Segment:
High-performance compact executive car
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz C36 AMG, Audi S4 (B5), Alfa Romeo 155 Q4, Lotus Carlton
Vehicle Focus:
Driver-centric performance, handling, and motorsport-derived engineering
Manual Value Proposition:
Enables DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics to maintain, diagnose, and repair the E36 M3 with factory-level accuracy.
Engine:
S50B30, S50B32 (3.0L and 3.2L variants), Engine Mechanical, Engine Electrical, Fuel System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Emission Controls
Transmission:
Getrag 420G (5-speed manual), Automatic Transmission (optional variants), Clutch, Driveline
Chassis:
Suspension (Front and Rear), Steering System, Brakes (Front and Rear Disc, ABS)
Electrical:
12V Electrical System, Battery, Alternator, Starter, Lighting System, Instrument Cluster, Body Control Modules, DME (Digital Motor Electronics), EWS (Electronic Immobilizer System)
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Interior Trim, Glass, Convertible Top Mechanism (if applicable)
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Coolant Flushes, Brake Fluid Bleeding, Inspection Procedures
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Component Testing, Wiring Diagrams
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repairs, Electrical Component Repair, Bodywork Repairs
Installation:
Component Installation and Removal Procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical diagnostics, and chassis overhauls)
Engine Codes:
S50B30 (North American spec: S50B30US), S50B32 (European spec)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 Cylinder
Horsepower Us Spec:
240 hp @ 6000 rpm (S50B30US)
Torque Us Spec:
225 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm (S50B30US)
Horsepower Eu Spec:
286 hp @ 7000 rpm (S50B30), 321 hp @ 7400 rpm (S50B32)
Torque Eu Spec:
236 lb-ft @ 4750 rpm (S50B30), 258 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm (S50B32)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic DME)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
Bore X Stroke Us:
86 mm x 85.8 mm (S50B30US)
Bore X Stroke Eu 3.0:
86 mm x 85.8 mm (S50B30)
Bore X Stroke Eu 3.2:
86.4 mm x 91 mm (S50B32)
Compression Ratio Us:
10.5:1 (S50B30US)
Compression Ratio Eu:
10.8:1 (S50B30), 11.3:1 (S50B32)
Valvetrain:
Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 Valves per Cylinder, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)
Wheelbase:
approx. 106.2 inches (2698 mm)
Length:
approx. 174.5 inches (4432 mm)
Width:
approx. 69.1 inches (1755 mm)
Height:
approx. 53.7 inches (1364 mm)
Curb Weight Manual:
approx. 3260 - 3350 lbs (1480 - 1520 kg), varies by year and options
Weight Distribution:
Near 50/50 front/rear
Wheel Size:
17 inch alloy wheels standard (e.g., 7.5Jx17 front, 8.5Jx17 rear)
Tire Size Front:
235/40ZR17
Tire Size Rear:
245/40ZR17
NHTSA Rating:
Not directly rated under modern NHTSA standards, but generally considered robust for its era.
Traction Control:
ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction) available on later models, standard on some EU variants
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Airbags standard
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners
Chassis Construction:
Reinforced unibody construction with integrated safety cage elements.
Head Unit:
BMW Bavaria C Business/Professional cassette or CD radios, often with optional CD changer integration.
Speakers:
Basic speaker systems, optional Hi-Fi system with amplifier.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Telematics:
Limited by era; no modern Bluetooth or smartphone integration.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months (refer to manual for specific conditions)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000 miles (refer to manual for exact spec and type)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or as per manual recommendation
Engine Oil:
BMW Longlife-01 (e.g., 5W-30, 0W-40) - consult manual for exact viscosity and specifications
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (Glysantin G48 equivalent) mixed 50/50 with distilled water
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 (refer to manual for exact specification)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Castrol TAF-X or Red Line MTL)
Differential Fluid:
BMW Hypoid Gear Oil (SAF-XJ or similar) or equivalent (e.g., Red Line 75W-90 GL-5)
Cooling System:
Plastic water pump impeller failure, radiator leaks, expansion tank cracks.
Vanos:
Solenoid failure, rattling noise on startup, issues with seals causing performance degradation.
Rear Subframe:
Cracking or separation of the rear subframe mounting points from the chassis.
Electrical:
Corrosion on grounds, failure of ABS sensors, window regulator issues, PIEZO injector issues on later 3.2L models.
Engine Mounts:
Hydraulic engine mounts can leak or fail, leading to increased vibration.
Motorsport Legacy:
BMW's M division has a long history of producing homologation specials and motorsport-focused vehicles.
E36 Platform:
The E36 M3 is the second generation M3, replacing the E30 M3 and evolving from the standard E36 3 Series chassis.
Engine Development:
The S50 engine was a significantly upgraded version of the M50 engine, featuring individual throttle bodies and VANOS.
Market Differences:
Significant differences between US-spec (S50B30US, detuned for emissions) and European-spec (S50B30/S50B32) engines.
Production Years:
1992-1999 (model years 1993-1998 covered by this manual)
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Munich, Regensburg)
