Driving all the BMW 3-Series, Chapter 3: E36 (1991-1998)

Previous: driving the 1982 ‘E30’ 3-Series

E36 323i

Oh my word, this is a magical car. The E36 got an all-new rear suspension, and its principles are still used today. It got a freshly styled body and new cabin. And it all gelled together magically.

This example is an absolute minter, barely run in over 1500 miles. Clad in jolly turquoise cloth, it's the four-wheel manifestation of the fresh hope of reunified Germany.

The cabin is lovingly made but delicate and unboastful. Everything's compact and concise – the vents, rotary heater knobs, the buttons, even the main clocks. But it all works beautifully.

The seat is slim but perfectly supportive. It all sets the tone for a car that treads down the road lightly but with terrific precision.

This really is a masterful suspension. The steering is just lovely, full of feel, perfectly proportional. It's not that high-geared but it just seems to follow your thoughts.

And the car follows the steering, its motions precise yet somehow relaxed. There's not vast grip from the 225/5016s, but hey it's enough. The ride is a high-water-mark too.

The little 24-valve six-cylinder engine is fabulously crisp. Not vastly powerful, no, at 170bhp, but happy to rev. Always eager to the throttle and sweet to the ears.

I remember testing the E36 when it was new. The magnitude of the step from the E30 left us breathless. The sheer ability and competence of the new 3-Series carried all before it. But it also had character and emotion.

This was the car that really built the reputation of the 3-Series. It never had such a big lead again.

Next: driving the 1998 ‘E46’ 3-Series