BMW E36 318ti Impressions

As I understand it, the BMW “Compact” platform preceded the 1 series as a true entry level BMW “economy” car if there could be such a thing. The E36 generation was basically a copy and pasting of an E30 rear and E36 front suspensions chassis wise, powered by a 1.9 litre 4 cylinder engine known as the M44 (very similar to the E30/318is’ M42).  Originally sold for under $20k starting in 1995, this was considered a bit of a bargain in its time and I think that is still the case (maybe even more so) today.

I had the pleasure of driving one around Fort Lauderdale recently and it even made our overly trafficked, poorly paved city feel like a British short track. The chassis really is the best of both the E30 and E36 and it comes together well to offer a pure driving experience. It’s a bit Mk1-3 Golf GTI but with all of the added fun of rear wheel drive. As hard as I tried, I do not think I could get into an ounce of trouble aside from my undying urge to get it on its 2 side wheels mid corner. It’s the little engine that could. In a world where the N/A straight 6 BMW’s get most of the love, a free revving M44 is a welcomed alternative. The best part being that you could actually have fun with it below 50 mph all day long.

This week’s bit of Youtube serenity comes from user Andy Kitson who captured a June of 1991 tire test at Silverstone. Unfortunately, the video is not “shareable” so you will have to click on the preceding link to play it.

This is another top tier period correct video in my opinion. Not just for the content but for how the sound and footage is so wonderfully preserved and/or restored. I could go on forever about it all, but in this case it’s best just to see for yourself.

Finally, this week’s driving tune presents itself as more of a perceived dream sequence. “See Saw” by Jamie XX puts me in an early 2000’s Top Gear episode, where footage of Jeremy Clarkson on a rainy road trip drips into a wonderful montage of the machinery he is driving whilst he narrates along. I find myself entranced by the vibe. A good driving tune is one that can make any car you are driving and wherever you might be driving it seem cool. This one checks those boxes for me.

Have a great weekend everyone!