Obviously we write up a lot of cars at this site, and we see our fair share of cars from dealers with a real gap in information provided that we’d like to see. Often times, there seems to be no rhyme or reason to which cars get no description or why; they can be a 300SL Gullwing for multiple millions of dollars right to a first generation GTi. Despite the range of value, one thing unites these cars; there are enthusiasts who love to see them, and buyers who would really like to know more about the car. Today’s car is no exception; a 1993 BMW 318i, this would generally be a forgotten charm right now. The E36, while a great car in its own right, isn’t in favor the way the E30 is and consequently larger engined variants are plentiful, and more importantly cheap. So what is interesting about this economy car turned racer? Well, it’s a claimed Dinan built car, and for a time in the 1990s BMW handed Dinan the keys to build some pretty wild semi-factory backed racers – so they’re well versed. But the mystery isn’t solved there:
Tag: e36
Next in my continuing series of “Why buy an E30 M3 right now?” comes…a M3. What’s going on? For as bad as I’d consider the value of the E30 M3 right now, it’s hard to argue with the value of the E36 and E46 M3. Out of the box, they did everything better than the E30 did. They’re easily the track equal of the E30 and have some added luxury and refinement. One could argue that the build quality went down a bit with the E36, but find a nice example and you’ll soon forget that. Aftermarket suppliers abound, as this is the GTi of the BMW world, parts are plentiful and relatively cheap, and they look and sound great. What’s not to like? Get one in a great color with lower miles and it’s pure win:
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1997 BMW M3 on eBay
1 CommentBack in April, Nate wrote up an attractive E30 M3 S38 swap that was asking all the money for what was a non-original car. But we liked it, mostly because it was a well executed build and it took what would have been a tired S14 E30 and breathed new life into it. So what else does that great S38B36 look at home in? One of the complaints about the E36 in North America was that the M3 didn’t get a full-blown M motor as its predecessors and stablemates, but the builder of today’s track attack 1998 M3 has resolved that. Backdating the motor, this E36 is a rolling M appreciation billboard that will remind you what an incredible track car the E36 makes:
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1998 BMW M3 on eBay
Comments closedShortly after we had posted it last week, the Estoril Blue M3 Convertible sold. That car set off an interesting debate with our readers about how acceptable an open-roofed M car can be. Most people seem to be in agreement that they would rather have the enjoyment of top down motoring at the expense of weight or chassis flex, as most folks aren’t hitting the track on a regular basis. This M3 Convertible for sale in California has a bit more mileage under its belt, but is also a 5-speed manual example, arguably the more involving gearbox choice.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1998 BMW M3 Convertible on eBay
2 CommentsThe E36 BMW M3 Cabriolet has always been a bit of a riddle for me. Who would want to buy a serious sports coupe and compromise all of the engineering work by chopping the roof off? An even greater travesty in my mind is saddling said drop top with an automatic gearbox. But then, if you are going to take the performance equation half-heartedly, perhaps this isn’t such a bad thing? This Estoril Blue M3 Cabriolet for sale in New Hampshire, however, is one of the rare ones with the 5-speed manual gearbox.