E36 328i Vert as Daily?

///Herbie

Member
Yo guys [GRINNING FACE WITH SMILING EYES]

I know this topic has probably been discussed at length before...
But I tried the search option and it didn't give me the answers I was hoping to find.

Long story short, I sold my car some time ago and have been on the lookout for a new daily.

I used to drive a 99 Nissan Primera 200Gsi as in my signature.
Got the car as a hand-me-down and did a few basic mods to it but got bored and sold it.
Looking for something new.

And still looking


The options I've got is another Primera(yes I know I had one but they are such awesome cars man), Honda Ballade Vtec (you know, the GHD lawn mower types) and a e36 328/325i convertible (not really sure besides engine what difference between the two is)

I need a car to use as a daily and I know the BMW would definitely use more fuel than the other two cars I'm considering.

My question is, would it use too much fuel that it wouldn't be good to use as a daily?
Also, being a bmw... how are they regarding maintenance?

And what kinda things am I looking at replacing when I acquire one?

Some feed back from vert owners would be appreciated

Thanks [GRINNING FACE WITH SMILING EYES]


Sent from my SM-G900H
 

Dewald Basson

///Member
///Herbie said:
Yo guys [GRINNING FACE WITH SMILING EYES]

I know this topic has probably been discussed at length before...
But I tried the search option and it didn't give me the answers I was hoping to find.

Long story short, I sold my car some time ago and have been on the lookout for a new daily.

I used to drive a 99 Nissan Primera 200Gsi as in my signature.
Got the car as a hand-me-down and did a few basic mods to it but got bored and sold it.
Looking for something new.

And still looking


The options I've got is another Primera(yes I know I had one but they are such awesome cars man), Honda Ballade Vtec (you know, the GHD lawn mower types) and a e36 328/325i convertible (not really sure besides engine what difference between the two is)

I need a car to use as a daily and I know the BMW would definitely use more fuel than the other two cars I'm considering.

My question is, would it use too much fuel that it wouldn't be good to use as a daily?
Also, being a bmw... how are they regarding maintenance?

And what kinda things am I looking at replacing when I acquire one?

Some feed back from vert owners would be appreciated

Thanks [GRINNING FACE WITH SMILING EYES]


Sent from my SM-G900H

How much is too much(a.ka. what is you budget)?

Maintenance depends on what you buy & what you regard as maintenance. Basic oil and filters no more than 2k if you DIY.

If you start doing bushes etc. it gets more pricey.

Search for "that_guy_ettienne"'s thread on his 318is and have look, at what he has done.

On the e46 my est. spend is about 18k a year on the car. Some guys spend less some guys spend more.

Sorry no help on vert stuff, but it would heavier than a sedan so more fuel :tiptoe:
 

Lizzard

Active member
On the bmw you will need to look for any knocking noise from the front, wishbones is the common cause of them, they not that expensive. The convertible roof lining and functions you will need to check also. Fuel consumption depends on you, but overall the first 2 months the car tends to be heavy, getting use to it and then after that you see the real fuel consumption. Open roads they not bad, gets around the 12 - 14 km per litre and the city roads around the 10km. But it all depends on your driving habits and also the road you take. But be warned that the bmw is heavier than the other 2 but worth it in luxury. Daily in style :rollsmile:
 

///Herbie

Member
Dewald Basson said:
///Herbie said:
Yo guys [GRINNING FACE WITH SMILING EYES]

I know this topic has probably been discussed at length before...
But I tried the search option and it didn't give me the answers I was hoping to find.

Long story short, I sold my car some time ago and have been on the lookout for a new daily.

I used to drive a 99 Nissan Primera 200Gsi as in my signature.
Got the car as a hand-me-down and did a few basic mods to it but got bored and sold it.
Looking for something new.

And still looking


The options I've got is another Primera(yes I know I had one but they are such awesome cars man), Honda Ballade Vtec (you know, the GHD lawn mower types) and a e36 328/325i convertible (not really sure besides engine what difference between the two is)

I need a car to use as a daily and I know the BMW would definitely use more fuel than the other two cars I'm considering.

My question is, would it use too much fuel that it wouldn't be good to use as a daily?
Also, being a bmw... how are they regarding maintenance?

And what kinda things am I looking at replacing when I acquire one?

Some feed back from vert owners would be appreciated

Thanks [GRINNING FACE WITH SMILING EYES]


Sent from my SM-G900H

How much is too much(a.ka. what is you budget)?

Maintenance depends on what you buy & what you regard as maintenance. Basic oil and filters no more than 2k if you DIY.

If you start doing bushes etc. it gets more pricey.

Search for "that_guy_ettienne"'s thread on his 318is and have look, at what he has done.

On the e46 my est. spend is about 18k a year on the car. Some guys spend less some guys spend more.

Sorry no help on vert stuff, but it would heavier than a sedan so more fuel :tiptoe:
Too much as in more than my previous car.
I'd use to average around 10.2L/100km according to the on board computer.

I'd check up on the thread you mentioned thanks 😎


Lizzard said:
On the bmw you will need to look for any knocking noise from the front, wishbones is the common cause of them, they not that expensive. The convertible roof lining and functions you will need to check also. Fuel consumption depends on you, but overall the first 2 months the car tends to be heavy, getting use to it and then after that you see the real fuel consumption. Open roads they not bad, gets around the 12 - 14 km per litre and the city roads around the 10km. But it all depends on your driving habits and also the road you take. But be warned that the bmw is heavier than the other 2 but worth it in luxury. Daily in style :rollsmile:
Yeah I thought as much that the vert would have some probs with the top.

I'll have to really do some research on these things.

I'd also be a full timestudent again in 2018 so I guess I'd have to take that into account too.
Won't be able to spend 18k a year on a car too lol

Sent from my SM-G900H
 

Dewald Basson

///Member
If you going to be full time student, soon rather get something simple and cheap to run. You can have fun with cars once you done studying.
 
///Herbie said:
Yo guys [GRINNING FACE WITH SMILING EYES]

I know this topic has probably been discussed at length before...
But I tried the search option and it didn't give me the answers I was hoping to find.

Long story short, I sold my car some time ago and have been on the lookout for a new daily.

I used to drive a 99 Nissan Primera 200Gsi as in my signature.
Got the car as a hand-me-down and did a few basic mods to it but got bored and sold it.
Looking for something new.

And still looking


The options I've got is another Primera(yes I know I had one but they are such awesome cars man), Honda Ballade Vtec (you know, the GHD lawn mower types) and a e36 328/325i convertible (not really sure besides engine what difference between the two is)

I need a car to use as a daily and I know the BMW would definitely use more fuel than the other two cars I'm considering.

My question is, would it use too much fuel that it wouldn't be good to use as a daily?
Also, being a bmw... how are they regarding maintenance?

And what kinda things am I looking at replacing when I acquire one?

Some feed back from vert owners would be appreciated

Thanks [GRINNING FACE WITH SMILING EYES]


Sent from my SM-G900H

Hey Dude,

I also left the SR20 life in search of more, I would definately go with the e36. Ive got a 318is swopped with an m52 engine. All i can tell you is that it is expensive when it comes to something breaking, BUT.. service it on time, use proper oil, plugs etc etc and ALWAYS check your coolant levels. otherwise these cars are great - durable, powerful, comfortable and would carry you home on its last cylinder if it ever came to that.
 

///Herbie

Member
kuroshaakir-ichigo said:
///Herbie said:
Yo guys [GRINNING FACE WITH SMILING EYES]

I know this topic has probably been discussed at length before...
But I tried the search option and it didn't give me the answers I was hoping to find.

Long story short, I sold my car some time ago and have been on the lookout for a new daily.

I used to drive a 99 Nissan Primera 200Gsi as in my signature.
Got the car as a hand-me-down and did a few basic mods to it but got bored and sold it.
Looking for something new.

And still looking


The options I've got is another Primera(yes I know I had one but they are such awesome cars man), Honda Ballade Vtec (you know, the GHD lawn mower types) and a e36 328/325i convertible (not really sure besides engine what difference between the two is)

I need a car to use as a daily and I know the BMW would definitely use more fuel than the other two cars I'm considering.

My question is, would it use too much fuel that it wouldn't be good to use as a daily?
Also, being a bmw... how are they regarding maintenance?

And what kinda things am I looking at replacing when I acquire one?

Some feed back from vert owners would be appreciated

Thanks [GRINNING FACE WITH SMILING EYES]


Sent from my SM-G900H

Hey Dude,

I also left the SR20 life in search of more, I would definately go with the e36. Ive got a 318is swopped with an m52 engine. All i can tell you is that it is expensive when it comes to something breaking, BUT.. service it on time, use proper oil, plugs etc etc and ALWAYS check your coolant levels. otherwise these cars are great - durable, powerful, comfortable and would carry you home on its last cylinder if it ever came to that.
Yeah SR20 isn't hectic on maintenance as the BMW would be according to what I'm reading now haha.

The M52 is the 328i engine right?

The e36 has a nice sporty look yeah hence me considering it.
Very easy to make it look like a M3 [SMILING FACE WITH OPEN MOUTH AND COLD SWEAT]


Thanks for the feedback.
Feels good hearing from someone who went to the BMW stable after coming from Nissan.

Sent from my SM-G900H
 

Dewald Basson

///Member
///Herbie said:
kuroshaakir-ichigo said:
///Herbie said:
Yo guys [GRINNING FACE WITH SMILING EYES]

I know this topic has probably been discussed at length before...
But I tried the search option and it didn't give me the answers I was hoping to find.

Long story short, I sold my car some time ago and have been on the lookout for a new daily.

I used to drive a 99 Nissan Primera 200Gsi as in my signature.
Got the car as a hand-me-down and did a few basic mods to it but got bored and sold it.
Looking for something new.

And still looking


The options I've got is another Primera(yes I know I had one but they are such awesome cars man), Honda Ballade Vtec (you know, the GHD lawn mower types) and a e36 328/325i convertible (not really sure besides engine what difference between the two is)

I need a car to use as a daily and I know the BMW would definitely use more fuel than the other two cars I'm considering.

My question is, would it use too much fuel that it wouldn't be good to use as a daily?
Also, being a bmw... how are they regarding maintenance?

And what kinda things am I looking at replacing when I acquire one?

Some feed back from vert owners would be appreciated

Thanks [GRINNING FACE WITH SMILING EYES]


Sent from my SM-G900H

Hey Dude,

I also left the SR20 life in search of more, I would definately go with the e36. Ive got a 318is swopped with an m52 engine. All i can tell you is that it is expensive when it comes to something breaking, BUT.. service it on time, use proper oil, plugs etc etc and ALWAYS check your coolant levels. otherwise these cars are great - durable, powerful, comfortable and would carry you home on its last cylinder if it ever came to that.
Yeah SR20 isn't hectic on maintenance as the BMW would be according to what I'm reading now haha.

The M52 is the 328i engine right?

The e36 has a nice sporty look yeah hence me considering it.
Very easy to make it look like a M3 [SMILING FACE WITH OPEN MOUTH AND COLD SWEAT]


Thanks for the feedback.
Feels good hearing from someone who went to the BMW stable after coming from Nissan.

Sent from my SM-G900H

Depends on what you buy and what your regard as maintenance. some people never change bushes. Then it is do able. :rollsmile:
 

cOlDFuSiOn

New member
I drove a Nissan Sentra and a Corsa Lite as student cars.. Still miss the Nissan.. Guess that is why the weekend project car is a CA18DET :rollsmile:

How about a 318is? That should be lighter on fuel? Good looking cars too if you can get one with the M Technic kit. :coolShake:
 

Dewald Basson

///Member
cOlDFuSiOn said:
I drove a Nissan Sentra and a Corsa Lite as student cars.. Still miss the Nissan.. Guess that is why the weekend project car is a CA18DET :rollsmile:

How about a 318is? That should be lighter on fuel? Good looking cars too if you can get one with the M Technic kit. :coolShake:

And they handle well.
 

///Herbie

Member
cOlDFuSiOn said:
I drove a Nissan Sentra and a Corsa Lite as student cars.. Still miss the Nissan.. Guess that is why the weekend project car is a CA18DET :rollsmile:

How about a 318is? That should be lighter on fuel? Good looking cars too if you can get one with the M Technic kit. :coolShake:
Never really considered the 318is as it's a 4door. But seeing Ettiene's car made me have a bit more admiration for em.

Pity we didn't get the euro 318is coupe[SLEEPY FACE]

Sent from my SM-G900H


Dewald Basson said:
///Herbie said:
kuroshaakir-ichigo said:
///Herbie said:
Yo guys [GRINNING FACE WITH SMILING EYES]

I know this topic has probably been discussed at length before...
But I tried the search option and it didn't give me the answers I was hoping to find.

Long story short, I sold my car some time ago and have been on the lookout for a new daily.

I used to drive a 99 Nissan Primera 200Gsi as in my signature.
Got the car as a hand-me-down and did a few basic mods to it but got bored and sold it.
Looking for something new.

And still looking


The options I've got is another Primera(yes I know I had one but they are such awesome cars man), Honda Ballade Vtec (you know, the GHD lawn mower types) and a e36 328/325i convertible (not really sure besides engine what difference between the two is)

I need a car to use as a daily and I know the BMW would definitely use more fuel than the other two cars I'm considering.

My question is, would it use too much fuel that it wouldn't be good to use as a daily?
Also, being a bmw... how are they regarding maintenance?

And what kinda things am I looking at replacing when I acquire one?

Some feed back from vert owners would be appreciated

Thanks [GRINNING FACE WITH SMILING EYES]


Sent from my SM-G900H

Hey Dude,

I also left the SR20 life in search of more, I would definately go with the e36. Ive got a 318is swopped with an m52 engine. All i can tell you is that it is expensive when it comes to something breaking, BUT.. service it on time, use proper oil, plugs etc etc and ALWAYS check your coolant levels. otherwise these cars are great - durable, powerful, comfortable and would carry you home on its last cylinder if it ever came to that.
Yeah SR20 isn't hectic on maintenance as the BMW would be according to what I'm reading now haha.

The M52 is the 328i engine right?

The e36 has a nice sporty look yeah hence me considering it.
Very easy to make it look like a M3 [SMILING FACE WITH OPEN MOUTH AND COLD SWEAT]


Thanks for the feedback.
Feels good hearing from someone who went to the BMW stable after coming from Nissan.

Sent from my SM-G900H

Depends on what you buy and what your regard as maintenance. some people never change bushes. Then it is do able. :rollsmile:
Lol I've actually never done bushes on the Primera.
Did engine mountings though but replaced em with those horrible poly mounts[SEE-NO-EVIL MONKEY]

Car was a daily vibrator

Sent from my SM-G900H
 

///Moose

///Member
444YYY@TheFanatics said:
Calling Moose!!

Sorry I took a while to respond lol

Personally I have a really soft spot for the E36, I guess it's maybe because it was the first beemer I bought but it just reminds me of old school BMW engineering, yes there's many flaws but I just love the beemers from the '90's.
I feel there's just so much soul and connection with these cars.

With regards to the convertible - I love the look of a coupe/cabrio E36, those lines and styling are timeless. The E36 cabrio with the top down is something else.
I'm on my 3rd one now, I've used the previous 2 as a daily in the past and I always had a smile driving in them.
I would go for the 328 instead of the 325 and manual is a must (that's just my preference), it's a totally different experience to the autos from back then.

Having said all of this, these cars are now extremely difficult to find without being previously molested or needing a lot of attention to get it to a reliable state for daily use.
The roof will most likely need some attention, if the electronics are fine then the elastics, tensioners and other mechanical bits will require renewing.
The rear plastic window will most likely be faded or damaged.

Then there's the usual servicing and overall maintenance i.e.: suspension, bushes, cooling systems, brakes, discs etc (I guess this also comes down to how well it was previously maintained) but based on the age of the car even the neat examples will require some maintenance.

I guess it comes down to whether you have the time, resources and finances to wanna get into something like this, the reward is great and it makes u feel apart of BMW's old school heritage engineering but it comes at a cost.

The alternative is you go with a newer car that will probably be better suited to your needs at this stage and will most likely be cheaper to run based on the age of the car but it really feels like any other "soulless" mode of transport out there.

I know which option I would rather go for....
 

///Herbie

Member
///Moose said:
444YYY@TheFanatics said:
Calling Moose!!

Sorry I took a while to respond lol

Personally I have a really soft spot for the E36, I guess it's maybe because it was the first beemer I bought but it just reminds me of old school BMW engineering, yes there's many flaws but I just love the beemers from the '90's.
I feel there's just so much soul and connection with these cars.

With regards to the convertible - I love the look of a coupe/cabrio E36, those lines and styling are timeless. The E36 cabrio with the top down is something else.
I'm on my 3rd one now, I've used the previous 2 as a daily in the past and I always had a smile driving in them.
I would go for the 328 instead of the 325 and manual is a must (that's just my preference), it's a totally different experience to the autos from back then.

Having said all of this, these cars are now extremely difficult to find without being previously molested or needing a lot of attention to get it to a reliable state for daily use.
The roof will most likely need some attention, if the electronics are fine then the elastics, tensioners and other mechanical bits will require renewing.
The rear plastic window will most likely be faded or damaged.

Then there's the usual servicing and overall maintenance i.e.: suspension, bushes, cooling systems, brakes, discs etc (I guess this also comes down to how well it was previously maintained) but based on the age of the car even the neat examples will require some maintenance.

I guess it comes down to whether you have the time, resources and finances to wanna get into something like this, the reward is great and it makes u feel apart of BMW's old school heritage engineering but it comes at a cost.

The alternative is you go with a newer car that will probably be better suited to your needs at this stage and will most likely be cheaper to run based on the age of the car but it really feels like any other "soulless" mode of transport out there.

I know which option I would rather go for....
Thanks so much for that reply.

I totally get what you're saying yes. The styling of most cars were much better in the 90s.
Also the e36 just looks so muscular as opposed to the fat e46 (not knocking the e46 though).

Easier to make a non M e36 look sexier than it is with a non M e46.


I thought as much that the roof would be a problem.
And most of them are molested and not take care of as you say yes.

It's really something that I will take my time with.
Gotta have my ducks in a row.
Don't wanna buy something and then have it being a non runner because I can't afford it[SMILING FACE WITH OPEN MOUTH AND COLD SWEAT]

If I don't get something now, I'd definitely get a BMW in the near future.

Love these cars too much.



Sent from my SM-G900H
 
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