Drax240z Posted April 23, 2009 Share Posted April 23, 2009 (edited) Looking for any of your guys advice or experience on this one. I've played with BMW's for years, mostly E30's but I have a 528iT (E39) and have had an 535i (E28) in the past as well. I am looking at an E36 for a daily driver, specifically a 1993 325is. My requirements aren't a race car, I can drive the Z daily if that's what I'm after. I'm looking for something comfortable yet fun, sporty, and a bit refined. Again, the Z is parked next to it if I want to go for a 10/10 drive and throw comfort, fuel economy and being subtle to the wind. Any feedback on E36's, specifically a 325is? Anyone have any other options for a daily driver in that price range that meets my goals? (say, $3500-$5000) Not looking for a huge project car, but I don't mind wrenching here and there as needed... For the unfamiliar, here is a similar car: Edited May 12, 2009 by Drax240z Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cockerstar Posted April 23, 2009 Share Posted April 23, 2009 That's one of my top picks while staying in your price range for a DD if four seats were a requirement. Look into the impreza 2.5 rs as well. They get that subie look for under 5k. It was what I was saving for before I wan introduced to my Z two years ago Can you have a two seat DD? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drax240z Posted April 23, 2009 Author Share Posted April 23, 2009 Two seats shouldn't be a problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EvilC Posted April 23, 2009 Share Posted April 23, 2009 That's one of my top picks while staying in your price range for a DD if four seats were a requirement. Look into the impreza 2.5 rs as well.They get that subie look for under 5k. It was what I was saving for before I wan introduced to my Z two years ago Can you have a two seat DD? My dad just got one of these for my younger sister (21) who has always liked this cars....I would drive it as a DD, maybe even a STI swap Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators BRAAP Posted April 23, 2009 Administrators Share Posted April 23, 2009 Richard…. Don’t do it! No, really, don’t do this! BMW’s best selling car, the E-36, able to readily accept the LSx pretty much as a bolt in, almost as easy as the SBC S-30 Z car! At least three different companies selling LSx conversion kits… don’t do it… http://www.vorshlag.com/index.php?cPath=1_4_63 http://www.nash8503.com/ http://www.nahrods.com/ Resistance is futile... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cockerstar Posted April 23, 2009 Share Posted April 23, 2009 I had a feeling that point would come up I wasn't going to be the one to mention it and ruin it for him though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rturbo 930 Posted April 23, 2009 Share Posted April 23, 2009 Richard…. Do it! No, really, do this! BMW’s best selling car, the E-36, able to readily accept the LSx pretty much as a bolt in, almost as easy as the SBC S-30 Z car! At least three different companies selling LSx conversion kits… do it… I think what you meant to say was... I couldn't resist. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drax240z Posted April 23, 2009 Author Share Posted April 23, 2009 (edited) Haha, now that is interesting... just what I need, another project! I'm at about the 95% convinced mark after a bunch of reading tonight. I'll sleep on it and see how it goes tomorrow, but all signs are positive. It's been a big month for me, getting rid of a couple of FWD volkswagon diesels, and an old Miata, and picking up a cherry 528iT and likely a 325iS in their place. I'm done with driving cars that don't inspire me! You know it's been too long driving slow cars when a 196hp NA inline 6 in a 3700lbs BMW feels fast... Edited April 23, 2009 by Drax240z Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators BRAAP Posted April 23, 2009 Administrators Share Posted April 23, 2009 I think what you meant to say was... I couldn't resist. YEUP! That is EXACTLY what I'm up to myself. Selling my clean Z-32 and acquiring a BMW E-36 with intentions of installing the LSx that is sitting on my engine stand... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators BRAAP Posted April 23, 2009 Administrators Share Posted April 23, 2009 Haha, now that is interesting... just what I need, another project! I'm at about the 95% convinced mark after a bunch of reading tonight. I'll sleep on it and see how it goes tomorrow, but all signs are positive. ... Here is your reading assignment... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drax240z Posted April 23, 2009 Author Share Posted April 23, 2009 Any idea how seamless the typical install is Paul? ie: retaining interior electronics function, A/C, power steering, etc. I wouldn't want to go down that road for a daily without retaining 100% of the stock features.... including trip computer, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drax240z Posted April 25, 2009 Author Share Posted April 25, 2009 Well, bit the bullet and picked this one up today... already recharged the A/C, fixed the windshield wipers, cleaned the interior, put in a few new light bulbs... lots more to do, but it's an easy project at this point, doesn't NEED anything, just as I have time... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris240zTurbo Posted April 25, 2009 Share Posted April 25, 2009 Cool car Drax, and a great excuse to spout off one of my favorite car jokes! What's the difference between a BMW and a porcupine? a porcupine has its pricks on the outside!!! a good friend of mine has an '07 M-5, what a car... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShaggyZ Posted April 25, 2009 Share Posted April 25, 2009 I've been eyeing 4dr E36s to replace my wife's '97 Corolla. I'm tempted but I can't play around with my money much right now. Other cars I've considered are Lexus GS300 and IS300 and Infiniti J30 (these things sell for CHEAP). I wonder how easy dropping a LS1 or 2JZ in a J30 would be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavyZ Posted April 26, 2009 Share Posted April 26, 2009 Well, bit the bullet and picked this one up today... Nice looking Bimmer! I like the color a lot--reminds me of berries or something edible, really, or maybe I'm just hungry right now Hard to cut up a perfectly good car unless your name is BRAAP Davy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoNkEyT88 Posted April 26, 2009 Share Posted April 26, 2009 Yay, BMW club.. The LS1 swap looks tasty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators BRAAP Posted April 29, 2009 Administrators Share Posted April 29, 2009 Well, bit the bullet and picked this one up today... already recharged the A/C, fixed the windshield wipers, cleaned the interior, put in a few new light bulbs... lots more to do, but it's an easy project at this point, doesn't NEED anything, just as I have time... GORGEOUS! Nice car Richard. Love that color! Is that factory BMW color? ...Hard to cut up a perfectly good car unless your name is BRAAP Davy I weaned out on cutting up a perfectly good car. Didn't have it in me. Ended up selling the Z-32 this last weekend, now in the market for an E-36 that will receive the LSx and T-56 sitting in my shop, and I wont have to cut the car to get it to fit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShaggyZ Posted April 29, 2009 Share Posted April 29, 2009 GORGEOUSEnded up selling the Z-32 this last weekend, now in the market for an E-36 that will receive the LSx and T-56 sitting in my shop, and I wont have to cut the car to get it to fit. Gotta say I'm dumbfounded you got nearly as much as you were asking for that thing.... that's an assumption on my part. It was beautiful, but ... wow! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators BRAAP Posted April 29, 2009 Administrators Share Posted April 29, 2009 The new owner is Z32 savvy having owned one when they first came out in 1990, now will be retiring soon and wants another one. He had been doing his research including KBB and current street values and been looking for one for some time now, lots of them and not satisfied with any he had seen, felt this was a pretty good deal. I'm glad it is going to a good home to someone who appreciates nice Z-32's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drax240z Posted April 29, 2009 Author Share Posted April 29, 2009 (edited) GORGEOUS! Nice car Richard. Love that color! Is that factory BMW color? Yes, its called Calypso Red Metallic. Picked up a few more items from the BMW wrecker today, fixed the speaker grille, cigarette lighter, got the alarm system working... Also ordered some parts from Pelican Parts to fix the sunroof. Only a few more small things until the car is "perfect" again... Also tempted by the wreckers offer of $600 for a complete black interior in excellent shape, including sport seats. Either that or I am just going to fix up what I have, as time isn't exactly easy to come by these days, and as much as I'd prefer a black interior, a tan one isn't the end of the world. Edited April 29, 2009 by Drax240z Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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