Imagine it or not, the E36 BMW 3 Collection is now formally a traditional. Produced globally from 1990 to 1999 (and hitting North American shores in ’92), even the latest examples of this icon are actually over 25 years outdated. Like most luxurious automobiles, the E36 has worn many hats, starting life as a standing image earlier than shapeshifting into an fanatic cut price on the used market. However right here we’re in mid-2025, and issues have modified. Discovering a clear E36 is changing into a critical problem. Even tough, high-mileage examples have gotten a doubtful worth at greatest. With costs climbing and good automobiles getting scarcer, is the E36 nonetheless value your time (and cash) in 2025? Extra importantly… must you truly purchase one?
Professionals: Dynamic, Trendy, Affordability
The BMW E36 3 Collection has lots of positives, which is probably going a part of the explanation the automotive is beginning to command premiums. Maybe chief amongst them is the automotive’s pure athleticism. Whereas even the quickest E36s (in America, anyway) should make do with simply 240 horsepower, the E36 presents glorious steering really feel and pretty exact steering. Limits are comparatively low in comparison with trendy automobiles, however even when issues get bushy, E36s are completely manageable. It’s the identical type of a low-risk, high-reward driving expertise that makes automobiles just like the Subaru BRZ/Toyota GR86 and Mazda Miata so fulfilling behind the wheel. After I lately drove an E36, it immediately jogged my memory what BMW is all about: driving dynamics above all.
Though extra subjective, fashion is one other space the place the E36 is a smashing success. Whether or not you prefer it or not, you must admit, they don’t make ‘em like this anymore. Plus, there’s large aftermarket help, so you may deck out your E36 with wings, M3 lookalike components, spoilers, and no matter else you are feeling like. With hatchback, coupe, sedan, wagon, and convertible fashions, there’s a taste for everybody. One other stable level for the E36 is general affordability. Whereas costs are climbing, they’re nonetheless staying considerably grounded. The nicest E36 M3s — the highest of the E36 meals chain — nonetheless keep comparatively inexpensive.
Cons: Worth, Shortage, Energy, Tech
Whereas E36s have stayed comparatively approachable, costs have undeniably skyrocketed since even simply 5 years in the past. Clear examples with the warmer engines (M3 and 328i fashions particularly, however even 2.5-liter automobiles have felt it) will nearly all the time set you again at the very least 5 figures, someplace round double what you might’ve picked one up for pre-2020. Once you additional take into account that the majority E36s will want one thing relating to upkeep and repairs on prime of the acquisition worth, the per-dollar worth is questionable. There are quicker automobiles and there are extra unique automobiles that you may get for the cash.
A part of that worth is in fact tied to the relative shortage of excellent E36s. By now, many, many examples have been became drift/race automobiles, beat on, uncared for, or some mixture of the three. Which means merely discovering a superb one could be a tall order. The E36 additionally falls in need of what we’d name “trendy” relating to driver facilities. Though we expect that’s a optimistic, you received’t discover CarPlay or ventilated seats anyplace within the E36 lineup.
E36 Reliability in 2025
One massive purpose you is perhaps waffling on whether or not or to not buy an E36 in 2025 is general reliability. I used to work for a automotive dealership and have seen fairly a couple of E36 fashions in my day. Fortunately, the BMW E36 3 Collection is pretty dependable, as expertise (like we talked about) is at a minimal. Early E36 fashions are nonetheless OBD1, too, so when you’re after the least complexity attainable, an early OBD1 automotive will probably be good. However even post-1995, E36s aren’t terribly onerous to maintain working.
In fact, in 2025, most E36s will want a bit of assist. Whether or not it’s deferred upkeep, outdated tires, or worn -out suspension parts, it’s vital to price range appropriately when purchasing. The E36 is an efficient match for DIYers, too. There are nearly infinite sources on-line and the automobiles are easy to work on.
Verdict: Purchase an E36 in 2025?
Significantly when geared up with a guide transmission, the BMW E36 3 Collection presents a quintessential BMW driving expertise. Arguably most significantly, it retains prices fairly low whereas doing it. If you happen to’re a fan of the automotive’s boxy look and don’t care in regards to the maybe underwhelming zero to 60 mph instances in 2025, the E36 is a superb match. Whereas it might be a troublesome worth proposition, heavier and extra complicated E46 fashions have their very own drawbacks that we expect enable the E36 to shine in its personal proper. We are saying go for it! And fortunately, you’ll find loads of them on the market on Carry-a-Trailer.
