I just saw an interesting movie last night.  I rented Shoot ‘Em Up starring Clive Owens, Paul Giamatti, and the ever hot Monica Bellucci.  It’s a very enjoyable movie.  You just have to check your sense and sensibilities at the door and enjoy the ride.  It reminded me of Desperado with Antonio Banderas.  Except that Shoot ‘Em Up has a great car chase.

Red 1996 BMW E36 328IS in Shoot 'Em Up driven by Clive Owen

Towards the end of the film, Smith (played by Clive Owens) was trying to throw off Hertz (Paul Giamatti) and his gang of thugs so that Donna (Monica Bellucci) and the baby may get away.  Smith jumped into a parked red 1996 BMW E36 328IS…literally.  He went through the sunroof by jumping from a building and landing in the driver’s seat.  Smith was then followed by Hertz’s crew with guns ablazing.  The car proved very tough under extreme conditions as it was shot up and rolled over a few times.  The chase didn’t end until Smith drove it headlong onto a van carrying a group of Hertz’s thugs.

BMW E36 328IS rolling over and over in Shoot 'Em Up

Of course, it’s a movie and the action is over-the-top.  I’m pretty sure that a BMW 328IS is not able take that kind of punishment.  Nevertheless, it’s a nice little sports coupe that caught my attention.  Living in the Los Angeles area, I see plenty of BMWs.  They’re very common and only a handful of them catch my eyes on the road.  On occasions, it takes an incredible movie shot for me to actually pay attention.  Being shot up and rolling a few times certainly qualify for that.

As for the car itself, he BMW E36 is no longer in production.  The line has been discontinued in 2000, making these cars somewhat of a classic.  It’s a pretty successful brand for BMW, but it’s been replaced by the E46.

Pictures of 1996 BMW E36 328IS

See BMW e36 for sale on eBay.