Bought an E36 328i Sport..

[E30BeemerLad]

was behind an E36 touring the other morning and thought, hmmmmmm, I think I would

I gave up on the E30 as mine was a rusty heap of sh1te and I figured even spending £3-£4K on a good sport would still have me chasing rust and faults around the car, that's why I went jap luxo-barge. If my missus hadn't stacked the soarer I would not have had to fix a thing on it and everything still works on the car and not a spot of rust on a 16 year old car

I also reckon the E36 compact transplanted with the M50 lump would be a nice cheap bit of fast fun.

[M5pilot]

328i Sports in good order are a far far better car than I initially expected and in most areas much better than an E30.

Just a quick comparison of E30 325i Sport vs 328i Sport:

E30 has a more comfortable seating position with reguards to pedal alignment.
Steering on E36 is far superior in feel, accuracy and weight.
Grip and mid corner balance on E36 leaps and bounds ahead.
Over handling and oversteer/understeer balance much better on E36, E30 6 Cyl is a nose pusher in comparison
Standard suspension on the 328i is fantastic and does not need to be played around with - well uprated ARB's always help but the spring and damper setup is sublime.
Power delivery on E30 a little more satisfying under 3500rpm but above that the 2.8 wins.
Noise on E30 is nicer - E36 sounds metallic.
As a motorway cruiser the E36 wins hands down.
Performance - 328i considerably faster over 60mph but only slightly quicker upto that point. Above 100mph the gap really widens. The E36 has considerably longer gearing aswell to it's disadvantage + weight.
Build quality is very good and definately better than the E30 but this is to be expected of a newer car.
Much better creature features in the E36, dual climate is very nice, heaters are better.
Overall driveability - in terms of feel the E30 has a slight edge here but once you start taking corners fast and keep the revs high in the E36 it is more satifsying and feels far more sure footed.
Styling - Both look nice in my opinion, the E30 in mint condition is a real head turner though.

Oh and the fuel economy on the 328i is just bloody amazing! Motorway cruising returns a good 35+ mpg! I never managed more than 25mpg with the same driving style.

For £3500-£5000 the 328iS is definately a better car but the E30 still has it's charms and a good one is still a very attractive prospect.

And just before anyone asks, yes I moved to the dark side after searching for months for a decent 325i Sport - there are just none on offer these days as the owners are rightly keeping them tightly in their possession.

Anyway.....flame suit with extra protection just being put on!

[Geeman]

Mine's up for sale now... no offers at £2800 for a quick sale... divorce solicitors bill needs paying!

Any info required, just call. Pics available too.

Shamelss plug on the E30 Zone...

[JagsB]

There are not many 328iS's for £2800! Bargain if it's nice (which I assume it is)

[Jhonno]

328i Sports in good order are a far far better car than I initially expected and in most areas much better than an E30.

Just a quick comparison of E30 325i Sport vs 328i Sport:

E30 has a more comfortable seating position with reguards to pedal alignment.
Steering on E36 is far superior in feel, accuracy and weight.
Grip and mid corner balance on E36 leaps and bounds ahead.
Over handling and oversteer/understeer balance much better on E36, E30 6 Cyl is a nose pusher in comparison
Standard suspension on the 328i is fantastic and does not need to be played around with - well uprated ARB's always help but the spring and damper setup is sublime.
Power delivery on E30 a little more satisfying under 3500rpm but above that the 2.8 wins.
Noise on E30 is nicer - E36 sounds metallic.
As a motorway cruiser the E36 wins hands down.
Performance - 328i considerably faster over 60mph but only slightly quicker upto that point. Above 100mph the gap really widens. The E36 has considerably longer gearing aswell to it's disadvantage + weight.
Build quality is very good and definately better than the E30 but this is to be expected of a newer car.
Much better creature features in the E36, dual climate is very nice, heaters are better.
Overall driveability - in terms of feel the E30 has a slight edge here but once you start taking corners fast and keep the revs high in the E36 it is more satifsying and feels far more sure footed.
Styling - Both look nice in my opinion, the E30 in mint condition is a real head turner though.

Oh and the fuel economy on the 328i is just bloody amazing! Motorway cruising returns a good 35+ mpg! I never managed more than 25mpg with the same driving style.

For £3500-£5000 the 328iS is definately a better car but the E30 still has it's charms and a good one is still a very attractive prospect.

And just before anyone asks, yes I moved to the dark side after searching for months for a decent 325i Sport - there are just none on offer these days as the owners are rightly keeping them tightly in their possession.

Anyway.....flame suit with extra protection just being put on!

Have to agree with you Sal, am sorely tempted by an e36 M3 'loon having had my 328i as a daily..

[Jhonno]

[Davenotouring]

Yes, Dan, that is sweeeeeeeeeet!

Love it. Wheels are almost perfect......not quite. I think if they were the same style but splitties, they'd be 100%

[Jhonno]

Yeah splitties would be sex.. Everytime i see a nice e36 M3 'loon i nearly start writing the ad for my e30 project

[M5pilot]

E36 M3.....awesome car

4 Door E36 M3 with a 318i Badge.....awesome sleeper.