this on eBay recently, T328 CBK?) 1999 Techno Violet 328i Sport cabrio 1999 M3 3.2 Evo in individual Orinoco Green (my friend dropped an S54 into this, who’s got it now?) 2000 328i M Sport cabriolet 1 of 50 limited in Romantic Red with cream leather/red piping Great, great cars! The only welding I’ve had to do on one was the recent Techno Violet 318Ti which needed a plate and a front anti roll bar mount. I may look for another, but they’re so old and rotten now….

[@gregwhitaker438]

I always wanted an E36 just like this... two door, four cylinder, manual... Genuinely considered selling the Marina to buy one at one stage!

[@bikeman123]

I had a 320 as a company car a few years back. I remember three things about it: the rubber layer peeled off the interior door handles, two it was so slow and three it seemed worn out at 3 years/6000 miles despite regular servicing.

[@organiccold]

The E36 one of my last BMWs i like, and the 318is engine is a lots of fun and sounds nice. The DIN 1 box is where the on board computer will go in the most equipped versions

[@mpw621]

great video! I have a US 97 manual 318is with over around 206k miles. It is a great running car and handles well. The only drawback is the repair bills are expensive but now a days most cars are costly to repair.

[@GentilsGarage]

Great review as alwaysZ I had a 1992 318is coupe many years ago and loved it. Very reliable and good on fuel for the type of car. Wish I never sold it!

[@robc5955]

Chap I worked for in the early 90’s turned up at the university I subsequently studied at in the mid 90’s (no idea why he was there) anyway, he said you can do me a favour I’ve parked on yellow lines can you take my car round the block a few times and chucked me the keys (he was that type of guy) anyway it was a new one of these I later found out he’d picked up that morning from bmw in Newcastle, so with about 20 miles on the clock I drove it round Newcastle for about 1/2 an hour seemed like it was made from solid rock and so responsive. I’ve never driven one since.

[@E92M3Guy]

Thats the most immaculate example I've ever seen. Anyone that specs factory fitted mudflaps ( a pricey option back then....) is my kind of OCD owner. 👍👍👏👏

[@spainter1985]

Had an E36 325TDS manual about 14 years ago, great economy and even sounded good for a diesel!

[@petertrinder3127]

Great review as usual Matt , only had1 BMW in my driving life this looks a lovely old one

[@beautgrainger147]

I had a compact for a few years.. didn't want one but it was too tidy to pass on. My favourite car so far, and by far. The seats are pretty good, you can tweak the adjustments to gain a bit of foot room underneath. It's fair to say there's nothing new comparable today, and really, even the 1.6 was pretty good for what it was and when.

[@paultaylor9652]

A beautiful example of a very popular car of it's time, I would own one over any equivalent BMW nowadays Matt, today they are built around technology which will date very quickly and price for PCP/finance deals like many other new cars

[@ebutuoyYT]

I understand the appeal of the 318is when new, as you would have saved a fair whack on upfront price, tax and insurance, as a used buy I could not overlook the calling of a BMW 2.5 straight six.

[@phillipevans9414]

Tab Ber. Have to agree, I had a E46 325Ci (with MSport pack) for a while a few years ago, and it was simply wonderful to drive, with just the right amount of performace for public roads, and still economical on a run. Cheers!

[@LOTPOR0402]

The straight six was part of the BMW package .And i am sure that these 4 cyl model suffered rom head gasket problems

[@rhodriedwardwilliams]

318is is a better car than the 325 4pot handling is much better and the m42 has lots of tuning potential plenty of 200bhp m42’s about on YT

[@steveberridge4648]

These are such good value. Miles better than an E30 IMO. Get it bought!!!!

[@yeungng6825]

That’s so clean! Most under rated era of 3.

[@Lot76CARS]

My mum had a cooking ‘92 316i and that really handled well, so with a bit more power I guess this E36 would be a really enjoyable prospect for the back roads. The colour is Morea Green BTW…

[@faustinaadu2284]

love Love LOVE the E36! My parents had one. So desirable and brilliant in every way. You should get a 325TDS or 320i if u can find one. Next project 👀

[@martinsvensson6884]

Or a 323i, 325i or 328i..

[@markbennett2170]

Recently purchased a 318is with an Automatic 4 speed box. Love it!

[@mikes747]

I had one in that exact colour! Rust unfortunately claimed it many years ago! Great car!

[@RussellSmithOmegaW]

I had one of these in a kind of gunmetal grey. The 1.9. Absolutely brilliant car; I'd say one of the best I owned quite comfortably. I was very sad when I lost it to a particularly nasty breakdown but treasured the time I had with it. Most memorably I found a road in Wales (The Devil's Pass or something similar) in which I had the most amazing drive. Decent on fuel too; I'd get a fair bit out of a full tank. Could recommend the 318iS to anyone.

[@jtothew4201]

I had one of these sold it for £700 not all that long ago. Must admit the rust was starting to become a problem on the body, the water pump was always an issue would go every 3 or 4 years. Loved that car though done 600 miles a week in it. I remember the very cool jack worked well.

[@jackhewitson1884]

The e36 is such a hidden gem of a car. Handsome to look at, brilliant to drive and reliable. They make a great modern classic daily driver. If I ever had one I’d like one with black paint and the sand coloured leather interior.

[@markdoyle6414]

I had a 316 coupe for 45 thousand miles. I really loved it, not fast but fine for me. Cooling was always a problems but lovely to drive. Replaced it with an e39 525i sport, dials look pretty identical to the e36's. I never liked the look of the centre vent for some reason.

[@Medge2sc]

I had one of these in sport trim as a 20 year old in 2006… was my introduction to bmw and have since had 17 others … currently have a e30 325 and a e39 540 sport but wish I had the 318is still

[@johnrayner3940]

I had an E36 328i manual saloon and, apart from my 987 Boxster, it was the best driver's car I've ever owned, beating my Clio 182, Toyota MR2 Roadster and BMW 130i manual. It was just so well sorted. Why? Well, chassis engineering must have played a big part. But I think the donut tyres - 205/60 15 - were a big help. They delivered feel, feedback and communication from very low speeds

[@TheLuisg92]

I had the opportunity to see up in detail and ride on a beautiful jade green example when I was a kid and those cars were fairly recent. I still remember that wonderful smell of older BMWs and going through all the factory booklets, which were absolutely exquisite with lots of high quality pictures that reinforced the image of prestige that came from owning a BMW. They were really nice cars back then but all of a sudden they became clunkers and now is rare to see one on the road

[@michaelstaunton1632]

A very enjoyable & interesting video on the BMW keep up the good work on your channel 🎥👍

[@virgilrytaar9083]

I've had 3 of these and I class them ad borderline perfect. Gonna buy another 1

[@alextoft9199]

Lovely car. Have to say though. I'd choose a slightly later B6-7 A4. Had them growing up and always loved the styling. Still a beautiful interior, built like tanks and lovely refined drive. 🙂

[@CarsofGlasgow]

Great video! I seen a 3 series compact yesterday and I was thinking I havent seen them in a while

[@64bakes]

I used to have one of these in Morea green as well. Mine was an early 96' N plater. I miss it sometimes as it was mechanically very reliable, went well and was fun when pushed. They do suffer from rusty rear arches and the bottoms of the front wings. The M Sport seats in mine were an optional extra and were a bit uncomfortable on the lower back for long journeys. Apart from that though, great cars and would certainly have another.

[@danielrussell446]

that would be an amazing addition to the furious fleet could see you enjoying driving it such lovely cars a friends mom and dad had one new - go for it matt! you could do content on enjoying driving it like you are now!

[@ashleygreen3462]

I have owned 2 e36s and loved both of them, never had any issues with either of them unlike all 3 e46s i owned which all went wrong. Had an e36 cabriolet that i paid 400 pounds for 8 yrs ago, it was a minter just needed an mot. Then rather foolishly sold it for a e46 323ci that gave me problems. Love that cabriolet back as its worth a lot more than 400 now!, big regret in my car history 😣

[@landlord4697]

My days I just fund one in Brazil , e36 4c. 1.8si manual transmission! 157km. The man just drive in weekends! I’m goin to buy.

[@morgman43]

Sorry to say it Matt, but I never found peace with an auto box. I bought my first (and only) auto in 2018 because I wanted to scratch the V8 itch and the 5.0 Jaguar XK was by far the best all-rounder at the money. I thoroughly loved that car, but the gearbox frustrated (despite it being the fabled ZF 'box) and I finally traded it in this spring for a 2019 MX5. Fuel costs aside, the main draw of the Mazda was its fantastic manual box, which is just about perfect. Maybe I could make peace with a family car having a slusher, but not in the sports car.

[@furiousdriving]

I think Im like you, I love everything else about the car but just cant get on with the auto

[@RichieRouge206]

The E36 was one of the last decent engineered and non-complicated BMWs. You never see E36s anymore, E46s are fast disappearing too. Great video Matt

[@furiousdriving]

They were undervalued for so long lots got drifted and scrapped. couple of years ago I won one in a raffle for £10 but it was in Scotland and had too much rust to get an MOT and wasnt worth the transport cost of a few hundred pounds - incredible now!

[@fritzkuhne2055]

these are pretty under appreciated. they are still everywhere

[@martinboulden4388]

Great video of a blast from the past !

[@andrewgardner9615]

My dad had an earlier K reg 318is Black no sunroof or spoiler with folding rear seats(which was better than the saloon of the time)very nice and I think the earlier ones had nicer upholstery.Wasn't a 318is also made in the E30?Using the same engine as the earlier mark 3s.

[@louisboshoff9142]

Thanks Matt, good video. I had the 318iS sedan in the 90's. First a 318i, and after that the 320i. The 318iS was the best the 320i being a bit torque-less as it was pre Vanos. You did not mention the the E36 was manufactured in South Africa. BMW has had a production facility here from 1975. Producing RH drive 3 series untill the latest X3 was launched, then switched to that. Cars are exported to the UK as well as other RH drive markets.

[@furiousdriving]

Listing the factories is the hardest part, its like a memery quiz game! Not only did BMW build many cars there, a lot were SA specific bigger engine versions

[@louisboshoff9142]

@@furiousdriving Yes and we are very proud if cars like the E23 745i and E30 325iS, tje second one was homolagated for productionsaloon car racing making it available to the public. Unfortunately we never had the E30 M3 here.

[@Negativvv]

Had a 328i but it died from HGF :-( Was going to get an E46 330i but ended up turning to Alfa Romeo.... Anyway the 328 was excellent, not the fastest thing ever but more than sufficiently rapid as the engine was tuned for low down torque.

[@goclunker]

I had a 95 318is a long time ago. Need to ring its neck to get moving. A dasc supercharger makes a big difference. A e36 is not a e36 without an inline 6 though. I now have a e36m3

[@kenhoneyman8060]

I just Love driving my E36 M3 4door saloon . I won’t part with it for anything . It’s my second E36 and I just can’t fault it . There’s just something about the E36 shape that’s so appealing .

[@DjNikGnashers]

Very good cars, well made. Had two, a 318i saloon, and a 328i coupe (which was awesome).

[@Jam3sA]

Matt, I think perhaps you have the acceleration times for the automatic? From memory, these hit 60 in 9 seconds, so a step behind the hot hatches of the day, but better than your typical two-litre rep-fodder

[@furiousdriving]

It sounds slow, but it also feels it, so maybe thats the 1.8 time?

[@planestrainsdogsncars4336]

This was only slightly before BMW thought their designs were becoming too bland and never changing . Enter Chris Bangle ..with mixed results verging on the negative. Who would have thought 26 years later we would be asking '' Can we please have Chris Bangle back? ''.

[@calumevans1160]

This spec looks absolutely divine

[@MaximilianvonPinneberg]

The rear seatbelts had the catches on the outer for safety to make it easier for emergency services to unclick them. However I guess with the Coupe, they used the architecture of the saloon.

[@stevefreeman730]

My brother ordered one in 93. His was red 4 cylinder 5 speed with limited slip, with a cloth interior no sunroof. The mechanic at the dealership told him that the fabric interior means it has sport suspension, 1" lower than a leather interior car. Leather interior includes a sunroof.

[@furiousdriving]

weird way to force a combination, but this does look lower than normal

[@stevefreeman730]

@@furiousdriving kinda odd way of getting that option. They don't tell you are that getting and cloth was almost 1000 dollar option. Leather was 2000 and your come with a sunroof too.

[@rivolinho]

Mine came with cloth, a sunroof and had the sport suspension

[@amigachris]

M42 went pretty well in the E30 318is and the E36 318ti (compact)

[@SA-zoom1]

The 318iS was always a great car and was better than the 320i 6cyl. Having driven many many e36 beemers (inc M3 & M3 evo) the iS was a fun car and it felt light and delicate, it should not be confused with the embarrassingly slow 316i & 318i.

[@mercedesw211classic]

Best value for money sport coupe many years now. But it's difficult to find a good one...

[@hellswindstaff91]

I've had 2 of these 318 over the last 23 years regretfully sold them both. Currently restoring a 1992 325i 5 speed and with LSD that I am keeping forever

[@davidhall7744]

That was peak BMW interior design era IMHO Matt 😉

[@markc3884]

I had the 4dr saloon of this & it was a great car. Same colour as this one but with tan leather seats

[@stewartjmurray]

A friend had one as his second car back when we were 18. This was in 2000 so it what still quite new. Great car his was dark blue not sure of the colour name. He crashed it, of course! Great memories. (His was the earlier motor one which I think is more special)

[@furiousdriving]

Wow, thats a really unusual car for an 18 year old then and now!

[@ACDC1998Zippo]

The E36 is a great car, with a timeless design, an engine and body shape for everyone, but it just got way to expensive for what it is imo. It is just as expensive as an E30, but not as desirable to me. Further more E36s attract some really shady people and it is our police´s favourite car to pull over (mainly because of those shady drivers).

[@Cichlid_Visuals]

what a beautiful example i absolutely love the color and interior

[@SampleTracks2224]

A few bhp less than the 320i and the same torque, but lighter and quicker to steer. However, the E36 was notably heavier than the E30 which meant it lost just a little of the original E30 318is's bite. But, great engine that was tough and well specced from the factory - forged crank and the likes.

[@andydoano7912]

The 'wrong way seatbelts' are a hangover from commonality between coupe and convertible, which had no C pillar for belt anchors.

[@mihali9655]

Absolutely beautiful car. My favourite generation of 3 Series. Huge leap forward over the E30 and the E46 was a step backwards with jellymould styling that hasn't aged well. I have a 1997 318i 4 door manual in white that I picked up for $3k Australian when I was 22 - don't know how I managed that price! On another note - I love cars without optional A/C. There's something special about it, A/C is useless anyway, who wants to feel like they're in a meat locker when driving.

[@jaspal666]

I happened to be at the BMW dealer when they had taken delivery of one of the first E36. The ones with the black bumpers. While I was looking at it a fella who's E30 M3 was getting service got in for a test drive... Hey kid, wanna go? Hell yeah! We were gone almost a half hour. I got to drive, we strutted down Stone Dr to impress they ladies in traffic! Good times!!!!

[@Ty4ons]

BMW did those wrong way seatbelts in the back for some time. Saw an old promo video of I think the E32 7 series where they said it was safer since the rear passengers would be pushed away from each other in a crash, but that doesn't seem to apply for modern cars where they moved them back to the outside like all other cars.

[@RoxhamCottage]

I remember my mother test driving a convertible one of these in navy blue, manual. I sat in the back... it was so quick and smooth. She didn't buy it... must have decided it was out of budget.

[@darrenwilson8042]

this and the E30 Touring are among the only BMW's I like

[@flemmingsorensen5470]

One of the most appealing cars that you have tested. Understated cool looks, great mechanics and handling. What happened to BMW...😵‍💫😳

[@lesklower7281]

Matt how many cars from Stone Cold Classics you do review a lot if sell with in a couple of days after you have reviewed them by the way a well researched review or are very smart and remember everything about the car you are reviewing

[@furiousdriving]

Im sure a few go thanks to these!

[@BITTYBOY121]

I believe there was also an V8 Alpina 4.6 (the B8) which had the M62 non Vanos 4.6 v8 (4619cc) shoe horned into it. It was something like 333bhp with 354lbs of torque which made the 3.0 and 3.2 M3 of that era look slightly wimpy ! - Sadly this V8 E36 model was only available in the UK in very small numbers and only in left hand drive.

[@SS-ub7fx]

the Ultimate Driving Machine.......just missing the V12 roar haha

[@JowoHD]

if i had infinite money i'd have two e36s in my garage - a 318is coupe and a 328i saloon. dont ask me why, i dont really know, they just both trigger something in my brain that makes me want them

[@jonnycando]

My sister has the Convertible E36 here in the states…very similar look…not surprisingly. Hers needs considerable love and is currently undergoing mini restoration.

[@seancooke7332]

Did every 318iS come in this colour? I had a colleague who ran one like he stole it in about 2004/2005, and it certainly seemed plenty quick enough. I think if you let the Alfa 145 go you would miss its beautiful interior and fabulous engine very much. From my colleague's example, the BMW 318 iS can thrashed every day but not break. So probably zero content apart from servicing and tyres, like the Mercedes C250 CDI. The Rover Vi is a BMW in all but name. I remember CAR magazine comparing a Rover R8 and a BMW 316 when BMW bought Rover, the R8 was a worthy contender and very good value. The compared an SD3 1.6 vitesse with an E30 and found it a worthy package as well in the 1980s.

[@philtaylor9038]

Buy it, Matt, The P6 will give you loads of content. Only joking would miss the Alfa and Rover.

[@kevinnye5132]

Don’t know about gobstoppers Matt but you’d definitely loose your marbles in there which i worry about because you broke your cardinal rule 🤔 YOU OPENED THE SUNROOF !!!!! . Fantastic car and I did have one in mid 1990s , loved it too and one of best cars i ever owned. Thanks 🙏🏻 for memories Matt , those halcyon days came flooding back if only for 20 minutes 👌🏻.

[@furiousdriving]

I can trust Stone Colds sunroofs, unless hes said not too!

[@tonys1636]

First thing I do if taking a possible purchase for a test drive, if it jams or doesn't open no point in going any further. Even the one on my '38 Riley was as smooth as silk, having to be cleaned/greased with a high melting point grease regularly, black cars get hot in the sun. With that open along with the windscreen it was almost as good as aircon, until the heat started to rise from the gearbox. The cotton wadding, more to keep the whine from the pre-select down, and the Wilton did not stop it. A shame that they were superceded by autos, Matt might have liked them.

[@mattw8332]

Originally number plates by the look of it. Sold by Lind of Norwich (near me). I'm not a BMW fan but this E36 does look lovely.

[@lewis72]

I thought that it was Coopers in Norwich, or are/were there both ? I remember walking up Rose Lane back in the day and seeing the BMW dealership near the top, on the left... with a 635 CSi staring out of the glass !

[@mattw8332]

@@lewis72 I think Lind were replaced by Coopers several years ago, who are now just off the A47 to the west of Norwich. I vaguely recall the BMW showroom at the top of Rose Lane 3 decades ago. I think it was called Averills then. They probably moved to Ber Street after that and eventually called Lind, which I'd wager was where this BMW was sold. 🙂

[@crusinclassicslucas6218]

8:43 honk!

[@mickdebrou4567]

Buy it! You'll still have loads of content with all your many other cars that you can't keep up with and that everyone keeps nagging you for progress updates!!

[@grayfool]

Best era for BMW. Nearly three million made, where did they all go?

[@RobinCapper]

What is was the texture on the alloy engine components, head etc, or was it just a video/lighting artifact? My garage has a few of this era as loan cars, like driving them

[@furiousdriving]

Its just the aluminium surface, nothing hidden in those days