Opinion requested: E36 or E28

[Sublime00]

So I picked up an e28 '88 535i (manual) few weeks ago. I've always loved the aesthetic of the car. It has 200k miles on the clock, alpine white w/ cardinal red interior, BBS wheels, one owner since new. It just looks phenomenal when BMW styling was at its best (IMO).

I also have an E36 1995 M3 OBD1 that I purchased last year, it has about 55k miles on it currently, I purchased it with 49k miles, drove 1200 miles cross country after purchasing it. I've redone the headliner, pillars and speaker deck w/ Alcantara, installed brand new door cards, done the entire cooling system (upper and under manifold), new starter, new alternator, new AC (lines and condenser), FCAs, motor mounts, transmission mounts, new front subframe, X brace, trailing arm bushings, new struts all around with all associated suspension parts, fuel senders and new front and rear fuel lines, steering hoses, clutch lines and brakes, valve cover gasket, and a few other items including all fluids and belts and tires. The car also has vaders that are in excellent condition.

I have to decide which one of the two cars to part with in the next few months, and I'm really torn about the decision. Maybe some of you guys can give me your thoughts and push me one way or the other.

[grannyknot]

They are both great cars but my choice would be the e28 535, there is really not that many of them any more. The M3 with all the work you have put into it will fetch a good price, money that could then go into the e28.
Nice to have such a difficult choice to make.

[M-technik-3]

E36 does most of everything well except carrying 4 adults which the E28 Does a great job. The three box design vs watered down bar of soap. E36 is more sporting, E28 is more of a relaxed touring car. What is your driving style, what does it tend to mimic? NY is a broad area so in the city both will be misearable on fuel with all the lights. Out in the country they both will be middle of the road 24 MPG average not great not bad but can be pricey on wallet.

[StradaRedlands]

Try to figure out a way to keep both! Stash one at a parent/sibling's house. Both are great! Is the 535i MT or AT? I looooove E28s and always wanted one, but that E36 sounds dialed in and with a LOT fewer miles and I've always wanted one of those as well! M cars will always hold more value and probably appreciate from this point on. I think the M3 is the keeper if you have to choose. Good luck, Sophie!

[Sublime00]

Originally Posted by M-technik-3

E36 does most of everything well except carrying 4 adults which the E28 Does a great job. The three box design vs watered down bar of soap. E36 is more sporting, E28 is more of a relaxed touring car. What is your driving style, what does it tend to mimic? NY is a broad area so in the city both will be misearable on fuel with all the lights. Out in the country they both will be middle of the road 24 MPG average not great not bad but can be pricey on wallet.

I love the E36. I was originally in the market for an e46 but was disappointed when I actually drove a great example (former EAG car w/ 20k miles being sold locally). Drove the e36 after the E46 and I was blown away by how analog it felt especially for the price. Criminally underrated M car.

It's been a great car so far and all the service/updates were done with the intention of keeping it for 3-4 years if not longer. I bought it without a test drive, had belts replaced by local Indy shop along with fluid flush and a PPI. I flew to Indiana and immediately put about 1200 miles on the car. True test of its metal and it gave me zero issues. In fact it hasn't given me any issues during ownership. I just addressed most of the known weak points of the car, including the cooling system and I figured for every $1 I put in I'm getting $1.25 to $1.50 back, maybe more.

The E28 was something I always wanted, solely for the aesthetic. It needs a few things addressed but I figure I prob won't be able to get a one owner e28 again so might as well bite the bullet. Again I figured I won't lose money on it and even if I do it won't be but a few hundred or a grand and at least I can cross it off my bucket list.

Neither car is getting tracked and both have their own charm. You're right the e28 is def more of a cruiser.

I figure I should only have one vintage bmw, and it's tough deciding which to keep since they're so different in terms of personality. Neither car will be nor has been modded beyond OEM+. I'll probably address the suspension on the e28 at some point if it's kept.

[F30lolz]

Echoing if it’s possible to keep both? I had a e28 for about 16 years and it was a fun car. Whichever one you sell, you’ll regret it. Gun to my head, keep the e28.