It's actually a Review!!!!: 1996 BMW E36

History: The Third Generation of BMW's ever popular 3-series the E36 is a very successful Chassis. Weighing in at 3100 lbs and some change, this RWD(Rear Wheel Drive) sports car was sold as a coupe from 1992-2000, a saloon(4-door) from 1991-1999, and a Cabriolet(convertible) from 1994-2000. A popular European model was the 318ti, which was a shortened, smaller version of the 2 door coupe. With an independent rear end and suspension born on the race track, the BMW E36 was a fun and competent street and track car. Riding on the coat tails of it's predecessor's popularity, consumers worldwide bought them like hot cakes. Thanks to the sales numbers there are plenty of cheap E36's in good condition ripe for the picking.

Opinion: First and foremost, I am biased. I own a Nissan and love it beyond all comprehension. Being a proud JDM(Japanese Domestic Market) whore I look to Japanese style trends to pick parts for my beloved Z. That being said, I do not inherently hate Euro, American or any other nationality of car, I just know and love JDM. It takes something exceptional to impress me. My room mate Zach has the 1996 328is (the "s" at the end means 2 door) pictured above. I've driven it around campus a few times and I must say...I'm surprised. I'm surprised because I like it. This little Black 3 series has been implanting the Euro bug in my brain for the greater half of this year. When it first arrived in Clemson after Christmas break, I was enamored at the phaser-like induction noise from the 2.8 litre (yes I spell it "re", no I am not a pretentious prick) Inline six brought me in. It's german and therefore the crisp handling and responsive 5 speed transmission inspire confidence and the insanely forgiving suspension make you look like a hero when you over step it's boundaries. My biggest problems? It's too low for a GT car. We had a fairly steep incline leading into our dorm parking lot and he dragged when my car glided unscathed over the sidewalk. Also, IT'S GERMAN!! I blame my hatred for Deutsche Autos on my Dad's time bomb of a porsche 944. His car has yet to have any problems.

Pros: It's German

Cons: It's German

The Bottom Line: I used to think I wanted a 240SX for a track car, but I want an E36.