Car like this gives you quite an edge over other builders vans - sweet six cylinder, maybe not the most powerful (150bhp), but smooth and pulling much better than any diesel back then, also sounding just perfect for me. So in the morning it was a drive to wake up properly before work. And at the evening, even the worst of London traffic couldn't wipe my smile. Nice car, nice engine, nice colour too, quite good stereo, going back home to rest - best things, even better on Fridays.
Picture was taken at 19:27 (I was the passenger this time), on a sunny evening in June (in the mirror is another E36 that was following / chasing us:) That's why I remember all the goodness, no boring things from work. When the weather is good, you are feeling good and you got something that excites you - even the smallest thing or task, you'll always remember this, you'll always remember the day. Driving this car was always a pleasure, no matter where. It was always like a reward. And despite few blemishes, a lot of miles on the clock and age (1992), this car has never ever broken down. It has done a fair bit of it's life in London, was used as a builders van before we have used it for the same purpose, has done a lot of motorways as well and most important it took a safe, pleasure journey around Europe and back to UK (over 3000 miles in almost one shot).
I would cherish the E36 like that one - If I had one now. The values of these cars slowly raised in past two years, as they become rarer, especially coupes (the best shape, with famous frame-less windows). Our one, unfortunately, has not survived the accident few years ago, but most important was that my dad had survived it, without injuries at all - the car has done it's best to protect life.
If I ever have a chance, I will buy any E36 in good shape with straight 6 engine. It is a good investment now, very good investment indeed as this year they are reaching prices not in hundreds but in thousands. But for me this is one of the best BMW's ever made, still stylish (the coupe) and the real driver's car, the one that you'll never be bored of. If you have got few thousands to spend on future classic, or fairly good shape project - get one, get it and love it, save the E36!