Hey guys, I am 16 years old and have been a BMW fan for 16 years.
I first wanted an Integra or 240sx but they dont have what I want.
Teggy is FWD and 240 is ugly.

Then my friend said why not get a used BMW. I have always loved them (its all over my wall..M3)

My question is for the 1992+ 3 series. I know thats the fist year for the newer modern look. And its priced around 4K for a good one right?

So do you think that will be a good investment sicne I will have enough by this Feb. to buy one. Is there any problems I should know about in a BMW passed 100K mile stone?
How about the engine and tranny? I am only interested in Manual, is that hard to find in America since its like a Luxury car here? Its a 5sp right? Do the tranny get bad quick...like syncro's (i belive its called)

Also for performance parts? Hard to find? More expensive?
I have heard about a m50 swap. Is the 2.5L not fast?

Sorry for all the questions, but I gota learn before I invest. Thank all.

i dont know much about the E36 since i am not a huge fan of them. however in readin bimmer magazine, they always mention the numerous electrical problems in the E36. this is because the large amount of "new" electronics BMW put into the e36 when it came out.

Bimmers are cars with good engineering behind them. they are meant to be driven hard yet to be taken care of properly. this can get expensive, especially on a car where the miles are up there.

i dont think that performance parts are particularly hard to find. however, dont worry about swapping out to an M50 engine, since the 325i was powered by an M50. unless you are getting a 318 powered by a M40 engine, but then why not just get a 325i?

Ok, thanks.

Right now, before I go car shopping, is to be a smart buyer.
Any tips?

I want to know the Pros and Cons of the e36, or would I be better off in the e30's but please dont be bias. hehe

When you mean expensive, what do you mean?
All I can think of is use good oil and tune ups with high quality parts. Shouldnt be that expensive.

Also, I heard that the 1993 models have been improved from the 92 since that was BMW's first year for the e36's and worked some bugs out. Any truth to that?

Thanks....

I've been told to go with either an e30 or a post-'95 e36.

this may seem biased, but i would say go with a late model E30, but of course, i have the a E30 from the last year they were made!

but also, bimmer magazine, a mag i read a whole lot, some of their editors prefer an e30 to a e36.

also, of course later model e36's are a little better since with any product ever, it takes a little time to shake the bugs out. . .

Rice-

good luck finding a '92 325 for 4k. i got mine for 8k july of '03, you could probably get a '94 for about 8k, depending on milage.
one thing to keep in mind is how much money you will be able to put into it. this car IS high maintenance, and many minor problems will occur. spark plugs, radiator, oil tank, coolant, etc. but, those are the '92s. each year gets better, even though they look nearly the same from the outside with the exception of the rims and headlight frames. if you can, i would suggest getting a '94 325is or 328i, those will be around 8 or 9k if you'll be able to spend it. they are extremely fast, wont have as many problems, are very nice and will get you a girl within months.
upgrades on the e36 cars are very popular. tomorrow i will be getting M3 type b rims from the '99 E36 M3. they're gonna look really nice, and i'm paying only 500, rims and tires. euro headlights you can get a good set for as low as 210, and a hamman body kit could run around 800. these prices are the lowest price and good quality. obviously as you get more expensive, the quality will get better. any other questions? referrals to good sites? ask me

if you are going for around 4k why not go for the 318? I know the performance isnt the best but you cant find one that isnt beat to hell with lower mileage for 4k in a 318. As for the manuals they are not hard to find.