Looking for E36/E46

[zz747]

Hi all,
This is my first time here. Never owned a Bavarian in my life. Looking for an E36 or E46. My parameters;
- need a fun car to drive with a bit more power than Japanese econobox.
- may need to drive it into KL once or twice a week if I need a break from riding to work.
- I prefer straight six; thinking of E36 328i or E46 325i. I don't rule out 3liter monsters either.
- Good to know I have excess ponies when I need to overtake folks along East-West highway.
- Will use the car primarily for balik kampung and weekends.
- Need something reliable, close to if not bulletproof, like Benz W124. Am I expecting too much?
- Shocks not too stiff for my 3 kids.
- Stick is FUN to the T but might not be too appealing for a lazy bum like me.

Feedbacks are much appreciated. Have a pleasant evening.

-zz-

 

[sharizat]

well bro, e46 would be fun and also e36. But u need to go find and check it your self. For me, this 2 years of owning e46, very fun to drive and also fun to repair. ANy car per say actualy

Anyway, i love my e46 and would not sell it as im keeping it. Why dont u try to go for the TT and maybe u can get some rough ideas from all the sifu :67: :67: :67: :69: :69: :69:

 

[zz747]

thanks for the reply bro Shahrizat.
what do you mean fun to repair? where I come from repair and fun are inversely related :64:
where do you guys have TT around kl? i'm all ears when sifus speak so i can make informed decision.

thanks.
-zz-

 

[sharizat]

TT in KL there is alot of places bro, depends on where you are staying

 

[zz747]

Kota Damansara is where I live sir.
Two of my close friends who have a few between them swear by e36.
One used to roll around town in a 328i auto, the other bought a stick 328i.
Now the former drives an e39 for the past couple of years, 523 I think.
The latter, besides the e36 328, also has an e90 320d and e30 318. Crazy!
I guess it's quite pointless asking them what car make I should buy :65:

-zz-

 

[V-Man]

Firstly you need to narrow down what you're into. From your description, you might want to consider a 5 series over a 3 series for something that is FUN yet very comfortable for your family.

If you're driving mostly alone and into spirited driving then you can look out for 3 series.

In terms of reliability, it is very subjective taking into account the age and previous ownership maintenance records.

You will need to do a lot of research in looking out for a well maintained one. Its best from an owner directly with all maintenance records. Even with this, you might need to spend a little in the initial stages to ensure you're leashing the actual feel of owning the roundel.

Older models have lesser electronics hence it would be easier to maintain and produce better reliability.

With all this said, it boils down to your budget and the kind of passion that you would like to experience in your ownership. There would be almost never a direct answer to opinions required as yours

Hope you would get some time to join the clan in TT's to gauge more info and knowledge that would help you make up your mind.

Lastly, wish you good luck in your quest and hope you'll find your match pretty soon.

Cheers..

V-Man

 

[V-Man]

Friday, 17th October 2014
10.00pm onwards
MMZ Bkt Jelutong TT

>> MMZ Bkt Jelutong TT

 

[unstopables_7]

you need power/ stick to the tar feeling , roar , easy/straight forward car to maintain - e36

comfort + power + cool car(interior accessories) + more electronics - e46

and if ur talking about family of course as bro vman said , e39 wins anytime bro. cos u cant have family + speed(monster).

 

[zz747]

Thanks for the responses gentlemen. Been driving 1993 E280 for the past 6 years.
I'm kinda used to maintaining an old car but W124 is as rugged and reliable as a car can get.
Is E36 nearly as good as W124 platform in terms of reliability?
My friend told me it's the last mechanical 3series. Quite robust too he said.
I'm not a hardcore driver but is 3series with standard suspension not friendly to kids at all?

have a great weekend fellas.

-zz-

 

[V-Man]

W124 is E-Class that should be compared with a 5-Series

 

[slyder]

Stock 3 series suspension are ok but firm because you must remember BMW are performance driving cars especially the 3 series.

For the 5 series key thing to remember are the parts tends to be more than the 3 series

 

[slyder]

Agreed with v-man
If you want comfort like e-class you are more matched with the 5 series.

 

[zz747]

Thanks again for the enthusiastic responses. I am under no illusion that 3series will ever be as comfortable as e-class or 5series.
I would like to know if e36 stock suspension is acceptable but I guess the best way to figure out is to ride an e36 in the back seat right?
My colleague gave me an idea; get an e36 and keep the W124.
That might solve the problem but a possibly bigger problem will crop up; angry wife :68: :63:

 

[firdaus325]

donate to me your w124.. hehe.. btw good luck on your search bro. once bimmer always bimmer !!

 

[V-Man]

In that case .. E36 will be s perfect rempit ride.. Go for it


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[zz747]

thanks for the input fellas. I'll keep a lookout for a good e36 between now and end-march when i (hopefully)
get my bonos. imho, e46 looks the best amongst 3series. have a great day fellas.

-zz-

 

[ICEMAN 68]

over the years driving an e36 .... age plays a factor too in life.. no longer the boyish wannabe and the toll of lotsa gray hair these days and driving an e36 makes me feel out of the era already.

so be prepared to feel the thrill but never say no to an e36 at any given day... best is to sit in some and feel it yourself.

I'm more into bigger sized car these days and with family in it ....it's much wonderful compared to an e36.

that just me getting old i guess...

V-MAN and SLyders and unstopable 7 are the key people when comes to an e36

 

[zz747]

Tq Iceman.

-zz747-

 

[firdaus325]

with e36 you can go 200km/h while your kids sleep well backside..