[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/classic-cars\/cult-classics-bmw-e36-m3\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/classic-cars\/cult-classics-bmw-e36-m3\/","headline":"Cult Classics: BMW E36 M3","name":"Cult Classics: BMW E36 M3","description":"Back when BMW\u2019s were famed for their precision and purity, the E36 M3 was born, but it would have a hard time getting out from the shadow of previous generations. It was the early nineties, a time when a car like this was built to \u2018drive\u2019, nothing more, nothing less. There were no techy adornments or touchscreen dashboards here, just a mechanical masterpiece that kept things simple, perfectly balancing elements of race car and daily driver. For anyone looking to […]","datePublished":"2018-01-15","dateModified":"2018-01-15","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/matthew-collett\/#Person","name":"Matthew Collett","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/matthew-collett\/","identifier":5,"description":"Max Wheeler is a leading motoring journalist and classic car specialist at Smart Motoring, renowned for his sharp insight and infectious passion for all things automotive. With years of experience covering motoring news, supercars, and the enduring legacy of classic cars, Max brings stories to life with style and authority. Whether it\u2019s the roar of a Lamborghini, the elegance of an Aston Martin DB5, or the cultural impact of vintage motoring icons, he delivers expert commentary that inspires enthusiasts and collectors alike. Dedicated to celebrating the heritage and future of driving, Max Wheeler is your trusted voice for classic car news and beyond.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/64eca1152247aa111ace79ff1c03782b175df9dc21d2092364ff21e1cf5e38fa?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/64eca1152247aa111ace79ff1c03782b175df9dc21d2092364ff21e1cf5e38fa?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Smart Motoring","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/BMW-M3-E36-feature.jpg","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/BMW-M3-E36-feature.jpg","height":520,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/classic-cars\/cult-classics-bmw-e36-m3\/","about":["CLASSIC CARS","PERFORMANCE CARS"],"wordCount":366,"keywords":["bmw","BMW E36 M3","BMW M3","BMW M3 E36","Classic BMW","classic car"],"articleBody":"Back when BMW\u2019s were famed for their precision and purity, the E36 M3 was born, but it would have a hard time getting out from the shadow of previous generations.It was the early nineties, a time when a car like this was built to \u2018drive\u2019, nothing more, nothing less. There were no techy adornments or touchscreen dashboards here, just a mechanical masterpiece that kept things simple, perfectly balancing elements of race car and daily driver.For anyone looking to treat themselves to one of these charming motors, this lack of modern technology makes them a dream to fix up and modify, not to mention the fact that there are countless examples out there for you to choose from. You\u2019ll feel like a kid in a sweet shop checking out the selection available and you have the luxury of being able to wait until just the right one catches your eye.Available as a coupe, convertible and sedan, a few other, rarer variations were soon introduced to the range over time including the M3 GT, EVO and sportier Lightweight models.If you love 90s styling then you\u2019ll love the E36 with its classic lines, \u2018dolphin\u2019 shape and low profile.Nowadays, you\u2019re sure to see plenty of these being taken out on track days, and with good reason. The E36 M3 is a great performance car that will blow you away on a circuit thanks to its shockingly nimble handling and lively personality.For the price, you really can\u2019t get a better M3 and the low output shouldn\u2019t put you off. Instead, give this car a chance and you\u2019re in for a truly exhilarating ride with more than a hint of aggression, just enough to bring a smile to the face of anyone in the driver\u2019s seat, not just drifters.Its rivals have all gone on to be costly collectibles, out of reach for most of us, so surely its only a matter of time before this BMW has its moment in the spotlight. To be safe, best pick up one of these cult classics now, tinker to your heart\u2019s content and get yourself a proper little gem."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Latest News","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Classic Cars","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/\/classic-cars\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Cult Classics: BMW E36 M3","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/classic-cars\/cult-classics-bmw-e36-m3\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]