[voltron1011]

I've been thinking about getting a '96 E36 328 (or similar) and selling my '06 E90 325i. I'm thinking I want to start putting more money into investing and less into car payments. I'm very mechanically inclined and have had plenty of beater cars over the years (not that I want the E36 to be a beater).
I've always loved the E36 body-style but could never afford them back then when they were new. I've done a lot of research on them recently, and they seem to be pretty solid cars with the exception of a few well know 'issues'. What do you guys think?

[spacedogg]

If you have time to tinker around with your car...go for it. You will probably get some personal satisfaction from that. Not sure if you will save as much money as you think as you may need to spend some money initially to upgrade and service parts on a used E36...but likely over the long haul you will likely save some money.

[ward]

I had one for awhile

the cooling system issues need to be addressed, and the car does not offer the luxury features that the E90 has

a car like you're talking about 96 328, can probably be had for 6-7 grand in nice shape (for the year)
if you'd like, maybe try and find an M3 since those are affordable too, just make sure you don't get one that was beat on by a kid.....

given the choice between driving an E36 or a new Honda or other econobox, I'd take an E36 every time!