Don't know an incredible amount about them but was thinking of considering one as a daily driver. I'm obviously on a budget or I'd get something newer. Any thoughts? I figured some people on here have definitely owned them or still do.

 

I drive mine everyday and everynight and I love it.

 

What production year?

 

How about an 01-02 E46 M3?

 

Too small. I'd rather get a comfy used Lexus sedan or something.

 

E36 M3 is a great daily driver- decent mileage, reliable, fun, practical. granted, with 414hp M3s running around now, 240hp doesn't sound like much, but they do fine (0-60mph in the mid 5s, quarter mile in the low 14s). they have really good balance and good brakes, too.

there are issues to look out for, but there are reasonable solutions for most issues:
-weak cooling systems (plastic radiators and water pump impellers- replace with metal parts)
-weak rear shock mounts (replace with aftermarket units)
-5th gear detent sticking issue (i believe there is a way to clean/replace the spring- Roundel did a story on it a while back)
-stock headlights are crummy (replace with euro lights)

that's all i can think of right now. check out this FAQ: http://www.eurospeed.org/ (password: eurospeed)

i'd get a stock stick shift car, add the x-brace, euro ellipsoids, the radio out of an M coupe/roadster (called the "CD43"), an AA exhaust, and check out the cooling system and suspension. good times!

 

Cool, thanks for the pointers. I can't afford a E46 M3 as my daily. Have a little money to buy something and I don't want to take out another loan. Found some E36 M3s in my range.

 

They are easy to drive daily. I drove mine, and my 330, and now the e46 m3 daily. No problems at all.

 

great cars! and you can always add some boost for mo powa!

 

Drove one for two years w/ 3.46 gears amongst other things... was nothing but a pleasure 100% of the time!

 

It's hard to find a clean one. Most are salvaged, high mileaged or modded e36s. I think the e36s are the best m3 ever. Ive had both e36 and e46, i felt the e46 was/is too heavy. I've been looking to buy another e36, but its hard to find a clean one.
Btw: check to see if the VANOs system has been replaced before. there's been issues with this on these cars, and it's pretty expensive to replace.

 

Great dd. Highly recommend. Drove mine for 10 years. 5 with a turbo.

 

1999.

 

E36 M3 are the best daily driver on the planet.

 

I have had 2 E36 M3's for a total of over 7 years as daily drivers. They are great cars. The issues above pretty much cover it. You can completely upgrade all the cooling parts for $300-600 bucks depending if you go stock or aftermarket. Rear shock mounts are another easy fix...from 40-100 bucks depending on what you get (I now have ground control ones). I also got Zeckhausen 4500K hids, and they are amazing.

Yeah, the 240hp 'seems' like it is lacking compared to the numbers now, but honestly, the car is plenty quick, and can hold it's own.....especially in the twisties.

It is getting harder and harder to find 'clean' ones, but they are out there. I think it is the best bang-for-the-buck out there. If you really want more power, get the VF stage 1 supercharger installed for $5500 total, and have 300+hp to the wheels.

Also remember that a lot of the 'comparable' cars with the bigger HP numbers also weigh 300-600lbs more. Plus it is 'easy' to put the E36 on a diet and drop 100+lbs.

I DD mine and take it to the track multiple times per year. Puts a smile on my face every time!

Get one...you won't regret it.

SoCal