🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

M3

Chassis Code:

E36

Year:

1995

Engine Code Primary:

S50B30US

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Performance Compact Luxury Coupe/Sedan

Target Demographic:

Enthusiasts, driving purists, performance-oriented luxury car buyers.

Key Competitors Era:

Porsche 911 Carrera (993), Chevrolet Corvette (C4/C5), Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (Mk4).

Performance Focus:

Renowned for its balanced chassis, powerful inline-six engine, and engaging driving dynamics.

Engineering Philosophy:

Driver-centric, performance-tuned evolution of the E36 3 Series platform.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

All Models & All Repairs A-Z

Specificity:

Vehicle Specific (Not Generic)

Target Audience:

Dealership Technicians, Professional Mechanics, Advanced DIYers

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Source:

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Equivalent

Language:

English

Format:

Likely Print (as typical for dealership manuals, can be assumed to be digital for resale)

Estimated Page Count:

1000+

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete engine overhaul, including diagnosis, disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly for S50B30US engine.

Fuel System:

Fuel injection system (DME - Digital Motor Electronics), fuel pump, injectors, pressure regulator, fuel tank, lines.

Ignition System:

Ignition coil, spark plugs, wiring, ignition timing control.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, fan clutch, coolant types and capacities.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, O2 sensors.

Transmission Manual:

Getrag 265/5 (or ZF S5-310H for some markets), clutch system, shift mechanism, internal repairs, fluid specifications.

Transmission Automatic:

Optional (e.g., ZF 4HP22EH for some E36 M3 variants, though less common for 1995 US M3), torque converter, valve body, electronic controls, fluid specifications.

Drivetrain:

Driveshaft, constant velocity (CV) joints, differential (limited-slip differential - LSD), rear axle assembly.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, springs, anti-roll bars, alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, hydraulic fluid specifications.

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components, brake calipers, rotors, pads, hydraulic lines, master cylinder, brake fluid specifications.

Electrical System:

12V battery system, alternator, starter motor, wiring diagrams, fuse box, relays, lighting systems, horn.

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, window regulators, bumpers, convertible top (if applicable), structural components, rust prevention.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, climate control, refrigerant types, compressor, evaporator, condenser.

Interior:

Seat removal and repair, dashboard disassembly, instrument cluster, interior trim panels, airbags (SRS - Supplemental Restraint System).

Diagnostics:

On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-I), trouble code interpretation, diagnostic procedures for DME and other ECUs.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement), inspections.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component replacement and repair across all systems.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic flowcharts and procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon faults.

Overhaul:

Complete engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, differential rebuild.

Installation:

Installation procedures for new or reconditioned parts.

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, pressure readings.

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance through complete component rebuilds and advanced diagnostics.

Detail Level:

Expert Level: Includes specific tolerances, torque values, wiring diagrams, and diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format Typical:

PDF (for digital versions), Bound Book (for printed versions)

Print Quality Typical:

High Resolution Images and Clear Text (especially for dealership manuals)

Binding Type Typical:

Comb Binding, Spiral Binding, or Hardcover (depending on edition)

Paper Type Typical:

Durable paper stock, suitable for shop environments.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder

Engine Code:

S50B30US

Displacement:

3.0 Liters (2990 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

86.0 mm x 85.8 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.5:1

Valvetrain:

Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder, Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)

Horsepower:

240 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

225 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm

Fuel Injection:

Bosch Motronic M3.3 (or similar DME variant), Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 AKI or higher)

Engine Management:

Electronic Engine Control Unit (ECU) with OBD-I diagnostics.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Model Typical:

Getrag 265/5 or ZF S5-310H

Type:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (less common for US M3 models of this year, but may exist)

Transmission Model Typical:

ZF 4HP22EH

Clutch:

Hydraulically Actuated Single Dry Plate Clutch

Drivetrain:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)

Differential:

Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) - often 25% lock

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 174.5 inches (4432 mm)

Width:

Approx. 69.1 inches (1755 mm)

Height:

Approx. 53.7 inches (1364 mm) Coupe

Wheelbase:

Approx. 106.1 inches (2695 mm)

Front Track:

Approx. 58.2 inches (1479 mm)

Rear Track:

Approx. 57.8 inches (1468 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3200 - 3300 lbs (1450 - 1500 kg) depending on body style and options

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Varies by model, consult specific vehicle VIN

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Likely 4-star (based on general E36 3-Series testing, specific M3 data may vary)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - likely Bosch ABS III

Traction Control:

Automatic Stability Control (ASC) or ASC+T may be optional or standard depending on market.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags (SRS) standard.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners.

Chassis Design:

Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

OEM BMW Business CD, Bavaria C Professional cassette, or similar radio/CD player options.

Speakers:

Various speaker configurations, often including door, dashboard, and rear parcel shelf locations.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System.

Traction Control:

Optional ASC/ASC+T system for enhanced stability.

Onboard Diagnostics:

OBD-I system with a specific BMW 20-pin diagnostic connector. Requires appropriate diagnostic tools.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Approximately 7,500 to 10,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. Refer to 'Condition Based Service' (CBS) system or manual for specifics.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically around 60,000 miles, use of specified spark plug types is critical.

Coolant Flush:

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

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Engine Oil:

BMW High Performance Synthetic SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40. Consult manual for exact OEM specifications (e.g., BMW Longlife-01 or older specs).

Coolant:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent (Ethylene Glycol based with corrosion inhibitors), mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 High Performance Brake Fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

BMW Power Steering Fluid (CHF 11S or equivalent) or Dexron III ATF for some E36 applications. **Crucial to verify specific type.**

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (specific BMW P/N recommended).

Differential Fluid:

BMW SAF-XJ or SAF-XV Hypoid Gear Oil (for Limited Slip Differential) or equivalent API GL-5 SAE 75W-140.

Cooling System Leaks:

Plastic expansion tank, water pump, thermostat housing often develop leaks due to age and material degradation.

Subframe Mounts:

Rear subframe mounting points can crack or tear due to stress, requiring reinforcement.

Vanos System:

The S50 engine's Double VANOS system can develop issues with seals or solenoid operation, leading to rough idle or power loss.

HVAC Blower Motor Resistor:

Common failure point causing blower fan to only work on highest setting.

Window Regulators:

Plastic components can become brittle and break, causing windows to fall into the door.

Dme Failures:

Engine control unit (DME) can sometimes fail, particularly associated with heat or voltage spikes.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

BMW has a long history of producing driver-focused, performance-oriented vehicles, particularly with its 'M' division.

E36 M3 Introduction:

The E36 M3 was introduced globally in 1992, with distinct European and North American specifications.

1995 Us Spec M3:

The 1995 model year marked the first official introduction of the M3 to the US market, initially with a 3.0L S50B30US engine, which was less powerful than the European 3.0L and 3.2L variants due to emissions regulations.

E36 Variants:

Available in Coupe, Sedan, and Convertible body styles.

Production Years E36 M3:

1992-1999 (globally), 1995-1999 (North America)

Manufacturing Locations:

Germany (Dingolfing, Munich), and later some assembly in Rosslyn, South Africa.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press Awards:

Consistently praised by automotive publications for its performance, handling, and driver engagement.

Performance Ranking:

Considered a benchmark for sports sedans/coupes of its era.

Manual Authority:

Deemed authoritative for dealership-level service and repair by professionals.