E36 328i - am I right to go for one of these beasties?
Discussion
Having tooled about in the (to me) fantastic Golf I have and pretty much learnt as much as can out of the front wheel drive car (and those who have met me at VMax's will concur at my sideways mentality), I've finally settled on going for a E36 328 Coupe.
Aside from being every so often swerved by 5 series, Jags, and other incredible value bits of kit, I feel the 328 would be a great car to introduce myself into the world of rear wheel drive, and also having a little more power than the Golf.
Does anyone disagree, and if not, what should I look out for - am I right in thinking to NOT go for an auto?
I know most of the maladies that affect the 3 series E36, such as the Nikasil engines, shock mounts, and other usual things (what car doesn't have such weak spots) - however I would be very appreciative to hear others experiences with this car.
I've read through the readers reviews of their 328's however only a few people have posted their real thoughts - mostly good.
My one overiding feeling is that most people say that the 328 feels quick and nimble, and sounds great? If so - excellent
Aside from being every so often swerved by 5 series, Jags, and other incredible value bits of kit, I feel the 328 would be a great car to introduce myself into the world of rear wheel drive, and also having a little more power than the Golf.
Does anyone disagree, and if not, what should I look out for - am I right in thinking to NOT go for an auto?
I know most of the maladies that affect the 3 series E36, such as the Nikasil engines, shock mounts, and other usual things (what car doesn't have such weak spots) - however I would be very appreciative to hear others experiences with this car.
I've read through the readers reviews of their 328's however only a few people have posted their real thoughts - mostly good.
My one overiding feeling is that most people say that the 328 feels quick and nimble, and sounds great? If so - excellent
vixpy1 said:
Bleedin fantastic cars mate, you cannot go wrong
Charlie, as an aside from the retrofitting of the 325 air intake manifold, what else can be *ahem* done to the car subtly to increase its chest beating - you had much time fiddling with these?
Nathan - the LSD, I have a rudimentry idea that LSD basicly stops a driven wheel from wheelspinning when it loses grip via a viscous coupling - how does this help increase sidewaysability?
Mat - thanks for your offer - I may still inquire about M3's but they are hefty on insurance for me over a 328, and don't offer all that much extra real world performace (unless others or yourself correct me).
Trouble is I haven't driven any of these, and I really am buying these blind - but then I'd never get to drive a car in a test drive in the way I usually like to drive when lifting my skirt.
Also Autos? non?
I've just bought a 328 sport and think its great. I ended up with an auto because I found a car with a really good spec that happened to be automatic. The car suits auto well but I have to say I'd prefer a manual. Check all the electrics carefully when you buy. There are a few things I din't check on mine that need sorting but nothing major. As suggested, major things to check are Vanos, rear bushes and Nikosil issue. Also if its an auto, check that it goes into reverse cleanly.
Gad-Westy said:
I've just bought a 328 sport and think its great. I ended up with an auto because I found a car with a really good spec that happened to be automatic. The car suits auto well but I have to say I'd prefer a manual. Check all the electrics carefully when you buy. There are a few things I din't check on mine that need sorting but nothing major. As suggested, major things to check are Vanos, rear bushes and Nikosil issue. Also if its an auto, check that it goes into reverse cleanly.
Graham, how does the Auto affect the car? there is one local that I'm trying to get a look at, and I'm not adverse to autos, although I do think I'd enjoy the manual more...
Get one! But, as Nathan said, make sure you get one with the LSD. Here probably isn't the place to go into details about how they work (and no doubt I'd get it wrong anyway) but the key thing is that they make the car significantly more predictable and controllable. Especially sideways.
I made the mistake of buying a 328i coupe without LSD a few years ago. Brilliant engine with lots of torque, but without an LSD it was quite hairy in the wet and rather too easy to step out without warning when "pushing on".
ETA: best to get the Sport model, complete with the x-spoke alloys and standard sport body-kit.
I made the mistake of buying a 328i coupe without LSD a few years ago. Brilliant engine with lots of torque, but without an LSD it was quite hairy in the wet and rather too easy to step out without warning when "pushing on".
ETA: best to get the Sport model, complete with the x-spoke alloys and standard sport body-kit.
Edited by wrighty78 on Tuesday 17th October 10:43
neil_cardiff said:
Nathan - the LSD, I have a rudimentry idea that LSD basicly stops a driven wheel from wheelspinning when it loses grip via a viscous coupling - how does this help increase sidewaysability?
In v basic terms-
No LSD, picture if you will an example when cornering, unloaded wheel starts to spin up & then thats all it can do is spin away the power, the loaded wheel is then bled of its power as the unloaded one is spinning it all away.
LSD, same corner, unloaded wheel starts to spin up, unlike no lsd the power is transfered to loaded wheel, drive is maintained to both wheels, hence more grip, & easier to go sideways (with enough power & not too much grip)
Lots of LSD types & lots of lock up percentages, & for some cars no lsd is considered better say many (elises etc) but for traditional front engined & rwd its only a good thing unless you are a ladyboy.
Auto box??? don't be a homo.
case point made, and closed neil_cardiff said:
vixpy1 said:
Bleedin fantastic cars mate, you cannot go wrong
Charlie, as an aside from the retrofitting of the 325 air intake manifold, what else can be *ahem* done to the car subtly to increase its chest beating - you had much time fiddling with these?
Nathan - the LSD, I have a rudimentry idea that LSD basicly stops a driven wheel from wheelspinning when it loses grip via a viscous coupling - how does this help increase sidewaysability?
Mat - thanks for your offer - I may still inquire about M3's but they are hefty on insurance for me over a 328, and don't offer all that much extra real world performace (unless others or yourself correct me).
Trouble is I haven't driven any of these, and I really am buying these blind - but then I'd never get to drive a car in a test drive in the way I usually like to drive when lifting my skirt.
Also Autos? non?
LSD is essential in my view. Function of the LSD is to supply power to the wheel with the most grip when the least ladened wheel begins to spin (99% of the time the inside wheel). At its most extreme, this can lock the differential to effectively split the power equally between the wheels.
Yes, this can make it easier to get it sideways under power, but it also maximises the drive that the driven wheels receive, and can put down. It prevents the inside wheel spinning madly exiting a bend, or painting a single line down the road when you are trying to accelerate away from a start.
Electronic traction controls are getting smarter by the day, but an LSD is a better way every time.
There are many different types of diff too that operate in many different ways (certainly too much to go into now).
I can apprecaite the insurance factor between a 328 and an M3 (even though I am at the upper end of my 20's now so don't really see much hike any more), but would urge you to drive a good 328, then drive a good M3 (or be driven by the owner). The performance day to day SHOULD be minimal for all cars if you plan to keep your licence for long, but when an opportunity presents itself, or real overtaking muscle is required, the 328 is well and truly second best.
Automatics? Do you really need to ask? Manual all the time for a performance car of this era. Some new semi-autos are getting there, but a stick is still the best for me. Torque convertor autos are for big saloons and the lazy!
I had a 328i saloon without an LSD and was unfortunate enough to get caught in a snowstorm on the A12, managed to spin the car at about 20mph on a slight banked bend!
By comparison I collected my E30 M3 from a service whilst it was snowing quite heavy and despite my trepidation after my experience in 328i the M3 performed faultlessly and gave no cause for concern. Obviously very different cars but I put the poor weather traction primarily down to the LSD.
I had the 325i manifold and enlarged throttle butterfly on my 328i and it revved like a demon- still have fond memories of that car, hmmm, Autotrader beckons!
In terms of ownership experience I didn't really have any issues- only thing I remember doing (was a few years ago now) was replacing the rear top mounts with stronger E46 cab items when they failed.
By comparison I collected my E30 M3 from a service whilst it was snowing quite heavy and despite my trepidation after my experience in 328i the M3 performed faultlessly and gave no cause for concern. Obviously very different cars but I put the poor weather traction primarily down to the LSD.
I had the 325i manifold and enlarged throttle butterfly on my 328i and it revved like a demon- still have fond memories of that car, hmmm, Autotrader beckons!
In terms of ownership experience I didn't really have any issues- only thing I remember doing (was a few years ago now) was replacing the rear top mounts with stronger E46 cab items when they failed.
pentoman said:
Neil - Pretty good choice I reckon. Have you thought about something more "hardcore" (less cruisy) though like a 944, E30 M3 or Merc Cossie
I actually want something comfortable to drive - my underlying criteria for cars (and the Golf is a great example) is that it should be reasonably cheap and easy(ish) to maintain and run, be spacious and comfortable (to a degree) and yet still able to pick its skirt up and go on a Sunday morning (chasing after Dazren).
I have considered other things, but I always come back to the fact that 95% of my driving (to and from work, to mates etc) is done at a sedate pace, and requires a comfy yet powerful car.
The 328i seems to be fit that bill very nicely - the only bummer for me being that the seats don't fold at the back so I can sling my bikes in - but I do have a bike rack for that...
Edited by neil_cardiff on Tuesday 17th October 11:19
Edited by neil_cardiff on Tuesday 17th October 11:20
Neil,
In answer to your question about how I find the auto, like I say I'd definately go for a manual if the right one came up but the auto isn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. Driving to work in traffic this morning was a very relaxing experience for once. In sport mode it'll hold low gears nicely as well so you don't fully lose out. I do find it odd slowing down at lights etc.. only using the brakes though.
If you get a coupe, mine has a folding rear seat which allows my bike to fit in easily.
Agree with everything said about LSD's and go for a sport if you find a goodun.
In answer to your question about how I find the auto, like I say I'd definately go for a manual if the right one came up but the auto isn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. Driving to work in traffic this morning was a very relaxing experience for once. In sport mode it'll hold low gears nicely as well so you don't fully lose out. I do find it odd slowing down at lights etc.. only using the brakes though.
If you get a coupe, mine has a folding rear seat which allows my bike to fit in easily.
Agree with everything said about LSD's and go for a sport if you find a goodun.
Gad-Westy said:
If you get a coupe, mine has a folding rear seat which allows my bike to fit in easily.
Agree with everything said about LSD's and go for a sport if you find a goodun.
Thanks for that - I read that the seat was fixed, but maybe that was misread as 'doesn't split'. Checklist is to include LSD then - and a sport if I can find one.
How do I tell if one has LSD or not?
Neil, which Golf are you coming from? I bought an E36 328 Coupe a few months back after owning 3 VR6s. The difference in handling terms is staggering! Not much in it in terms of outright pace put this is mainly down to the 328 being deliberately restricted to meet German tax laws. As has been said, a manifold from an earlier 325 and a big bore throttle body soon bypasses this!
Zonda said:
Neil, which Golf are you coming from? I bought an E36 328 Coupe a few months back after owning 3 VR6s. The difference in handling terms is staggering! Not much in it in terms of outright pace put this is mainly down to the 328 being deliberately restricted to meet German tax laws. As has been said, a manifold from an earlier 325 and a big bore throttle body soon bypasses this!
Coming from my Mk3 16v...
eta - see my profile...
Edited by neil_cardiff on Tuesday 17th October 11:47
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