1995 BMW M3

The BMW E36 body style started in 1992 with the coupe and sedans (convertible followed in 1994), and continued into 1999 on the coupes and convertible (including M3). The M3 was initially introduced in 1995 and carried throughout the rest of the model. The complete line changed a small amount in 1996 when OBDII was introduced - engine displacement increased from 2.5l to 2.8l in the 6 cylinder cars and the 1.8L upped to 1.9l in the 4 cylinders. The only exception were the M3s that jumped from 3.0l to 3.2l. The only other appreciable difference were the grills that became more teardrop shaped to echo the look of the new Z3 fronts. This look can be added to the older cars by changing the hood and grill.

As for the review... I love the E36 body car. There is no other car on the landscape that can offer the same luxury, performance, style, and value. For the same price as a similar aged GM product, you can have a car with leather, sunroof, all power options, fog lamps, BMW prestige, and none of GM's plastic that will still be running at 300,000 miles! As a salvage yard owner, I have purchased many E36s approaching the 200k mark, and even a few nearing 300k. I have yet to find a domestic car worth having that is still running at those miles.

Many people are scared of a BMW simply for the fact that they fear parts will be too expensive. This is understandable, but unrealistic. It is true that parts from the dealer are expensive (as any part from any dealer can be), but the E36 has very few inherent flaws, and there are a wealth of used and aftermarket parts available. The most common problem we see with most BMWs is the MAF (mass air flow sensor), and they can usually be replaced for $50-$150. If a computer goes bad, they run from around $75-$200. The engines are very robust, use timing chains versus belts, and seldom have problems if maintained. The same can be said of the transmissions - manuals can run to 300k, and autos make it to 200k usually without issue. The bodies are not prone to rust like Hondas (also good cars), and the electronics, though sometimes problematic, are easily sourced on ebay and online. Window issues can usually be fixed for under $10 (clips on regulators). Bad lights in the instrumentation can be replaced for $1-$2. Probably the most annoying issue on any BMW would be the large quantity of heater hoses snaking around, especially under the intakes on the 6 cylinders.

Basically the cars are rock solid, relatively easy and cheap to repair, and parts are plentiful (just check our ebay store or website). A person can expect to pay anywhere from $2,000-$7,000 for most E36 cars, and just a bit more for nice M3s. We have sold probably 7 or so in the last couple years. I like them so well I have one of my own!

I can say I would recommend an E36 to anyone looking for a nice, cheap, dependable vehicle.

I am a true M3 enthusiast. I've always wanted an M3 and ebay made my dream come true. The M-class has always been reputable, and this car surely lives up to its reputation.