This e36 is from the era when M meant motorsports, today BMW “M” sports means marketing. Nice review!

Another reminder that crazy power and top speed is just daft. Neat handling, a pleasant exhaust note and nice controls is so much more useful.

I owned this 328 for 7 years at the early 2000's ... it was my 1st car , it taught me how to grip, drive efficiently, it taught me how to recover in rainy roads right after switching lanes to avoid accident... it taught me whether I should grip or lose grip ... It gave me a lot of lessons .... its more than 10 years away and I'm now on a subaru with everything assisted, I still missed that feeling of being a real driver... being able to communicate.. I really did thought it was a living thing. if not some stupid bastard rear ended me , I think I would be still living and enjoying every ride on my e36 unmodified, I had 200k miles on it....

Still running my 95' E36 328i sedan. Just clocked 500k+ KM on her and still running strong. She's a blast to drive 😍

Got to be honest Jay I much prefer when you review the more normal, adorable cars rather than these super cars that most people when never even drive, never mind own. Yes the old 328i were awesome cars!

I feel like E36s are criminally underrated! When I say that my favorite 3 series chassis is the E36, people give me weird looks since I also have an E30 coupe and an E92. There's just something about it that feels so right.

Read the title and clicked like!! You’re 100% right, the 90s and early 2000’s was a pinnacle for BMW for them, and their current design trend is not great. Had a 320i 6 cylinder in white, it was great! It became a track car and is still going well !

Thank you for speaking what has been in my mind for years, BMW has lost their way since the 90s. Owned an E36 for years and to this day it is the only car I regret selling and miss dearly. Old BMWs become a part of you.

Such an emotional episode... this is why I love your content so much, you are always yourself and quite a genuine man

I had one of these. Fairly basic spec but still the best driver’s car I’ve ever had. By a mile.

The 90’s where definitely the best era for cars👍

This was so pimp when it came out. Zee germans really knew how to make a frameless window feel solid when you slam the coupe door. I'm talking to you, buick T-type!

Call it a cigarette lighter - Price: £x Rename it a cigar lighter - Price: £3x

Driven modern bmws, the m4 in particular. Yes they are fast, but my e46 clubsport was more fun in every way.

Back when a drug dealer could walk into a car garage with a holdall full of money and no questions asked....

You make a great point on this being a special car, BMW and Mercedes are everyman's cars now that people don't have to save for them. Back then they were special.

Could agree more about the 1990s cars being the pinnacle and speed comments. You are the best automotive content since top gear in my opinion. You rock.

You've absolutely deserved my subscription for love of these old iconic BMWs!

What a lovely spec, video is beautifully filmed the scenery and sunlight is fantastic worth watching again in mid winter as a reminder of summer!

Awesome car, the E36 328i. My first car was a red one and now, in my 40s and after many other very upmarket cars, my daily for the last 4 years has been a manual 328i again. I won't swop it for anything else. It's BMW doing what BMW does best. I cherish it immensely, since I don't think I'll ever be able to replace it...

I have an E36 convertible, it's a late 325i and is very well spect up, I absolutely love it, mine is pretty much factory apart from the tame stainless exhaust and poly bushing, have to admit the duel climate on mine works brilliantly, I also have a full tool kit and the original torch that came with it. 👍

Couldn't agree more. I have driven MANY cars from steam powered, tiller guided examples to modern hybrid supercars and everything in between. But an essex/suffolk back road hoon on a summers eve in an E36 328is is most memorable indeed. Sublime, smooth, comfortable, well poised and such a rewarding drive. Great cars for sure and a good, honest review. SUBSCRIBED.

i have one of these in avus blue, i absolutely love it

Love how your so humble stay real

I'm shocked how that you don't get more views! Soothing reviews sometime I put them on at bedtime, not to say they are boring, just relaxing.

Now here's a car I would own. And the review helps encourage that desire. Great job.

Best review you have done, I'm loving your work!

It is nice to have one of these in garage :)

Wedged a few of those m52b28 engines into a few e30s over the years. My last one was supercharged before I ripped it all out to wedge a v8 in 👀 Had many years of fun with my 328 swapped e30s though 😎

I'm sure James would hate my Dad's runaround E36 though - M44 1.9 powered 318ti with M sport package, yup the 'rear-ended, ugly' E36 with 'primitive' rear suspension design that happens to not have the infamous straight 6, and has a different dashboard design (more like the Z3). But doesn't stop me from loving it as it has been serving the family since 1999, full of sentimental value!

Loved my old Boston 328sport. 10 year owned. This has just brought it all back 👍

Man that 6 cylinder still sounds soo good!

I have an e36 328is and an US spec M3. They are sublime cars. You control everything, it talks you, you talk to it. The NA 6 cylinder engine with a cable actuated throttle is a gem. The size of the car is perfect. I understand fully why people love them.

thank you for taking me back. great video.

I've recently started toying with the idea of treating myself to one of these. You posting this vid seems like a sign! 😁👍

I have a 328i vert and love it so much fun to drive and 1 of best looking cars with its straight lines

brilliant review - at 19, i managed to persuade my boss to lease me a 318is in 98, i lost the back end twice each time costing about 3k in rear end work.. loved that car

I went from a 440i to an M2 competition, and I have to say they both drive really nicely, but the M2c is a riot. Lovely to drive and I love smaller cars

Very nice video! I've been driving a manual e36 320i touring for the past 4 years now. Most people tell me it's way too old. But in my opinion it looks and drives perfect! I especially like the engine sound. And you're right, lots of comfort with leather seats and climate control

Very enjoyable video, I understand your observations of the "pillars". I drive 320 to 400 miles a day doing E Commerce deliveries. I have had full size (American) pick ups disappear behind my A pillars, pulling out or making turns at corners. Gotta love "fool" government engineered vehicles.

Nice to find a ‘down to earth’ car review guy at last who isn’t jumped up like that Shmee150 kid!!! Cheers JayEmm.

Sir you are ABSOLUTELY bang on target with your comments about "new/modern BMW's" versus the E36 and E46 cars as well as later models. Thank you for voicing what many, many of us feel.

Superb review, and very valid points to anyone yet to drive this type of 3 series. Had a 318is from new in 1996 and yes the back end would 'significantly' break away from you, so.....always wear a seat belt...luckily I was!!!

Lovely video as per usual. Keep up the great "work"! You're a lucky man and I'm chuffed for you.

I totally agree with that comment you say at the beginning of the video about older BMW"s. This shape will always be synonymous with me for their place in Touring Cars. I still think the early 90's M5 will never be equalled for agressive looks.

Had an E30 pre-facelift chromie 325i for 26 years & loved it. great car to work on and fast too :-)

Used to own a 328i Individual as daily. Had it for 10 years, and never let me down. Absolute brilliant car, wish they would still make cars like it (ok, maybe with xenon headlights instead of candles).

Love this era of BMW. My old E34 (1995 so one of the last) was great...never should've got rid of it. 200K miles on the clock and was still going strong. Same gearbox as this one, 4th to 5th was nasty, my only complaint! Mine was standard except for the exhaust manifold was from E36 M3 (rest exhaust completely stock), made a fantastic noise!

thanks for making this review.I love my e36 328i.I am on my second one .My first one was an auto gearbox.I now have a manual an immaculate example with under 100k km's on it

I wholeheartedly agree, the 90's is the high point in automobiles for enjoyment, fun and useful technology. Maby we could include the late 80's and early 00's too. 90% of my dream/want cars come from that time span.

Amazing cars, owned my 328i sport now for 14 years, avus blue, silver grey leather, m50 mani and a host of other engine and chassis mods. Surprised a lot of more modern motors and very capable. Great video 👌🏻

This era of BMW was and still is amazing. I am loving my E39 daily driver

such a good analysis, thanks for this video.

He touches on a deeper truth here that applies to all cars, not just BMWs. That is: It's more fun to have 200hp that you can USE ALL OF (and a chassis that interacts with you) than 600hp you are constantly having to peg back and a buch of computers deciding everything for you. THAT is where these 90's cars hit the sweet spot - They had ENOUGH of everything (so you could actually use and enjoy everything) but not too much. In modern cars you have more power than you can really use and so much tech it renders the driver's skill and technique largely obsolete. More is not always better. Sometimes less is more.

Such a great car.ive been the proud owner of a 1996 318is coupe for the past seventeen years.a joy to drive and could never part with it,the build quality is as good as it gets.

Hi Jay, I had one of these back in 1998 in Boston Green fantastic colour with all the options you mentioned in the review, loved this car but it did need a little more power but handled well and always put a big smile on my face, it looked like am M3 but much cheaper to run and maintain. Wish I still had it.

Thanks for bringing back some fond memories. Although I never owned a 3 series (used to have a 1991 H reg 520i SE 24 valve), those were back when BMW had great reliability plus a decent build quality. Having worked for a dealership that specialised in used German cars, it was generally accepted that the E36 was for the more exuberant whereas a 5 series (E39?) was for a slightly more affluent class of hooligan 😆. The 2.0 litre straight 6 was regarded as being the smoothest, the 2.8 litre was the most durable. Great cars and fun to drive 👍

This is one of my favourite episodes, I can sense the passion. "and then you realise that what you're doing... is driving" High light moment.

This was the review that got me into your channel, absolutely spot on in every way.

Another great video, your right about the 90's Vauxhall Cavalier Turbo, Calibra Turbo, great cars great time for cars.

I had a E36, 316 SE Compact, with the 1.9 engine. I loved it, it was so much fun.

I owned the same car in a cabriolet, what a things it was. Same colour as this one but with Alpina replica wheels. Great video this one, love seeing these older classics in fine fettle

My first RWD car was an E36 318i saloon, about the least desirable model with the 4 pot engine, but it was SO much fun. I ran it for about 2 or 3 years and, although it was not by any means a powerful car, the fun I had with it was immeasurable.

A friend of mine had a N Reg one of these and it still is one of the coolest cars out there

I had one of these once, by far the best of all the BMW’s I have owned. It had to go in the end only because the bodywork was full of rust, but otherwise solidly built. The clutch lasted to 135k miles and when I sold it at nearly 200k miles it was still running on the original factory exhaust. It was a great car to drive on any road with nicely spaced gear ratios, the gears on newer cars are set to minimise emissions and spoil the driving experience. The engine is generally strong, only weak points being the water pump and fan coupling but they are not too difficult to replace. The more annoying issue is the trip computer and AC control, pixels fail on the display and replacement units are tricky to find and v. expensive. If you can find one that is rust free it’s a great car. I agree with JayEmm, a high water mark for BMW.

I always admire who speak clearly without fluff, and you sir, are an expert communicator. This is easily Top Gear quality presenting. Recent new subscriber and I look forward to many more videos. Thanks mate!

Thanks! I daily drove one of these, and it was the best car I ever had, overall.

the most relaible cars where made in the 90's. still love the e 36, a classic e 21 alpina is till the dream for me

Clio williams and e36 = dream garage back then in the 90's AND now. 👍

I used to love the instantaneous fuel economy readout on my old, ex-police E28 528i that wasn't. When you were really having fun on the twisty roads it was very easy to get that down into single figures. The person I bought it from said it was perfectly possible to get it down to 0 mpg, though I never actually managed that. I did get it down to 1.2 mpg once. It's nut hard to see why they were usually switched off or left in a standard readout mode when the police had them...

I owned an e36 325i coupe for 8yrs for a reason, loved driving it. I then got an e46 330ci sport 9yrs ago - and still own it to this day - it doesn’t do many miles these days, but don’t want to ever get rid of it - as I love driving it..

Great video Jay. Had my 95 arctic silver 328i m sport for over 16 years now and still love it. Bought in 2004 and previous owner fitted lpg conversion. Probably not many running on gas

I've kept coming back to this video over the months since you've uploaded it. I'm finally going to take the plunge on an e36

I had one of these, otherwise identical except dark leather and silver paint. I purchased it about eight years ago when they were bottom money bangers for £800 out the back of a BMW franchise 'on the quiet' away from the sales manager rather than it being scrapped or sent to auction. I howl with delight whenever I see an E36 coupe and I've owned a varied selection of cars but that was by far the best day-to-day neo-classic I ever owned. I would have another in a heartbeat.

Great job as always

Awesome tape, still think of the triumphant music for each car before the drag race to this day!!

A man of taste i see Jay! I have got every single one of those Jeremy Clarkson DVDs... the unleashed on cars video is probably the best one out of all of them! Was also the first one as i seen as a kid that started my obsession with cars, that cerbera at the end smoking all the other supercars will always stick out in my mind lol

Yep..... Genuinely fantastic review from this geezer

The best cars for having fun, are the ones you can push to its limits the most. It doesn't matter how many HP you have or which make the best lap times, what matters is how much you can squeeze out every drop of the cars potential.

Totally agree The 90s was the best era for cars All the best cars I've owned are from that time and the e36 is definitely one of my favourites I've had them all and still own two tourings (including the one you drove)

i've owned my E36 328i now for nearly 15 years.. still loving it and driving it.

Funnily enough I saw one yesterday and thought what a nice compact machine .

I’m kind of a late adaptor, but you have become one of my favorite You Tubers. Great video here, and I agree 100% with your thoughts on BMW. (I’ve yet to see anyone that enjoys cars to any degree admit to liking the way the new BMW’s drive.). They’ll have to pry my cold dead hands from the wheel of my E46 M3. Great job - keep up the great content!

Happy owner of a 328i e36 bone stock. Thanks for making me keep my car a few more years

Great review Jay! I had a '98 silver 328is with the Avus pack just like this car. Absolutely loved it and kept it for 7 years whereas I'm usually bored by 2-3 and only reluctantly sold it due to having to have a work vehicle. They're actually a lot quicker than you'd believe. It pulled a few car lengths against a 210bhp Mini Cooper Works from a 20mph start. I think the long gearing disguises this a lot when driving it. I'd be tempted by an M235i as a successor but don't think I could live with the numb steering and fake engine sounds. Such a shame BMW sold out on their heritage & core values. Nothing from their range has interested me since the hydraulic steering version of the 130i :(

Lovely car.... oh and a great mazagine. JayEmm your channel is fantastic.

This is such a great video, just bought one of these for myself, I love your passion and where you get it from, you can tell from all your “jeremisms”😉😀

I recently bought a 1998 Bostongrün E36 Compact after having owned a 1995 Compact 6-7 years ago. I remembered it having nice driver space and being really tail happy! When bringing the new car home i babyed it home about 160km(old tires, worn brakes and ruff idle), but the last 20 km's i kicked the throttle more and really remembered why i had missed my old Compact!

Just bought 1995 e36 four door one owner 180000klm in New Zealand. Totally hooked with the chassis and feeling on the road. Superb!

I’ve had two E36s and I have to agree with you and the owner about the footrest. One of my E36s was a left hand drive M3 3.0 which had a very useable footrest. There is a great deal more room in the left footwell rather than the right. I understand why, but it made so much difference to the driving experience. I should add this was the first video I’ve seen on this channel, but it won’t be the last!!

I hope the powers that be at BMW are listening as I think this modern obsession with more and more power and stiffer handling and cars that are so large you are scared to use them on the UK B roads needs to stop and we need to get back to something like this car, just with all the modern improvements that don't interfere with what was great about this era of car. Thanks for reviewing these less famous cars, I prefer these reviews to the totally unobtainable cars that most You Tubers follow.

Agreed the 90s were the peak. The perfect balance of sophistication and simplicity. My 96 328i Coupe was the best, cheapest track day car (and daily) I had. 👍🏻

I bought a beautifully specced up E46 318Ci (second car, no budget for a six cilinder) and put it on narrow tires, just to have more of this. Low speed involvement (and it only does low speed with 140hp), actually driving the thing, feeling the grip ebb and flow, feeling the chassis near its low limits at sane speeds. And it's a great daily as well. More like this please!

I'd absolutely love an unmolested sorted one of these.....wonder how much it would cost? Great video as always 👍

Jay, I really loved this presentation - I also own an E36, a '92 325i that is a LHD Japanese import that was later exported to Canada - I bought it cheaply three years ago with 106K km on the clock and love it. It's a simple car with the only extra I can see being the M Sport steering wheel which fits me perfectly along with the rest of the interior. I later bought a 2003 E46 330ix which I intended to replace the E36 but the cars have such different feels and features that I ended up owning both and would probably sell the E46 before the E36 - the 330 has piles more power and features but is also much heavier and more difficult to fix, and just doesn't have that lightweight, throw around like a go cart feel of the older car. I also totally agree with you about the '90s being the high point of vehicle design - clean, crisp and distinctive designs and cars you could still fix yourself, instead of the rolling blobs with contorted front features which have you running off to the dealer every time another warning light comes on - I have no interest whatsoever in any Bimmers newer than my 2003.

Nice review, would much prefer that era of BMW over what's on offer today 👍

Yes!! I had this m sport in silver with alpina wheels! 328i a real head Turner!!

I owned a car in very similar condition and spec to this (it was arctic silver) as my second car and miss it fondly. Swapped it for a 172 as wanted to do some trackdays and was the logical option. Now i've sold the clio and am very tempted to buy back the old beemer. As you put, its just as comfy lounging around on the motorway as it is on a b road. The creamy 6 is also a fantastic engine, super smooth and loves to rev, unlike most modern 4 pot turbos that just loose interest above 5000. All in all a great car.

Totally agree..I bought a 1997 328 Indigo Violet Coupe and thoroughly enjoyed it. I remember a/c was a ridiculously expensive extra...GBP1,700 if I remember correctly. I ended up trading it for a Porsche 968CS, which also confirmed your opinion of the 1990s being the high water mark for drivers’ cars.

I loved my E36 328i coupe sooooo much. It was absolutely heart breaking when I had to sell it.