The E36 3 series ran from 1992 - 1999, iirc. This will encompass the 318i, 318is, 325i, 325is, 328i, 328is, 323i, 323is, and M3 there was a M3 4 door for a couple of years in there, too. The E46 was the next generation of 3-series after the E36. The current models are E90s.

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I like the E36 chassis cars personally. Probably the best all around chassis without losing too much of the BMW character. Depending on your price range, E36s can be found from $2500 all the way to $25,000+. M3s are included in that price assessment but typically start at about $14,000 and go up.