Understated outsider
If you’re looking for a BMW 3 Series from the E36 range, you’ve probably already found out that prices are on the rise. This BMW 316i Compact is even more affordable in that regard, although there are some reasons for this.
The BMW’s 3-series from the E30 and E36 series are increasing considerably in value. Even for relatively simple E30s, the prices are sometimes really unbearable and its successor is not nearly as affordable as in the past. So do you still have one; cherish it and who knows, in a few years there will be a very nice residual value. If you want to add one to your fleet for a somewhat below-average asking price, then this 316i Compact might be a nice option.
The 316i Compact only has to deliver €2,995. We put ‘but’ in quotes, because it may not be too much money for an E36, but it is of course a substantial amount for the type of car. After all, we are dealing here with the lightest motorization and then also with an automatic transmission. Moreover, it is not the most striking, with its silver-grey paint and fabric upholstery. It is not fast (0-100 km / h in 13.3 seconds), but you do have a nice rear-wheel drive hatchback that can rightly be called one of BMW’s most special creations ever.
Not spectacular, but neat!
Apart from the fact that such a Compact remains a curious appearance, this specific copy has a few things that speak in its favour. It only has 111,000 km on the clock, which is very modest for an almost 24-year-old car. The fact that he has a not very appealing powertrain has probably contributed to his quiet existence. This is a 3-series Compact as an elderly BMW enthusiast could have ordered it at the time and that may have happened. In any case, he satisfied one of his owners for a long time, because from 2001 to 2018 the car was with the same owner. After that, the 316 changed hands more often. Maybe some young guys who got tired of it a bit faster?
Anyway: except for a dent at the rear right, the BMW seems to have aged relatively nicely and it also seems to be free of the often feared rust at the rear wheel arches. We understand that even BMW enthusiasts leave this car, but as far as we are concerned, this modest go-getter really belongs to an enthusiast. And if it is still disappointing, know that this youngtimer will probably also (slightly slower) only increase in value.
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– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl