1998 BMW E36 M3 Sedan - POV Driving Impressions

[@defaultname19315]

This is a great format. Interviewing a very knowledgeable owner about a car that they've done lots of work on. Really helps gives us some good info and perspective for each car.

[@M-t3ch]

It's a labor of love lol.

[@walidaboshakra6562]

P

[@SerPurple51]

Total 90's icon! I think he did a great job being on camera, you can tell he really enjoys his car and is extremely passionate about it!

[@richardflechs1139]

Easily one of the best BMWs ever. From the smoothness, the styling, the sounds it makes, it’s such a legendary car.

[@willvanhouten8998]

A note on the discussion about VANOS: VANOS is not infinitely variable VTEC. VTEC Adjusts valve lift, VANOS adjusts valve timing. VANOS is basically BMW's name for VVT. BMW does have variable valve lift on some cars though, it's called Valvetronic and it is on the N62, N52, and N55 engines on E90 & E60.

[@maximus9401]

VTEC adjusts timing and lift. It's Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control. That's the T in VTEC.

[@Kdubz_Auto_HVAC]

​​​​​@@maximus9401yeah but VTEC and VTC/VVT/VANOS are not the same. IVTEC would be what like the 8th gen SI has where it has a VTEC spool valve to actuate a third lobe on the intake and exhaust cams The Intelligent part is VTC which is VARIABLE Timing Control and is actuated by the VTC solenoid and adjusts the VTC actuator on the cam the two systems work together with the ECU and oil pressure but Variable timing does not use a third lobe on the cam, it only adjusts the cam by advancing or retarding it. A system that would be similar to VTEC is Toyotas LIFT system in the 2zz engines which also have third lobes on their cams. BMWs Valvetronic is also similar because it adjusts lift on the cams but works slightly differently but Valvetronic BMWs do have a audibal difference when they kick in. VANOS is just Variable timing on the cams by using helical teeth and a spline gear while also using oil pressure but instead of using a adjustable cam sprocket such as a vtc actuator.

[@harrybuhse8622]

This was an unexpected amazing video. I listened start to finish and the time flew by. His ownership experience really resonates and you can tell how much pride he has in it. It's refreshing since usually the cheaper buy-in enthusiast cars aren't shown the proper care they deserve. Kudos to him and great job showcasing his car!

[@dfk09]

This model, the E46 and E 90 were peak 3 Series BMW's in my opinion. The newer ones are so big...

[@username8644]

So true. Same story with most bmws, the e39 was peak m5.

[@Person-cv9dj]

@@username8644 no the e60 was

[@hhaste]

@@Person-cv9dj Ew, nah. The front clip looks like a shoe. E93 and previous are greater than all, imo.

[@hhaste]

Agreed. Everything up to the E93 M3 and before. After that.. nah.

[@username8644]

@@Ventuura Yeah compared to all the soccer mom SUVs it does. Compared to an actual E46, no it doesn't.

[@FM-xr5nj]

This was my first favorite car. I'll always love the E36 M3

[@TheTopher]

www.youtube.com/@M-t3ch 12/97 production date, full option car, Arctic Silver on schwarz (black) Engine: Dinan intake, Rogue Engineering Dual muffler catback, RK Tunes 93 Octane tune (manual swap cel removal) Transmission/Clutch Operation: Manual swap (paired with native manual m3 3.23), Fx stage 2 clutch kit (14lb steel flywheel with kevlar sprung clutch disc), clutch delay valve delete, stainless steel clutch line, AKG Brass clutch pedal bushing, Turner shifter rebuild kit, Dinan short throw shifter (~20% shorter throws), shift detent and shift pin upgrade Suspension: H&R sport springs with e36 323i rally edition spring pads in the rear (more ride height), Koni shocks, Ground Control street camber plates, reinforcement plates on front strut towers (stacked for ride height), ECS rear shock mounts, Eibach sway bars, X brace, Turner Motorsport street rear camber arms Bushings: AKG 75D subframe bushings, AKG 75D diff bushings, AKG 95A rear trailing arm bushings, AKG 95A front control arm bushings with Bushings: AKG 75D subframe bushings, AKG 75D diff bushings, AKG 95A rear trailing arm bushings, AKG 95A front control arm bushings with factory 96-99 M3 control arms Alignment Specs: Front: .07 toe in, -3 camber Rear: .12 toe in, -2 camber Brakes: Hawk HPS 5.0 front pads, OE textar rear pads, stainless steel lines Cosmetic: Depo Euro style glass headlights, euro clear turn signals all around, later style M3 3 spoke steering wheel, metal shift knob (don't know what brand, would love someone to comment if they know), Type 1 spoiler (factory M3 style), Pioneer head unit, staggered M Contour Wheels (style 23)

[@Kxvito]

I ain’t reading all at 😂😂😂

[@M-t3ch]

Oh gosh that's a lot 😅. I'm glad you enjoyed the car!

[@polatmourad6631]

Thank you my friend about this video because I love this car

[@BallTickler420]

Pssst, it's not swartz, that word doesn't exist, it's schwarz.

[@M-t3ch]

@@BallTickler420 Autocorrect lol

[@badluckdaniel]

every bimmer head should try drive this! this one is like a silver bullet, looks like a great machine

[@verdict1163]

Loved this owner perspective and driving review! E36 M3 is one of the greats.

[@kevinpraditra]

Absolutely love the sound of these motors!

[@CuriousGeorge1111]

Amen!

[@spike6385]

There is a reason why M3's are legendary in enthusiast circles, that's also the same reason why so many e36's are sitting at 150k+ miles and are beat to hell, because people have driven the absolute hell out of them.

[@cartastrophe]

Sweet car, enjoyed the guys input about the car. Always interesting to see the issues behind enthusiast cars.

[@nicktune1219]

VANOS is variable valve timing. VTEC is variable valve lift which wasn’t in any BMW engines until the N series engines which introduced valvetronic (variable valve lift).

[@NiggaWigga-kg7nf]

The e36 has it

[@CuriousGeorge1111]

Very fun format! I love the way the engine/exhaust sound--just loud enough to be fun, changing tone with revs like a trumpet. What a pleasure. Thanks! You doing this with a 356 owner would be a dream come true. 🙂

[@TurboRC101]

I really love how the early models are so analog in they way they drive! Truly an amazing car.

[@bassandtrebleclef]

I'm a huge fan of this era M3, too. First BMW I got to experience, so some of it is personal nostalgia. That said, I've had a chance to drive E46, own an E91, have driven the F30 and the newest M340i. For fun to drive, there is something very old and new about the E36 - it rattles because build quality wasn't stellar, but the driving experience is very cool. It's the most direct/handshake driver to car of all of them. Loved the E46 and thought they were the best in terms of interior quality and design and overall 'tightness'. My E91 represents the last of the old school thinking for 3 series - manual transmission, inline 6, non-boosted, non-idrive, heavy, direct steering cars. The F30 was terrible. The cost cutting was all over that car. The M340i is incredibly capable, but going from that immediately back into my E91.... the slower car was the better car.

[@sachidb3350]

My boy made it! 🔥🔥

[@M-t3ch]

We did 🫣

[@HeyCoolStoryBabe]

Man turned off the warning messages so fast lmao straight embarrassed the poor boy 😂😅

[@ak2112]

When I was a kid, my dad's boss had an e36 in ultraviolet and for some reason or another, my dad had it for a weekend. I was utterly obsessed with it. Would love to own one.

[@shahrukhbakar3248]

We have a 1993 325i 5MT and the engine is absolutely bulletproof. What a car.

[@546Scott]

I’ve always loved the look of this model year!

[@TAG-1984]

That sound 😍

[@jameshorine7983]

I can feel those expansion joint sounds in both of my E36's :D

[@lilcameauxx]

Just stumbled onto this video because i really love the design of the m3. Being someone who’s not incredibly knowledgeable on cars this was a really awesome video to watch and learn a lot!!

[@DjNikGnashers]

The best wheels for the E36, those throwing stars.

[@brianaust8897]

These are Soccer Balls AKA M Contours ;)

[@masterkendro]

This video reminded me of your NA Miata videos, good times.

[@AyyeO.]

niceeee , i used to work at a bmw dealership late 2021 gong into early 2022 and it was there that i developed a love and liking for bmw's so its nice to see an old classic being this well taken care of!👍🔥 Kudos and big ups to this guy seriously.

[@averagebro413]

This is so beautiful, if i had money i would probably buy this instead of ferrari or something exotic.

[@ericmlcoch3434]

Awesome driving video, just enough talking and focused on how the car interacts with the driver. Better than most highly regarded youtubers IMO. I can't stand when someone drives in stop and go traffic and expects us viewers to gain anything. Very well done and I agree, the combination of the intake / exhaust notes are sublime in a well modified e36 M3. I have exactly half the miles on my silver/black M3/4/6...yes 6 so this gives me great joy to know they hold up this well over many miles. Also your FL5 just casually chilling in the shot pre-drive was a nice treat.

[@ricepony33]

Upgrade the rear gear to the 3.91 out of the other cars. Very noticeable!

[@agopkt]

green is also easy on your eye. its in the middle of the color spectrum. that's why old vw's and the ferrari 355 the instrument clusters lit up green. probably why highway signs are green also. i had a 98 blk 5spd car in 2006 from auto engineering in lexington massachusetts 99k miles when i purchased it. these cars the good ones handle wicked amazing not like a f430 ferrari but they stay planted. another thing i wanted to mention was how how careful one must be in turns in the rain with these rwd cars. i had mich pilots and oh boy a little touch and the back end can swing right out, keep your foot steady in the rain in turns is what i learned very quickly lol

[@ianpolo5673]

Despite the age, I find this BMW M3 so much more attractive inside out. The design is not loud and clean as compared to later M3 and especially the current ones.

[@RobinBCG]

My dad owned one when I was about 3 apparently and he sold it to some kid that wrecked it a week later. He regrets that decision everyday.

[@rootsmanuva82]

Unpopular opinion but I like the E36 M3 more than the E46 M3. The S52 engine is silky smooth and torquey whereas the S54 sounds gritty and raucous. I also prefer the styling of the E36, it looks more understated and German with tidier proportions and a proper BMW nose down stance.

[@sashaberghausen8856]

Okay, that makes two of us. The e46 is like a Euro Mustang. It lacks class. The fender grilles, the fender flares, the quad exhaust (on an I-6?). It's tacky to me and the car looks bloated. But I know I'm a way outlier. Give me the tidy, boxy e36 M3 sedan (mo betta than coupe) any day!

[@Euphorica]

Not unpopular at all. The e46 is too riced out and bloated looking .

[@tpolerex7282]

Great review, format and damn sweet car.

[@tomlabarb2640]

The 3 series had really grown in size.. I forgot how small these were... great video !!

[@stamboer99]

Ah yes Sonny’s car, great friend of mine and awesome car. If you’re interested in doing an e46 m3 setup for track use I’m local and would love to do a video. Lmk!

[@TheTopher]

Shoot me a message on instagram!

[@M-t3ch]

@@TheTopher Dooo it!

[@jaydenpizza10]

@@TheTopher all video dumb

[@waiaungzz]

Ahh the classic glovebox sag, an all too familiar problem from a fellow e36 driver.

[@davedavidson9996]

Your car looks great and sure brings back the memories. I bought one new in '98. A silver coupe with those contour rims. My seats were the sports seats and were a little slimmer. I just saw one with the Dinan upgrade sell for what I paid for mine 25 years ago.For me it was a choice between buying a new M3 or a used NSX. The Beemer was a much better daily car. My car(s) had that 5th gear lean too. On the M3 they put in a new trans for free when the car was out of warranty. That repair would have been $7k. My '99 E46 328i had it too but it was repairable. The dealer did that out of warranty for $700 . This involved them removing the trans. It helps if you played in a band with the service manager.

[@ZackNakazora1]

Hands done Topher. One of the best cars I've ever owned and driven. The rx8 and the nc2/nd1 are up there too. The s2k is too twitchy at the limit and everything just had sort comings. Everytime I get in one of these outside the bmw price tags. And now age... 😅 It's a reminder how bmw had at one point the best drivers machine

[@pilliger101]

Hell yea love E36s!

[@THETOOTHPICK1534]

can't wait to find the right one of these to buy

[@cavaseno]

Would not mind seeing a comparison between this and the new 230i coupe

[@TalooshDaBoss]

wow this came out quick, super awsome car

[@M-t3ch]

👀

[@TalooshDaBoss]

@@M-t3ch lmao this makes me wanna ask to do a 2007 crv review

[@M-t3ch]

@@TalooshDaBoss Lmao, ☠️

[@RobsRetroGaming]

I was cringing hard when you were flooring it in the rain. lol

[@tweaknn]

SONNY BOY!❤

[@M-t3ch]

❤

[@Alexander-sr5fg]

How interesting, my e36 sedan that rusted out and went to a junkyard had those brown suede a pillars. I also had the sport seats and far prefer them to Vader's. Amazing car!! I miss mine with the z3 steering rack and transmission/shifter

[@winstonmiu]

I like this better than the E46-better sound (no rasp), option for 4 doors, and simpler mechanics. Not to mention, these are cheaper on the used market as well.

[@OnTheRocks71]

Sounds so good. Honest to god naturally aspirated straight six music. Now everything sounds like a Forza game or the saddest, wettest fart.

[@MP-Fin]

More high mileage german icons please!!

[@CTS-V]

I think the E36 M3 sedan has highly been neglected by BMW fans who have been blinded by E46 enthuiasm. Great styling, a very nice interior, 4 doors and as a GM guy dare I say.. a great candidate for an LS swap 😮

[@scootabrothaa]

Swap a 316i instead please

[@rightminddrive]

came from sonnys channel! awesome video guys. dang i wish i had the rear cup holders in mine.

[@rightminddrive]

@m-t3ch

[@M-t3ch]

Yours doesn't have rear cup holders?!? I thought they all had it.

[@rightminddrive]

@@M-t3ch not mine! folding rear seats

[@serovenko]

Cool car, but I haven’t seen a single one yet without loose glove box lid😂

[@RizzstrainingOrder66]

what a wonderful-beautiful car

[@Jasongy827]

I like the e46 as I grew up with my uncle in his m3 but I like the price and it’s fair m3 for the e36

[@chaethankobzi]

POV DRIVE: 1999 BMW Pacer E36 M3

[@ianstropus]

Sold my 98’ m3 sedan for a 96’ ls6 swapped coupe. Still really miss the s52. Much happier engine to rev out…let alone less illegal

[@nakmuay00]

Will you be able to share a picture how you setup the camera. It looks very stable and well positioned.

[@MauroFurtadoMaciel]

Fantastic 😍

[@Redstarcrew]

Fantastic car

[@JurisKankalis]

I didn't think BMW paid much attention to stuff like this (looking at the horrors that the last BMWs are designwise) - but the steering wheel on my 2012 F11 530xd - reminds very much of the wheel in this E36, down to the small bumps on 10 and 2, the three-spoke design which looks like a Starwars robot face and the overall size and shape. Thanks for the video and good luck keeping the I6 running (my 530d is also I6 - but somehow the N57 looks smaller, despite having the same power (258) and tons more of torque (560Nm) - maybe because the engine bay in E36 is itself much smaller). Either way - you've got a new subscriber from Latvia.

[@PaulNat360]

my late best friend had an e36 3 series. i miss that car

[@NuvoVision]

the good ol glove box sag.... the only unfixable part on any car ever😂

[@ianreuter2847]

You should try to colab with Hoon garage sometime. His new build might be fun to review

[@CalmBirthdayCake-pe5ui]

Lovely car

[@DrLongSchIong]

of course it's 36 minutes long. well done

[@31acruz]

Best car ever made!!!!!!!!!

[@bekabeka71]

I am also looking for an E36 in my country 🇬🇪 possible four cylinder coupe. I tell ya they are becoming rarer than ever before

[@A_n_u_l_u]

Check and Jinn is on dude lol

[@scootabrothaa]

never such thing as full option in bmw, we could talk about individual leather door cards, pumped seat bolsters, memory driver seat, metal door handles, wood or carbon trim pieces etc etc but great car man extra clean so much fun true bargain

[@jonathanpeterson1984]

It’s so sad how many people just RAGGED these cars out not taking care of them😢, you can find them damn near destroyed or FULLY restored.

[@31acruz]

When you lighten the flywheel in half you ruined the car. You did it because its half the price and ignorant people tell you it gains power. What they don't tell you it's like cutting your nose to spite your face. Saving a penny to lose a dollar. You pay the price every time you make a shift, the car no longer feels ready to fight at every shift, it no longer holds the RPM"S HIGH no matter how slow you may be at shifting, one of the absolutely most rewarding things about this M3. Sad most people make this mistake and butcher the car in this fashion. If you want more HP, find other ways which will not sacrifice the soul of the machine. (I've had all the m3's, this is the one I kept)

[@Triple259772]

A flywheel is not for hp lmao. It makes it more responsive. Not everyone likes rev hang. Even with the lightened flywheel the rpms are still dropping slowly, he shifted slow the whole video and didnt have issues

[@ricegarage]

These cars are WAY better with lightweight flywheels. There is no comparison between them.

[@ryanb8736]

Miss these cars.

[@TobbitLOG]

Here in Australia this M3 would be USD$40,000

[@Dan330i]

I have a 330i bmw f30 pushin about 340 hp in a little 4 cylinder want a m car next

[@michelangelothegreat6183]

Wow!

[@swervobandz3932]

Hey I was wondering what sound system is better between ELS in the Acura tlx & Bose in the Mazda Cx-30?

[@bim1376]

ELS

[@simon895]

Which tyres are on? Seem to have good traction in wet conditions.

[@polatmourad6631]

Nice video show ever

[@troyjones5422]

yea

[@pauldack5129]

I want a yellow e36 m3 coupe. That's my affordable dream car. Gorta have the wing on the trunk 😊

[@amirscheffer5155]

can you pls compare it to the new brz ? is the brz some kind of a successor

[@ryanb8736]

Had a 95 M. Not sure why I sold it. Got a 740 after.

[@Galottiful]

Topher, could you get a 2nd gen mr2 on here?

[@clxse1]

What tyres is he running ? if I did that on my car I think I would've crashed it 15 times

[@KinKo7108]

Bro really wanted to close that glove box

[@TheTopher]

He really did 😂

[@M-t3ch]

It's all I can think about at night 😳

[@brianaust8897]

@@M-t3chLoL it ass one of the first mods I did on my Sedan (Euro ‘96) as these hvac panels all warped. I watched @obsessedgarage and was inspired 👍. Great Vid and love your love of this car. I’m a Spartan Too BTW GO GREEN!

[@M-t3ch]

@@brianaust8897 Go white! Haha.

[@Messergebnis-liebhaber]

S52 or S50?

[@SH-sc9or]

Such a nice car, especially because it's a sedan and having these rims. But I guess I'm biased owning an estoril blue European spec.😉, that ain't for sale for these kind of prices anymore btw.

[@woodwork8770]

Got my e36 in may a yr ago ,almost Got rid of it

[@ScotchRusty]

Mmmm… Good video, nice car. Only thing I’d point out is you say driving a BMW is better than it sitting around. I’ve had 2 BMW (one new and one older) and the both have been awful… VAG much better imo - even the classics.

[@robsonlansone]

Shhhhhhhh! Quiet!

[@tehbrutenextdoor]

The wheels 🥺

[@Rogge73]

I had an Avuz Blue 1995 Limo Euro Spec, sold it in 2005 for about 1600 USD…….😢😢😢😢

[@trrozer5160]

3.2l?

[@richardgg2889]

Like the talking around the car. Just tell me why you drive a car like this in a straight line all the time? Where is the fun?

[@TalooshDaBoss]

michigan and most american roads be like this, sucks for anyone wanting to enjoy corners that arent massive sweepers on the freeway.

[@rahar_peru]

i thought all m3 (e36) were 6 speeds.

[@eugew23]

Not in North America, unfortunately...

[@rahar_peru]

@@eugew23 dayum :(

[@rightminddrive]

@@eugew23 not anywhere. only the evo had 6 spd in europe

[@danc2014]

You can swap in a E46 6 speed surprised he did not when changing over.

[@johnthomasmoulton8934]

Fix the glove box

[@Papaplz]

Goob tech

[@ΜΑΝΘΟΣ-χ8β]

m3 sedan 💀 (no hate ❤)