🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

M3

Generation:

E36

Model Year:

1990

Chassis Code:

E36

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

High-performance sports sedan/coupe, part of BMW's revered M division, representing a significant step in motorsport homologation for road cars.

Competitors 1990:

Porsche 911, Chevrolet Corvette, Nissan 300ZX, Toyota Supra.

Performance Focus:

Handling, driver engagement, balanced chassis, powerful inline-six engine.

Value Proposition:

Authoritative, dealership-grade repair information essential for maintaining the unique performance characteristics of the E36 M3.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Type:

All Models & All Repairs A-Z

Specificity:

Vehicle Specific (Not Generic)

Target Audience:

Dealership Technicians

Estimated Page Count:

Over 1000 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF or scanned format for this sale)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete engine overhaul, diagnosis, tuning, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel injection, ignition system, emission control systems

Transmission:

Manual transmission (Getrag S5D 250G) and Automatic transmission (ZF 4HP22 EH) repair, adjustment, fluid service, diagnosis

Drivetrain:

Differential, driveshafts, axles, limited-slip differential (optional)

Suspension:

Front struts, rear multi-link suspension, control arms, bushings, springs, shock absorbers, wheel alignment specifications

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS system (Bosch ABS II or III), brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, caliper and master cylinder repair

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, diagnosis

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starter, lighting, instrument cluster, ECU diagnosis, fuse and relay locations, power windows, mirrors, climate control

Bodywork:

Body panel repair, dent removal, rust repair, door and window mechanisms, interior trim, bumpers, body hardware torque specifications

HVAC:

Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, climate control unit diagnosis and repair

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for ECU and other modules, symptom-based diagnosis

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance tasks, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush

Repair:

Component removal, installation, overhaul, and replacement procedures for all major systems

Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues

Adjustment:

Carburetor/fuel injection adjustment, idle speed setting, parking brake adjustment, clutch adjustment

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical values

Depth:

Comprehensive (covering basic to advanced repairs, diagnostics, and overhauls)

Diagnostic Tools:

Information on using BMW-specific diagnostic tools and procedures of the era (e.g., GT1 compatibility)

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (likely search-optimized)

Image Resolution:

High-resolution scans ensuring clarity of diagrams and text

Diagrams Quality:

Clear, legible line drawings and exploded views

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

S50B30 (European) / S50B32 (North American - later)

Engine Type:

Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24 valves

Displacement:

2990 cc (Euro) / 3201 cc (US Spec starting 1992/93)

Horsepower Euro:

286 hp @ 7000 rpm

Torque Euro:

320 Nm (236 lb-ft) @ 3600 rpm

Horsepower Us Spec:

240 hp @ 6000 rpm (US Spec)

Torque Us Spec:

225 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm (US Spec)

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic 2.7 (Euro) / Motronic 3.1 (US Spec) Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane)

Timing:

Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), Vanos (Variable Valve Timing) on some Euro models

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-Speed Manual (Getrag S5D 250G)

Type:

4-Speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22 EH)

Manual Gear Ratios:

Refer to manual for specific ratios (typically close-ratio)

Manual Clutch:

Hydraulic actuation

Automatic Features:

Electronic control, Sport mode

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4433 mm (174.5 in)

Width:

Approx. 1718 mm (67.6 in)

Height:

Approx. 1365 mm (53.7 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2700 mm (106.3 in)

Curb Weight Manual:

Approx. 1460 kg (3219 lbs)

Curb Weight Automatic:

Approx. 1480 kg (3263 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Not specifically rated for 1990 model year by modern NHTSA standards, but built to contemporary European safety standards.

ABS:

Standard Bosch Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction) on some models.

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag standard, passenger airbag optional (later E36 models).

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts front and rear

Chassis Design:

Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory cassette or CD player with basic AM/FM radio, optional premium sound system (e.g., Harmon Kardon).

Controls:

Manual climate controls, analogue gauges.

Cruise Control:

Standard

Instrument Cluster:

Analog tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge, oil temperature gauge, check control warning system.

Early Features:

Basic vehicle diagnostics via OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics) system, with specific BMW codes.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (or annually, refer to manual for specific conditions).

Spark Plugs:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on type, typically platinum or iridium).

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years (regardless of mileage).

Engine Oil:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-98 specification or equivalent).

Coolant:

BMW Blue or Green antifreeze concentrate mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 (or DOT 4 Plus) low-viscosity, high-performance brake fluid.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (e.g., Castrol TWS 75W-90 synthetic).

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

ZF Lifeguardfluid 4 (or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid for earlier models).

Differential Fluid:

SAE 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil (especially for LSD).

Cooling System:

Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack; water pump failure common.

Subframe:

Rear subframe mounting points on chassis can fatigue and crack.

Suspension:

Front control arm bushings and rear trailing arm bushings are wear items and can affect handling.

Oil Pan:

Oil pan gasket leaks can occur over time.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw M Division:

BMW M GmbH (formerly BMW Motorsport GmbH) is renowned for creating high-performance vehicles derived from regular production models, with a strong motorsport lineage.

E36 M3 Introduction:

The E36 M3 was introduced in Europe in 1992 and North America in 1994, with the 1990 model year designation in this manual likely referring to the initial development or pre-production phase of the E36 platform which eventually spawned the M3.

E36 Chassis:

The E36 platform replaced the E30 and was produced from 1990 to 2000. The M3 variant was a significant evolution, incorporating a more powerful engine and chassis enhancements.

Production Start:

European M3 production began in late 1992.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10 Best:

The E36 M3 (though typically the later 3.0L/3.2L versions) was a consistent recipient of Car and Driver's '10Best' list, recognized for its driving dynamics and performance.

Driving Dynamics Reputation:

Universally praised by automotive journalists for its balance, steering feel, and track capability.