Here's Why the E36 BMW M3 Is Now an Enthusiast Favorite

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E36 BMW M3 review! The E36 BMW M3 is a special car, and it's becoming especially desirable in the enthusiast world. Today I'm reviewing the very best version of the E36 M3, and I'm going to show you all the quirks and features of the M3. I'm also going to drive the Euro E36 BMW M3 and review the driving experience to show you what it's like on the road.
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DOUGSCORE CHART:
www.dougdemuro.com/dougscore

[@epaminontas6972]

Thanks doug, the price of my e36 just doubled!

[@DK-421]

I miss my E36 328i, but now I have my e39 540i/6.

[@Warrison_]

Haha

[@epaminontas6972]

@@DK-421 I almost bought one of those instead of my m3, but I couldn't find one with vanos

[@your-mom_was_here]

Haha

[@jakubsteiner6844]

but we still be thrashing them no matter what

[@bmxboxter]

Doug really do be single-handedly increasing the value of older sports cars 😩

[@pinut187]

No, he doesnt…

[@user-cg7tn2gs5d]

I hope not, they're overpriced already. We don't need more if that bs man

[@carguynewb7856]

אדריאן בת@ im very sure if it's imported it's most likely cheaper than the American one

[@veialyyad4816]

@@user-cg7tn2gs5d it's kinda funny how a R32 GTR is almost the same price as a Euro M3 R32 GTR is 36-40K and the E36 M3 is around 30-41K

[@junebug6435]

Really does smh ! I honestly hate when KZbinrs do that ruined the market

[@kornkid8600]

I've been advocating for this car for 20 years. The most underappreciated M3.

[@viperrcg]

@@S54VR6 that’s your opinion

[@Dildology]

Maybe because the base is identical to the M. No wide fenders :(

[@Euphorica]

@@S54VR6 what are you smoking?

[@mattconns626]

@@S54VR6 and yet somehow paradoxically the e36 m3 ended up in car and driver's best cars list every year it was produced. Maybe drive one before writing it off?

[@Tillhony]

@@S54VR6 🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡

[@jamesmancuso3666]

90's BMWs were nice. "Ultimate driving machine" wasn't just a tag line because they had handling to match good styling. Plus the lack of garbage (electronics) kept weight down and driver involvement up. The M3 could carry 4 and outrun a vette when the road starts changing directions. Just a nice all around car.

[@drippgxd]

I’d take a corvette because BMW is trash they never made a good car. BMW is unreliable AF

[@jasonw7497]

You're delusional and not hetero.

[@automation7295]

Wasn't BMW's tagline "Driving Sheer Pleasure"?

[@jackc7943]

E36 M3 can not outrun a vette of its era in the twist. I own 2 e36s and a M coupe and the vette is still a better performer in every category. C4 corvettes dominate A stock category at the track. E36 is a B stock car.

[@AdriWeedMan]

@@jackc7943 the real e36 m3 has 321cv

[@LarsAgerbk]

I bet I'm not the only one who wants the old score presentation back. Where Doug explained his reasoning for the individual scores in the different categories.

[@Lugia_5.0]

Agreed, especially with some of the more opinion based scores like fun factor, cool factor, and styling.

[@berkkarsi]

I want it back too. I noticed that Doug started changing his videos a little bit recently.

[@Litassa]

Yes! I noticed it quite a while ago!

[@infesting]

he has already addressed this many times and says he will never be going back to the old way.

[@drippgxd]

Well guess what, when he did that, people hated on his scores. When he took that away, people are crying about it. Shut up ffs

[@mattconns626]

US E36 M3's are fine -- and cheaper to maintain than their euro counterparts. I'm so happy I bought mine 4 years ago and happier still that people are waking up to how fun they are to drive and own. 240 hp in a relatively light car with fantastic feedback is more than plenty to keep you smiling on your favorite backroads.

[@jsquared1013]

I would hesitate to say "cheaper to maintain". The US cars have much weaker cooling systems, and the VANOS refresh service on the Euro S50's is not that complex or expensive. The chassis stuff is all the same (source: me, with a RoW E36 M3 and experience with both the S50B30 and S50B32).

[@mattconns626]

@@jsquared1013 yeah, i understand the hesitancy, but cooling system refreshes aren't that terrible either. I'd rather change my pump than have the rod bearing and main bearing issues that the high revving euro 3.2's have. to each their own! sounds like you've got a rad garage.

[@SICW1970]

How does it feel to know that a school bus has more power than your American M3

[@mattconns626]

@@SICW1970 have you driven a nicely sorted usdm e36 m3? they’re still fun! I have multiple cars and yes, it’s the slowest in my garage. However, it’s my favorite to take out for spirited driving on backroad twisties or Sunday rallys - if you were actually asking.

[@beemo737]

I'm looking for an E36 M3 as my first car and it's my dream car do you know how much are they

[@M3NACE]

"some people say the US version has advantages, I don't necessarily see them" - from a factory standpoint, yes. the tuner/aftermarket scene is where they lay. head studs and turbo these USDM motors can make 600rwhp on a stock bottom end, with a piston and rod over 1,000 wheel, pretty much a euro 2JZ. they are very reliable and can take insane abuse, and up until the last year or so, could be had for under $6,000. beautiful Car though! the Euro spec cars are a masterpiece.

[@HaloofBlood1]

6000 for an m3 are you crazy?

[@davemakesnoises]

@@HaloofBlood1 who said anything about starting

[@davidwilson2657]

The fact you are talking horsepower and not torque tells me your age. We older BMW enthusiasts recognize that not only is it torque values that get you down the road these engines are designed for high torque values.

[@JamesCherrill]

@@davidwilson2657 Torque dont mean much if you ain't got any power along with it lol

[@pan613]

the US spec engine is a crap. only the 3.2 european.

[@Atanyrhate]

When I bought one of these last year (97 3/2/5) I initially had the same reaction to the mirrors. I've since gotten used to them, but a lot of that is because they are properly adjusted. I read an article once about how race car drivers "wing out" the side mirrors for visibility and it changed my life. No one needs to see the side of their own car in the mirrors, and adjusting them out effectively removes blind spots and makes these tiny little mirrors plenty useful. Instructions: driver side - lean your head against the window and adjust the mirror to where it's juuuuust past the edge of the car. passenger side - lean your head over the center console and adjust it the same way. Whoever ends up reading this and choosing to do it will really appreciate how well this works.

[@TituzzzD]

Ok thanks for the tip! Stupid question, but I gotta ask. Leaning over to each side is just for adjusting the mirrors? Or are you also supposed to lean over while driving? The leaning over confuses me a bit, because from reading your tip, I would have just adjusted the mirrors from my usual driving position and adjusted them a bit further until I don't see the side of my car. :)

[@timpulko1743]

@@TituzzzD just adjusting the mirrors. Look through them as you would normally, by simply glancing and turning your neck

[@timpulko1743]

When I got this car I had to do some research on this as the visibility was indeed very compromised. Adjusted my mirrors properly, and have never looked back! I have plenty of visibility now

[@rickc303]

This is how I've been adjusting my mirrors for years and it boggles my mind why people would set them to look down sides of car

[@Atanyrhate]

@@TituzzzD hahaha just for adjusting. In the past I would push them out to where it was just past seeing the side of the car from my normal driving position, but this "winged out" method is a significantly wider field of view. I think you'll like it.

[@okboomer1340]

I have a 1996 318IS. Got it from the original owner...a little old lady from San Diego. Bought it with 87K. It now has 127K. Slow as molasses but still fun to drive and just feels so good. Old school good. There's just something about the steering feel of the e36, M or not.

[@johnsoul3161]

Get a same era 325i exhaust, that will fix it!

[@okboomer1340]

@@johnsoul3161 thanks I'll look into that!

[@daniel-rz6bd]

I have a 1996 318i convertible 5 speed. My dad bought it from the original owner back in 2007 at 100k miles and now it has over 260k and absolutely bulletproof :)

[@michaelniece5680]

I also have a 318is ,it's a 95 automatic I bought it new. Nice ride it has now nine thousand miles on it,always garaged.fun car ! Plus got a 94 325 convertible 5speed awesome little ride , it's my daily driver.

[@okboomer1340]

@@michaelniece5680 9K. Wow. Wow. If you have kids they are going to be jockeying for position for that creampuff.

[@DonBMW]

E36 US M3/4/5 (yes sedan) here and the car is amazing! Have owned it for many years and have loved every moment of it. Best upgrade I ever did was a single stage clutch and a braided steel clutch line. This really opened up the car and it drives so well. Revs like a champ and destroys the twisty roads and corners. Get one! I highly recommend it.

[@baylinkdashyt]

16:58 Important to note, though, that -- like the stoplights on my 87 E24, and most other Bimmers of the time, *the brake lights are not running lights*. They are Stop-ONLY, so it's completely unequivocal whether you're stopping or not, in any lighting condition. I liked that a lot, a long with the yellow turn signals.

[@Atanyrhate]

Yeah the rest of the light is actually light, not just reflector...

[@80PercentAshamedOfU]

@@Atanyrhate Yeah I think the bulbs are out or its wired weird. Mine work lol.

[@beem6773]

@@80PercentAshamedOfU He was doing the review with the lights off is probably the more valid explanaion.

[@zorilaz]

Doug is like a kid reviewing cars made before he was born. He doesn't understand anything. I'm telling you what's weird. Lights that turn off and are being replaced by the turn signal. Brake lights that replace the running lights and a gigantic touch screen that controls everything in the car. Nobody needed that. Not everything needs to be controlled by touch screens. If they still made 90s and 2000s cars now, I'd buy that instead of those bad jokes they call cars nowadays

[@stevenwilliams1805]

I don't care for red turn signals either.

[@robertopinna220]

That design is a timeless beautiful piece of art

[@mafek]

One of the most beautiful car ever

[@maximusX_]

not even close

[@andeleputo89]

@@maximusX_ yes it is. Nostalgic time capsule

[@maximusX_]

@@andeleputo89 the 1990S BMW 850 CSI coupe looks way better and is a lot cooler then this

[@rosstihh2220]

@@mafek Absolutely, buddy! I have an E36 coupe and I'm in love with it. I just can watch it for hours and with every second it becomes more beautiful to my eye. ❤❤❤

[@modelllichtsysteme]

Thiissss is a "dream car" back in th 90's when I was a younger 😄

[@ksawiprod9140]

it still is for me

[@lw1878]

I'll always love the E36s from the nostalgia aspect of my parents owning one. By the time I had the disposable income to buy one and relive those memories they were all rusted out and clapped by teens as hand-me-downs or uber expensive (euro spec is worth it) low mile M3 examples. I shoulda hopped on them when 325i-328I were $2500 all-day...

[@WarriorsPhoto]

You and me. LOL

[@Wizardnil]

Literally tho

[@sabersz]

Tell me about it, seen so many teenagers buy them to 'fix up' but they make it inevitably worse and then sell it because they don't want to put the effort in

[@famus801]

You can get a decent 325-328i for 6k

[@johnpearson492]

I daily drive a 99 Coupe. Love everything about it. Specifically I chose it over all other generations of the M3 primarily on style and rawness of the driving experience. Also the interior is ergonomically perfect to me. Feels so light and nimble.

[@speedfiend925]

Doug's channel is now the official Cars and Bids pre sale review site. It was inevitable. LOL

[@Auditography]

One of my favorite all time Beemers! Awesome car

[@earnestbunbury2103]

Bimmer.

[@td1751]

original post and first reply are the bmw community in a nutshell. AKSHYUALLYY ITS A BIMMER. weird childish nerds LOL

[@TALCOLMINTHEMIDDLE]

@@td1751 It is though. It doesn't hurt to be correct.

[@Refridgeratr]

@@earnestbunbury2103 beemer beemer beemer beemer beemer beemer beemer beemer beemer beemer beemer beemer beemer beemer beemer beemer beemer beemer beemer beemer

[@welldone8564]

@@earnestbunbury2103 “Bimmer,” “beamer” and “beemer” The origin of the nickname “Beamer” The nickname “Beamer” comes from Great Britain - and originally served to distinguish it from a British manufacturer* whose motorcycles bore the nickname “Beezer”. But BMW motorcycles also achieved great success on the British racing scene, including the “Isle of Man TT Races”.Over the years, riders and motorsports fans coined the nickname “beemer” for BMW motorbikes, by analogy to “beezer.” “Beemer” is a lot snappier and generally easier to say than BMW, especially as it cuts out the difficult long W sound at the end.How beemer gave rise to bimmer The nickname “bimmer” originated in the 1970s. At the time, BMW automobiles were enjoying something of a boom in popularity in the US. Americans had initially called BMW cars “beamers,” like the motorcycles - with the exception of the Boston Chapter BMW club, whose newsletter has been called “Bimmer” since the 1970s. In the meantime, and entirely independently of the Boston Chapter, an identically titled magazine for BMW fans hit the shelves in the US, and “bimmer” won out as the preferred nickname for BMW cars (as opposed to “beamer” or “beemer” for motorcycles). The name has now been embraced by car fans around the world, even in Germany.

[@GreenPois0n124]

Door card separation/glovebox sag, as are present on every e36. Love to see it. This thing is amazing

[@felixnurscher6017]

if someone says their E36 doesn't have either of those they're lying

[@Cristian-if3wy]

@@felixnurscher6017 I got both lol

[@felixnurscher6017]

@@Cristian-if3wy same here lmao

[@valthecameraguy]

@@felixnurscher6017 the door cards are great on my one but on my old one they were very bad actually hah

[@jsquared1013]

@@felixnurscher6017 or they fixed them. In which case it's a medium-term temporary status 😂

[@Lexutron]

These E36's has always been very popular amongst car enthusiasts, here in South Africa and are also very sought after if you can find a "clean" one. They regularly get sold here for way over market value, since finding a "clean" M3 E36 is so rare here. Very good review as always Doug.

[@Alex-rt3rt]

easily one of my favourite cars to have been made, such a beautiful look to it, and the memories of my father owning a 1997 316i in the same colour are just incredible

[@rg15502550]

The manual rear air vents should make a comeback in the coupes, such a nice feature to have!

[@kc9scott]

Or that style of pop-out, but with some sort of remote control, either manual or power.

[@Bdude1111]

@@kc9scott In Europe there was an option to make those rear vents powered. It's pretty rare though. It was a different system than the powered rear vents in the e46

[@automation7295]

@@Bdude1111 I bet lot of Americans find it unfair that Europe get more the goodie that they wish US got.

[@supyo9802]

Hi doug! I have a suggestion and I know not everyone will be in my favor. But, I think it would be really great if in the driving part we could see the steering wheel and the road more like a pov kinda style while you are sharing to us your experience while driving with an voice over. In the end it is all up to you, but it would be really great to see the perspective of the driver especially that you review a lot of cars xd. Its a great vid as always!(sorry for bad english)

[@xXpower316Xx]

Recently purchased my 97 M3 and im in love! Thanks Doug for reviewing the E36, been waiting for you to do this one for a while 😎

[@31acruz]

Actually, the European version is only quicker in the upper range of speeds, so it was better suited for no-speed limit Autobahn. In the lower speeds it actually lost some torque. So, the US version is actually quicker off the line.

[@chiggamanchild]

Congrats Doug, you have successfully reviewed every generation of M3 there is

[@thebritishautochannel]

Legendary BTCC car 🚗

[@houseofno]

The E30's making 215 hp were Euro-Only EVO models. The US E30 S14's only made around 190-195 hp throughout its model run. Also, the 1st gen 3-series, the E21, while not offered in an M3 variant, did offer pop-out rear quarter windows as well.

[@susannero6401]

The pop out rear windows go back to the 2002, and possibly before that.

[@hbuzgon9557]

Doug your commentary are amazing and you have reviews are amazing.

[@jeast417]

I've always thought the e36 was the best looking m3 out there

[@314jrock]

The E36 and the E46 are my favorite M3 generations.

[@GummiJoker-nm9yu]

@@314jrock both are in fh5

[@314jrock]

@@GummiJoker-nm9yu How do you like FH5? I have FH2, FH3, and FH4. I haven’t played FH5 yet. Does FH5 have the third generation Bentley Continental GT in it?

[@GummiJoker-nm9yu]

@@314jrock no

[@bwofficial1776]

It's a simple, clean, understated design with no unnecessary wings or vents or bulges.

[@Azuremen]

If you want a good break down on the US vs Euro E36 M3 and why the US has perks, Jason Cammisa has a great video on Hagerty's channel. It does mostly come down to how much easier it is to keep a US spec M3 on the road versus the more complex engine found in the Euro models. That and there isn't much real world difference in the performance. Seems the tool box on this one was missing the tow strap hook, which screws into points under the pop outs with the bumpers. It's a fun little detail.

[@hartsickdisciple]

I completely agree about the size and relative power level being just right. I bought a 2017 m240i with 6-speed manual for that reason.

[@alonsofernandezperez8368]

One friend of mine here in Spain bought a e36 manual 316i for 800€, they are really really driver focused cars and really reliable, one thing I love about it is when you start it, the smell of gasoline and the sound it gives you is something that any new car can give you

[@harddriveYT]

Aww you missed one quirk! The M3 E36 have asymmetrical mirrors. one of them sticks out more and has a different angle :D

[@ferrarienzokl]

Doug forgot to mention how much less reliable this engine is compared to the US spec engine

[@electrikoptik]

Exactly. The euro-spec S50 was very problematic.

[@EagleEyes11497]

He forgets to shit on this and the e92 but couldn’t wait to shit on the e60 smh

[@epineda0]

Also forgot the m logo on the dash, the better obc display that will tell you lap time etc. didn’t look at the spare, there’s a lot of adjustability to the Vader’s for what they are, rear reinforcement problems.. I fell like he bit his tongue making this video

[@electrikoptik]

@@EagleEyes11497 We love Doug but he can be extremely biased and such a butt muncher sometimes.

[@tankmaverick99]

He can't say anything too negative as it is being sold on cars and bids.

[@timstrickshots5506]

I love your videos Doug keep up the great work

[@EnthusiastAutoGroupCincinnati]

Great video Doug!

[@andystevens7557]

I used to co-race a 97 track prepped M3. The motor was eurospec (mainly cams), but the suspension was an insane track only setup. 1.13G on the skid pad! The BMW parts though... total crap. I remember the factory shifter coming loose during a hot lap and the doors always falling apart. We once had to limp it home because one of the mounts for the rear end had disintegrated. Still, a very fun car to track and always gained the right kind of attention. My friend sold it a few years ago to someone who pretty much put it back to stock.

[@eVerProductions1]

Then it went to good hands instead of ending up in an accident then the crusher

[@alolanstarboy]

@@eVerProductions1 lol there’s a place for track built cars, custom building a car for the track is far more interesting and it means the car actually gets pushed to its limits which is also cool

[@theorickmann6715]

idk about the us but in europe telling an m3 apart from a regular 3 series is even harder because of the M-Package that you could get as an option. It included the m3 bumpers and rocker panels, as well as sports seats and slightly more sporty suspension

[@francoortiz-braden3552]

I appreciate all this bmw content recently

[@Mi2Pac]

I miss my E36 318 Turbo Diesel so much! Yes, it wasn't a fast car at all, but the smiles and the fun I had with it, makes it so special to me. Cheers from Portugal ✌️

[@ravisriram6746]

This M3 is from an era when BMWs were still mainly drivers' cars: not overstyled, plodding, ponderous barges laden with unnecessary gadgetry like the ones today.

[@trevor4533]

Lol, this was practically a luxury car back in the day.

[@Maximus20778]

@@trevor4533 how tho?

[@trevor4533]

@@Maximus20778 because it had all the high end creature comforts and amenities of the day.

[@Maximus20778]

@@trevor4533 I thought the 7 series had those and the M3 was a sports car

[@trevor4533]

@@Maximus20778 sports luxury car maybe. They even had a specific luxury package for the e36 m3. Ironically, everything op claims to hate about modern cars, is what the e36 m3 would have been considered when it was new. Especially compared to its predecessor. It’s cyclical. Give it 20 years, and people will say the same thing about cars like the m2 and the m235i.

[@sambone8213]

The general public goes crazy for my clean stock white 96 M3 Coupe. And don't get the wrong idea from the video, the US cars even with 240hp are still plenty fast. I believe Car & Driver had them 0-60 in 5.4 seconds which was a real street fighter of its day. These cars are underrated now but are slowly being discovered, similar to the 996.

[@colechisholm1039]

don’t even get me started on the 996. favorite gen

[@SCHIJTERBAAS]

Reason he say it slow because probably all he is driving in fast car so the pull feels slow. But if you look around in normal traffic then even a 318 is fast LOL just depend on how heavy your right foot is. And to be honest faster cars mostly only go faster in straight but in the corners its matter less.

[@80PercentAshamedOfU]

Anyone that bought the runny egg 996 back when they were cheap before they started gaining appreciation is about to be sitting on gold.

[@chimpmunkboy8850]

Great review. The M3 e36s in Germany also had huge 2 piece M3 rear spoilers which were very sporty. I have one on my ‘94 325i, it cost me an additional 3,000 DM which was about $1100 at the time.

[@tonem427]

I originally had a '98 328 M pkg back in 2001 and it was a blast to drive. Even stock it was a very aggressive car at high rpm. Of course life happens we have kids, now 20 years later at 38yrs old I bought a 325is manual, and I started all the high mileage replacements and upgrades involved with E36s. And I must say I feel like a 17 year at times when I drive it😁 absolutely great platform to play with.

[@MWallis2]

The E36 M3 feels like it lacks power compared to the E46 when you’re flooring it around town. But once you get it on a twisty road or the track, and keep it high in the RPM range, you start to realize why it’s probably the most enjoyable M3 to drive. And yes, I’m speaking about the Euro spec car. I have a 500hp STi and a mostly stock Euro E36M3 and then Bimmer is by far my favourite of the two.

[@1970borntorun]

Not to mention the obvious, that the M3 doesn't feel like a buzzy tin can like the Subaru lol

[@gr330zhp]

Early BMWs had the seat belts in the center of the rear seat to prevent rear passengers from hitting each other in the event of a side collision. Actually a really cool feature!

[@markkr4916]

M logo on the guage cluster as well! I’m glad this video was made. Was wondering for years when Doug would do a review on a E36 M3.

[@MishanyaVeselyiNYC]

I remember how many problems my friend had with standard 325i from that era, it definitely needs to be loved and maintained well in order to enjoy it :) I personally like this M3 a lot. The next gen, that was on a cover of NFS Most Wanted is also underrated I think 🤔

[@notme123123]

“I know I ranked this last, but now that I’m reviewing one from Cars and Bids, I’m telling you this is the one to get!” Good on you for owning what you said and not hiding it.

[@drippgxd]

He ranked it last because he talked about the US market M3. The Euro M3 is the one he reviewed. The US M3 is not good, just like any BMW ever made

[@drippgxd]

@2 Corinthians 4:7-11 I mean you speaking facts, and also that “God demuro” guy, I bearly see him anymore

[@postal5342]

Hagerty did a great video on the US spec E36 M3 and why it was better. Long story short it was not only cheaper to buy but also cheaper to maintain. And while the euro spec car made more hp they both made the same amount of torque and the driving experience difference was negligible in the end.

[@MIKEK3NT]

And the aftermarket of the Usa model was more fun

[@jsquared1013]

There were numerous inaccuracies in that video, which was presented more as a personal perspective than an objective examination of the differences. The driving experience difference is NOT negligible 😂. And not really cheaper to maintain. And they didn't make the same amount of torque, either.

[@americanAlienBoy]

@@jsquared1013 I'm on my 3rd US spec E36, and I know two people who have Euro cars with the S52. The euro engine takes quite a bit more maintenance than the US S50/S52. For starters, solid lifters which need adjustments (vs. the self adjust hydraulic ones in the US car), and the far more complicated linkage for the ITBs. And it goes on from there. Plus, parts peculiar to the euro motor are available but far more expensive.

[@biishoyyy]

my 1992 325is e36 was the greatest car i’ve ever owned, got it from the second owner which was a gentlemen who purchased it from a church when the original owner donated it to them. it had 75k original miles. perfect exterior and interior i even had the tools which is extremely rare. amazing exhaust note and steering too. i ended up selling it a profiting 4k don’t regret it cuz i will have an m3 one day. but my gosh do i miss it

[@Elbelico09]

Finally I’ve been waiting for this video forever

[@markcopeman3552]

Nice to see the E36 M3 getting some love. I think it's always been a bit unappreciated because how can you follow a legend. The E30 M3 won so many races everywhere and so naturally became a road icon too. I live the other side of the pond in the UK and have a 98 , 3.2 evo. If I'm honest my heart really belongs to Stuttgart, but this car came up and I couldn't say no. Like all it has it's good and bad points and I've always had a love hate relationship. It looks sharp to me and it's small and low compared to a modern BM , interior is cool with Vader seats and a great dash , but too many buttons! Love that revy 6 cylinder but only comes alive over about 4k! Sadly my car has the SMG gearbox. Don't know if you ever had that in the US. Basically a manual box with hydraulic actuator. They can be problematical and after 10 years I've had enough! It will probably go for sale sometime this year but it will still be painful to let go!

[@MistaaFrosty]

convert it to manual man. it’s easy.

[@theshadowman1398]

A simple dashboard. That must return, I despise all the LCD garbage in new cars. I am buying a car not a desktop computer

[@psychophobia6974]

This.

[@LiamLloyd1]

My dad had one of these in the same colour. I loved it.

[@forevertheillestever]

my fav bmw ever thank u doug

[@NEONPARADlSE]

A red e36 coupe will always have a place in my heart. The 1994 film "The Chase" had a standard one that I thought was the coolest growing up.

[@NEONPARADlSE]

@vrtxte nice! I go back and watch it maybe once a year. Always a good time

[@hotshotfx3502]

Yeah Chase had the 328i

[@paul_b_tn]

" I'm not gonna call it fast, but it is quick" Doug, you're thinking in terms of 2022. Back in 1996 this car was considered fast.

[@zsoltbocsi7546]

it had 275 kmh top speed (without the limiter) and 5,5 sec acceleration. I think this is still very fast

[@garethmcrae668]

Doug fluffed it- he was off cam in the wrong gear for his first attempt and Vanos only kicks in above 5000rpm. Not a torquey engine but get it singing and it's joyous, like a rich man's 2zz. Agree on the need to put things in perspective- it's a 25 year old car now. Straight line spanked an AM DB7 in mine and the old duffer was deeply unchuffed! p.s. Dear Doug, Stop blethering on about buttons and drive it more. Shame on you if on opening that hood you don't mention the Individual Throttle Bodies!

[@jsquared1013]

@@garethmcrae668 your conceptualization of VANOS isn't correct. It's not like VTEC or VVTi. The cam doesn't switch profiles; the cam gears change timing. The VANOS is actually active between ~3000-5000rpm to increase the midrange, it is *inactive* at high rpm.

[@garethmcrae668]

@@jsquared1013 Yes, I agree that is a poor effort on my part. I'm not too clued up on the technical side of things but do have both engines. The vvtl-i (ie Celica 190 2zzge) has a distinct surge at 6250- it's similar curve to 1zz up to this point, then goes mental up to over 8k. Good old Yamaha. Particularly in admittedly slightly tired double Vanos, after a linear delivery (classic straight 6 feeling) there is a distinct pick up from about 5+k rpm up to red line in the mid 7's. If Vanos is receding by then, mibbe the surge is more because the engine is merrily revving and on cam? Damn this arts degree 😬

[@jsquared1013]

@@garethmcrae668 the high rpm surge is likely from the engine being in its happy place with the cam profile and the resonance of the short intake manifold runners. Might want to check the VANOS solenoids, there was a noticeable difference in mid-range on my 3.2 after I fixed a wonky solenoid (the factory soldered connection from the wire to the solenoid circuit board had deteriorated; replaced the seals with Beisan kit as preventive maintenance at the same time the solder connection was repaired). Also, my phrasing might be inaccurate also 😅. The VANOS (whether double or single) is a progressive shifting of the cam timing, so instead of saying active or inactive, I should say that it shifts cam timing gradually as the revs climb into the mid range until it hits a "max" advance (for the intake at least, I can't remember if the exhaust is advanced or retarded), then shifts back to "base" timing as revs climb towards redline. So basically it's on a curve, ramps up and hits a peak at midrange, then ramps down as you go towards redline. Your 2ZZ acts more like Honda VTEC, where there are two cam profiles and the ECU switches over at a certain threshold. I _think_ the 2ZZ *also* has a cam timing phaser (like VANOS) in addition to the two cam profiles, but I can't remember for sure, I'd have to look it up. (The addition of the timing phaser to the two cam profiles is what changed from VTEC to i-VTEC, which I think Honda released after Toyota's system in the Celica GT-S).

[@jq5644]

Been waiting for this one

[@S-T-E-V-E]

This was the M3 going around when I came of car age in the 90's, my sister had a gunmetal grey 325i E36, it was gorgeous!

[@FarAboveDaCloudz]

It may say 240hp on paper but it sure performed well above those numbers!

[@ardaeh7007]

While I grew up to be more of a fan of JDM cars, the E36 will always hold the spot as the car that made me a “car-person.” My aunt owned a ‘94 328i Sedan with a manual, and I would literally make up excuses just to ride in the car with her.

[@humushumus2219]

Funny, most people make excuses not to ride JDM cars.

[@RearWheelZeal]

@@humushumus2219 Yeah. Skylines, Chasers, Silvias, etc. Everyone hates those.

[@jcmoore5796]

@doug My favorite feature is where you hold the key in the locked position on the drivers door. All the windows/sunroof will roll closed if you forgot to do so before turning off and leaving your vehicle

[@Adrian-dz3wr]

And to think i was saving up for one, thanks doug.

[@agamnoorsinghvasir6337]

BMW's designs at that time were phenomenal 😍

[@v12-s65]

japanese designer

[@dustyice3110]

@@v12-s65 Chinese and Austrian not japanese, Pinky Lai and Boyke Boyer designed.

[@Raven16691]

And I was just about to comment that this is arguably the worst design on any 3 series.

[@guycha0s380]

@@Raven16691 r u on drugs

[@damilolaakanni]

@a pimp named Mdot agreed with the G80, but for the best looking I'd tie the E90/E92 with the E46.

[@vladmorosanu3721]

What a car! The only thing I would change about this car is the steering wheel and just leave it stock..what a beauty!

[@choybo1]

that is a stock steering wheel...

[@JTSuarez]

@@choybo1 he means he would only change the steering wheel, while keeping the rest of the car stock

[@choybo1]

@@JTSuarez ahhhh makes sense

[@993mike]

But as a guy who’s owned three of them, I can say this euro steering wheel is WAY better than the generic one found in the US cars. I swapped mine over to this one on the car I had for 14 years, as I wanted a BMW part

[@jaketonsfeldt4874]

@@993mike it’s not just a euro wheel. They got it part way through 98 and 99 m3s had that wheel too

[@marcgabor9690]

There are few cars I would rather live with than a Euro E36 M3. Such understated styling with pure accessible performance. The manual cloth seats and manual 6spd make this car purrrrfect.

[@Maggzzz12]

I have always been a huge fan of this car ever since I first saw it when I was 14,honestly the middle child of M3 line,has always been very under appreciated for what it was especially here in the states up until most recently since the car started to get more and more attention,really hoping that one day I can own one considering how expensive and hard to find they’re becoming

[@jlopez1017d]

The E30 is the Holy Grail but this car is underrated. I’ve always like the size of these and they have some of the best wheels BMW has made. I have a soft spot for them because my aunt had a 3 series from this era when I was a kid and it was the coolest car

[@drippgxd]

BMW’s are overrated. Their cars have become more and more unreliable and more and more hideous and ugly. Mercedes made better cars. AMG > M unreliable trash

[@diurnalall]

Hey Doug - you should do an Z3M Coupe!!

[@CRAPO2011]

Clownshoe, is a classic

[@ZettoMedia]

And the Z4M Coupe 😁

[@x_fifi_x]

I’ve been in love with e36 since I was a child. amazing car 💙🤍

[@uzi4122]

As an owner of an e46 and as an bmw enthusiast. Thank you for this video. Waiting for a e46 m3 review !

[@Tri-Star-Tony]

Doug you should review a Z3M Coupe

[@autobarn3793]

Great video Doug, you should review a ZHP sometime, you can start with mine :) - super clean 04’ coupe.

[@drippgxd]

You live in California? He only reviews cars there because he can’t travel state to state to review cars

[@benmartinez8248]

I had a 1997 3.2L techno violet blew the head gasket and then got a 2003.5 carbon black. Love these cars!

[@AHAuwuOK]

I was a little confused at first, when you said this model didn't get much love until recently, but when you explained the US spec situation I get it. In Europe it's been THE m3 for many many years now

[@Kerleem]

Euro-spec mirrors are convex (like mild blind spot mirrors) so they offer a wider field of view in a smaller size. So that's why they're smaller but more effective in my opinion.

[@sfwqr7977]

I mean a wider field of view is great but can only get you so far on such a tiny mirror

[@Kerleem]

@@sfwqr7977 if you adjust it right, and you’re a good driver, it’s probably just fine

[@MAXsenna00]

@@sfwqr7977 I never had any issues with those mirrors. I always came from behind anyway. 😉

[@georgetown8986]

Doug when reviewing an old Jeep: "It doesn't have all of those nonsensical gadgets that will inevitably go wrong." Doug when reviewing a new car of any make/model: "It doesn't even have auto pilot, fully electronic dash and buttons, digital keys, electronic seats, laser vision, a steering wheel made of imposed light structures....."

[@jgllanesv]

I'm assuming that it's because when reviewing current cars he takes into account the gadgets that competitors offer (even if they are more annoying to have them) since that's what potential buyers of a brand new car might be looking for. For us people that like to buy older cars, we already know that it doesn't have all that tech and the fact that it doesn't might even be a positive. For example, I have an older Jeep (95 Grand Cherokee) and the most avanced piece of driver assist is cruise control, and I have never used it. I have never really wished that my Jeep had something that newer cars offer, although that might change if I have a family someday given that my Jeep only had 1 airbag (for the driver) and I removed it.

[@drippgxd]

Bro the comment is barely about the BMW in the video. Where did you see an old Jeep in the video?

[@agtshaw]

because buyers of new cars want the tech and buyers of old cars dont

[@drippgxd]

@@agtshaw wrong. People buy old cars because they are cheap. People buy new cars because they look cool and they are more safer than old cars

[@garethmcrae668]

@@drippgxd Bollox! People who buy E36M3's don't buy them because they are cheap.

[@993mike]

While I love my current E92 M3 I’ve owned since new, when I see a clean E36 I still miss mine. It was completely created as a Club Sport car with the help of Steve Dinan’s shop with a built engine, Brembos all around, Koni/Eibach coil overs, Dinan sway bars, euro oil cooler, M3 LTW diff, Recaros, rear seat removal and upholstered in BMW fabric, half cage - you name it. Had that Dakar yellow beauty for 14 years, but then moved on to an E46. It even had the California plate “TRACK M3”. Wish I had it again

[@mathi6832]

i have been waiting for this for years

[@gabrielgilguitar5407]

Best drift car hands down. The chassis is just unmatched and is really the most unique car I’ve ever seen and seems so modern in it own way. Just ages really well

[@Joshua_N-A]

1980's and 1990's were the height of touring car racing. It gave birth to legends people know and love today.

[@MAXsenna00]

You missed a couple of things: It also came out as an estate. The windows in the back could be electric. The turns signals lever could be pushed in, to change the "driving computer" display under the gauges in the dashboard. You could get it with Darth Vader seats. The seat belts in the back were perfect for parents with small kids in kids seats. I promise!!! I might have forgotten some more cool stuff. 😊 The brake lights were differently wired in Europe. Those would have been the rear fog lights.

[@pooolish334]

Doug getting lazy on us

[@drippgxd]

That’s more then a couple… And also Star Wars seats? Yeah I don’t believe that I call it cap

[@Euphorica]

@@pooolish334 100 % lazy in this video spouting off tired bs talking points from other lazy journalists

[@GoldenCroc]

Hmmm.... There was no estate of the E36, whatever gave you that idea? This car, as far as I can see from the video, does indeed have the "Vader" seats.

[@GoldenCroc]

@@drippgxd Its not star wars seats, its "Vader" seats, and its an inofficial nickname, presumably because of how they look with the headrest sides extending down and becoming the shoulder bolsters of the seat.

[@ashkonbashkar8665]

3 bmw vids back to back. Fireeee

[@mwelpa]

My dreamcar since I was a kid :D Been looking forward to this video

[@melvinburwell8202]

Very nice car. The kind of compact BMW that we all grew up with. Tossable handling. Decent acceleration etc. Cool.👍😎😛😁

[@nick0164]

yess the e36 always been a good car. the chassis is just unmatched imo, you can drift bare stock 328is😭. actually pretty capable for a "luxury" car

[@fakevirus8828]

@@nick0164 don't talk utter nonsense. I was a drift racer I'm in Scotland. The only decent drifting E36 was the compact and even that needed turbod or the 3.2 engine in with an aftermarket LSD. The 328 didn't have the power or thr diff to do proper slides it was a one tyre fire specialist and even the M3 evo struggled to transition it had an open diff too. You had to do loads of work to e36 to get it drifting good and you had to put up with diabolical reliability. To say the E36 chassis is the best ever is simply embarrassing, the e36 handled like a GT car compared to the E30. You should never comment on cars again as what you've just said is an embarrassing read for anyone in UK or Europe mainland.

[@nick0164]

@@fakevirus8828 lmao when did i say it was the best ever? i said unmatched, as in the time period. and then yall must not know what you're doing cuz my boy got a stock '95 325i and all it took was a 2 way lsd and removing the rear seats to be sliding through corners😭prolly like 150hp at the wheels, so dont say it needs hella work done. tell the UK i said fuck em😂🖕😂

[@bottomfr4gye3t8]

@@fakevirus8828 uhh. I sold my 328i to someone who has since made it a drift car with minimal modifications, none of which were power related. And even when road racing it is a fantastic chassis. Felt raw and analogue as well, unlike e90+ which start to feel subdued. E46 is still good, though I’d personally take an e36

[@maxeluy]

Yes! More 90s content!

[@Justjefe]

Doug ! Love this video ! Would love to see you review a Infiniti G37s manual 2010 or later that would be sick

[@switlikbob1]

@Doug DeMuro you missed one thing... the ///M stitching on the steering wheel. Great job with this presentation!

[@cwx8]

I've had 3. They are soul crushers. Things just break on them. Constantly. Just dumb stuff that shouldn't break. But otherwise they are so fun to drive. I don't get the steering complaints. I think it's great. 14:25 the reason for this is that US regulations require non convex mirrors. In Europe those tiny mirror work thanks to convex mirror glass.

[@cabdolla]

Fellow former multi e36 owner here. Also agree they just fall apart and you can no longer get interior parts. Not worth their high mark ups anymore, IMO. More fun cars to buy instead. Glad I enjoyed them when they were cheap!

[@hellfire08]

Yup. Typical BMW trash. Designed to fail.

[@headshotmaster138]

@@hellfire08 Like you? We know.

[@trevor4533]

@@cabdolla What other cars would you personally recommend?

[@cabdolla]

@@trevor4533 for the same price get an e46M 6 spd. Substantially better car hands down. I had a red on red 6spd. Miss that car but not it’s constant valve adjustments

[@kiefershanks4172]

I distinctly remember driving on the 401 in Toronto and seeing a guy in one of these weaving through traffic way too quickly and he crashed into another car about 100 feet in front of me. He skidded to a halt on one of the exit ramps with the car completely destroyed and all airbags deployed. The person he hit flew into the guardrail spectacularly about 200 feet from where he finally stopped. Pretty sure they were far more injured than him. Not sure what happened after but there's a good chance he is now very familiar with the local bus routes and a 100% chance that BMW is scrap.

[@drippgxd]

Was this guy drunk? I don’t live in Canada so idk about drinking laws there, but I live in Detroit which is near Windsor Ontario, which is where 401 begins

[@kiefershanks4172]

No idea but my bet is no. He was coordinated but brash. Guys like him always crash eventually. Gotta know your limits...

[@happychappers8311]

I wonder if it was one of the 50 original Euro spec M3s Canada imported ?

[@Sum_Ting_Wong]

I had the 3.2 Evolution version....regret selling it now, but at the time I remember it costing a fortune just to maintain it in semi-decent condition. The underfloor and sills/jacking points were rusty as hell and some parts were very expensive to get hold of. It made a great sound though especially in tunnels.

[@beem6773]

15:43 The e34 and e32 had their belts that way also. BMW claimed it reduced the risk of rear passengers bumping into eachother during a crash.

[@vladimirchervenkov6949]

It was about time Doug reviewed an E36, next up E46

[@MooreZach]

My absolute favorite under-appreciated feature was when you had to move the seat to put something/someone behind the driver, the seat would go back to how you had it positioned, so you didn't always have to readjust the seat and back portions

[@classiccarssp]

Future classic for sure

[@lucascarreviews]

Sat in a 98 coupe with a manual, 93K miles and the yellow exterior! I fell in love!

[@Siiilent]

Great car. Especially this one. Beautiful interior. Especially vader seats and m-sport steering wheel. Especially the pattern on the seats themselves. Wow!!!!! I would prefer not to tint the rear windows or any of the windows.

[@drippgxd]

BMW should bring back those seat styles! They look 🔥

[@VTECBrey]

Fact 1: You could configure even 316i to look like an M3 back then... including vader seats. Fact 2: If you bought M3 with luxury package, you get M contour wheels and standard (not twisted) rocker panels.

[@JaxinBlue]

and no Vaders.

[@VTECBrey]

@@JaxinBlue You could order vader seats as Individual equipment but without M stripes.

[@LHRSBN]

I adore my black US-spec 1998 M3 vert 5-speed 114K miles leather seats, garaged in dry Denver CO. My baby. Not for sale, ever. Thanks Doug!

[@rigo3837]

Can’t wait to say “i know what i got!” On my Facebook listing now! Thanks Doug.