E36 BMW 3 Series 1992–1999

This page is a draft. It has not been approved yet, so read it with care.

What buyers say

Reputation: what owners and the press report

Sought after: The 328is coupe All years

BMWBlog calls the 328is coupe the best non-M E36, with the 190 hp 2.8-liter six and a five-speed manual and limited-slip differential to be found. In an owner forum thread, a 318ti owner ranks the 328 above every badge but the M3.^1,2
Sought after: The 318ti Club Sport 1995

Consumer Guide's Collectible Automobile names the Club Sport its top pick of the 318ti, with the California Package cars next. The Truth About Cars counts it as one of 200 built.^3,4
Avoid: A four-cylinder car, if you want the E36 at its best All years Less sought after

BMWBlog advises any inline-six and steers buyers away from the four-cylinder cars. In an owner forum thread, two owners agree, one advising a six and doubting the 318 sedan, the other ranking the 318i last. Two 318ti owners in the same thread are happy with the four.^1,2

Every warning and recall for this generation, with a box to tick.