On reflection, the E36 3 Series was always going to have a tough time of it. The E30 not only yielded the first M3, it was a tremendous success: it was the yuppy compact exec of choice, a great driver's car, and a titan of tin-top motorsport. That it remains revered decades after launch shows what an impact it made - and what a task the E36 had to follow it.
Launched in a year of recession, with an M3 that disappointed the enthusiasts, the E36 was not off to the most auspicious of starts. That didn't stop it eventually achieving class-leading status, though, sweeping aside all comers until the end of its time on sale with the 21st century approaching.
Now, with that era 20 years behind us, the E36 has come be appreciated afresh. While it once seemed to some to be a heavy, aloof evolution of the original 3 Series, a lot has changed since the early 1990s. In 2019, that additional insulation and will make it a more usable classic than its forebear, for example. Furthermore this is a straight-six, manual, fast, stylish BMW, one with a kerbweight in the 1,300s and precious little in the way of technology. You don't need to look far through the current BMW line up - or that of many other manufactures, for that matter - to see the appeal of that to traditional BMW fans.
Moreover, the black sheep status of the E36 - not as iconic as an E30, not as modern or numerous as an E46 - works a treat for picking up secondhand examples. Not so long ago it was probably (and fairly) assumed that the E36 would follow its forebear into proper classic territory, where once it floundered at Shed money. But look at this one: a very presentable 328i for £3,495.
Good 328is are tremendously hard to come by nowadays, many sacrificed at the altar of the track day and drifting gods. With a finely balanced chassis, lusty straight-six and limited-slip diff often equipped - as well as scandalous affordability a little while back - that's easy to understand.
But it makes a car like this very rare. While not the more desirable M Sport, this 328i has a great spec and looks in very good condition; the mileage is at a more than reasonable 110,000 thanks to some time in storage, and tThere are one or two fails in the MOT history, but parts are going to wear out on a car comfortably into its third decade. This is a car from the mid-1990s - which is actually quite old now - and needs to be treated as such, humble 3 Series or not.
But just over £3k for a nice example of a classic 3 Series, in what many would see as an ideal spec, looks excellent value. Dwindling numbers must surely mean prices can't plummet again, and BMW's current direction could well lead many back to its old cars. Perhaps that's hopeful thinking, but this kind of BMW will surely hold its appeal to a dedicated bunch - you wouldn't bet against one of them snapping it up very soon.
SPECIFICATION - BMW 328I (E36)
Engine: 2,793cc, straight-six
Transmission: 5-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 193@5,300rpm
Torque (lb ft): 207@3,950rpm
MPG: 31
CO2: N/A
First registered: 1996
Recorded mileage: 110,000
Price new: N/A
Yours for: £3,495
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