E36 VS E46 DAILY/PROJECT - PROS & CONS

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Today, I compare the pros and the cons of a BMW E36 vs E46 for a daily/project. I have owned several of each generation and loved them all. However, they do have their strengths and weaknesses and do share some of the same ones. Overall, both ares are fantastic, however, one does reign supreme for being a daily and one for a project. Thanks for watching, like and subscribe.
In this video, we compare the BMW E36 and E46, two classic sports cars that have gained a loyal following over the years. The E36 and E46 are both known for their agile handling and powerful engines, but they have some key differences that set them apart. We go over the pros and cons of both models, covering topics such as performance, styling, and reliability. Whether you're a fan of the E36 or the E46, or just curious about the differences between the two, this video has something for you. We also take both cars for a spin on the track, giving you a firsthand look at how they perform. So if you're wondering which one is the better choice, make sure to check out this video.Both models are known for their agile handling, powerful engines, and iconic styling, but they have some key differences that set them apart. The E36 was produced from 1992 to 1999, while the E46 was produced from 1998 to 2006. The E46 boasts a more modern design and slightly more powerful engines, but the E36 is generally considered more affordable and simpler to work on. In this video, we go over the pros and cons of both models, covering topics such as performance, styling, and reliability. We also take both cars for a spin on the track, giving you a firsthand look at how they perform. So if you're wondering which one is the better choice, make sure to check out this video.

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[rationalstarsign]

As an e36 owner I can confidently say that they are one of, if not BMW's most reliable car on the market next to the e30 and e46. The cooling system and coolant hoses should probably be your first upgrade with these cars, but other than that they last forever if you do regular oil changes and maintenance on them. Not only that, but they are super super easy to work on, to the point where you can work on every single problem yourself if you have the time and patience. Tons of videos on youtube about how reliable and great these cars are for all avenues such as drifting, racing, anything. If you're looking for a 90's shitbox as a first car and/or project car, this is a car that you should definitely think about getting. Cheers.

[mickieherald]

Great video ..As a BMW mechanic for 15 years and when the e36 was new, I still think as a car nearly 30 years old They are one of the best looking and performing cars even comparing them to newer cars .. Window regs and door panels are usually in need of replacement after that long, not a big deal but they really dont have any weak links in the drive train. .The headgaskets where never the issue but the plastic water pump impeller that falls apart leading to an overheat that pops the gasket . The rear subframe mounts as you would expect on a welded diff car that gets abused will stress crack so if you buy somones drift project, maybe look into the support plates . if you can find a 325, they seem to pull much better then the emission choked 328 . M3 is obviously the creal of the crop but prices the last few years have gone way up. .. Im not as up on the e46 but if you can only find a 323, you may be disappointed with its lack of its performance . Its kind of like the old e30 " E " model..lol

[Covkiller]

I have an E36 Evo Euro 3.2 tuned to over 340bhp. Completely resprayed, Titan Silver, lowered on coilovers, upgraded brakes, cat delete, Simota intake, newly rebuilt blue printed race engine, OMP steering wheel, cobra Nogaro heated seats, GT rear wing and front splitter, Fiamm air horns, Sony head unit, etc. So basically the E36 M3 Evo is my favourite. Oh I had brand new one in 1998.

[arriemeyer]

As a South African, glad to see the first 3 bmws, as they are from CapeTown. Great video

[sero]

I drove both. The e36 is more polarizing and is more iconic, but a beautiful e46 can also attract attention and is a bit sportier in terms of performance (newer engine), but in my opinion the e36 engines last longer and are easier to repair

Greetings from Munich... BMW Hometown ;-)

[earleighheights]

Both cars deserve high marks based on what they offer...it's simply a matter of which one appeals to the individual more...for me the E36 carries a slightly sportier feel and can be transformed into a top level sports car with time..patience..and of course proper funding.

[bigkeg]

A half decent 36 goes for about 6K here. 46 for about 8K.
Definitely the 46 for me if I could 👍

[Martinturbo]

Preference is e36 - so many beautiful cars in the 90s. Love the front headlights and shape. Really hard to find e36 or e46 in Canada right now that's clean and comes with PPI. Thanks for the video!

[martsmarts]

Got a 2001 e46 330ci last 2022... best decision ever.
It's not stupid fast. But it's quick enough. And it will keep up on twisty roads. Ideal daily

[LFx]

E46 is honestly like the perfect car for anyone ages 16-35. They can be made to be the perfect commuter to get you to and from work comfortably or planned to be the sickest project to take on the track. Shit you can even build it out to be the perfect car to deliver door dash order instyle 😂 (the only way I’d be willing to do a job like that would be in a nicely built up e46!!!). It’s an old car yet the styling of the interior still holds up to todays standards. Especially compared to the e36 which aged pretty badly in my opinion. Amazing car, and I’m actually in the market to get another one right now! Really hoping I’m able to snag an AWD wagon or a manual ZHP this

[irvinsalazar]

Bro you like the same cars like me. Growing up I was a full on Nissan guy especially the s chassis but once I got older it's way too expensive to buy an s chassis. Drove a BMW once and instantly fell in love . It's so cheap to maintain the e46 now too.

[lt_a]

Bro I just wanna say I love you man! Love how u go into details about it. I got an E46 myself and got some oil leaking but other then that it drives great!

[midnightg]

E36 always a head turner e46 could be made clean with the right amount of mods

[dimitrispapachristos]

I have an E36 318is M44 with 230.000km .. the car runs great and the engine still feels very healthy.. it had interior issues as with steering wheel, heating problem that fixing it wasn't cheap..
When i was searching also had E46 in mind but 2 mechanic friends i had they told me that have serious engine issues with the double vanos and cooling system and also some models had serious oil consumption problems since new!!.. the interior is also not seriously improved.. so i had the 318is and im happy up to now.. also almost all parts i need are still available through BMW!! That is astonishing for such old cars..
All the 4-6 cylinder non vanos E36 cars are the most reliable choices.. as the E46 8valve engines are also very good.. E46 also had a lot more subframe tear issues than E36s .. for E 36 there is a reinforcement kit available that solve the problem that generally occurs with abused cars and modified ones..

[DocWiggles]

Nice vid.


I am a 2002 & E30 fan. Started looking for a new e30 project (last one was over a decade ago) & MY GOD... those prices.

I have always liked the e36 & never owned one... seems e46s are more plentiful in my area. But did just find a 36 sedan for 3k I am going to check out tomorrow. If not, I'll likely go with a 46 coupe that's been sitting for a while.

[darrenmcgovern]

1999 Toyota Carola works for me, way less headaches. I have owned both of those cars, problematic especially the E46 M3. Unless you have deep pockets dont bother.

[noritsunemunemasa]

I love both. I love even their cons. I have experienced both.

[dylanstevely]

I had a 2001 330i e46, I loved that car, only issue was it needed so much work and anything I couldn’t do myself was so expensive compared to other cars, got mine at 145, 000 miles out around 5 grand into it to get it running good and it only made it to 190, 000 until it wouldn’t start and I sold it

[fatoputso]

Both great but, e36s look so darn good. S54 bearings are required at this point to be addressed. Nonetheless, good video.

[ElGoblinno]

Stroked e36 convertible auto 2.5 to 3.2 manual. All the money and time spent is well worth the pleasure of driving it.