Reddit mentions of BMW 3 Series (E36) Service Manual: 1992-1998

It's a great car. The M42/44 four cylinder is a great engine, and the rest of it is still an e36, though it's missing the rear end bit :P

The only things you may need to look out for is, if MT, a wearing clutch (4th gear clutch test, can tell you that), fuel pumps/hoses on the e36 break a lot, radiators and cooling system needs to be check constantly on older models, and on that note check the heater core(!), and listen for timing chain slap (rattling on the valve cover on the front of the engine), though that shouldn't present itself for another 25k miles.

It is a great car for commuting, regardless of what others think about it. I always loved hatchbacks. You could do some minor upgrades, exhaust and intake, to eek a little more power but don't expect it to ever be a road rocket.

Also, get a repair manual for it and learn to do things, not just the 'small things'. This is the best repair manual you can find. Don't be afraid of getting in over your head, there is no such thing.

Good luck and have fun! Let us know if you have any more questions.

Ive got a high mileage E34 540i, which if you dont know requires constant work to keep it tip top. I highly recommend you find/download/buy a copy of Bentley's e36 m3 service manual. They are fantastic and designed for a DIY at home mechanics like your self. My E34 manual is about 600 pages with pictures and diagrams and are easy to follow so I assume the E36 M3 manual should be no different.

For gods sake though, she owns an E36 M3 .. she needs to take care of it.. fuck, Ive been looking for a nice one for the last 6 months but havent.. shes lucky to have such a nice bmw.

link: http://www.amazon.com/BMW-E36-Service-Manual-1992-1998/dp/0837603269

do it dude, seriously.