🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

M3

Year:

1999

Platform:

E36

Chassis Code:

E36

Engine Code Prefix:

S50

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Performance Sedan/Coupe

Usp:

The iconic E36 M3, renowned for its driving dynamics, potent inline-six engine, and balanced chassis.

Competitors:

Porsche 911 (996), Chevrolet Corvette (C5), Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34 - in some markets), Mercedes-Benz C36 AMG.

Driving Dynamics:

Near 50/50 weight distribution, communicative steering, capable M Sport suspension.

Engine Power:

High-revving, naturally aspirated inline-six engine with significant power output for its era.

Chassis Enhancements:

Stiffer chassis, M-specific suspension components, larger brakes.

Interior Appointments:

Sport seats, M steering wheel, driver-focused cockpit.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Summary:

Comprehensive repair and service for the 1999 BMW M3 (E36).

Estimated Page Count:

1000+

Type:

Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital Format (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

3.2L S50B32 (US-spec and Euro-spec variations if applicable)

Transmission:

Getrag 6-speed Manual Transmission

Drivetrain:

Limited Slip Differential (LSD), Rear Axle Assembly

Suspension:

Front struts, rear multi-link, M-specific tuning, alignment procedures

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS system, brake fluid bleeding

Steering:

Hydraulic power steering system, steering column

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant specifications

Fuel System:

Fuel pump, injectors, fuel filter, DME control

Electrical System:

Battery, alternator, starter, wiring diagrams, fuse boxes, ECU

Ignition System:

Ignition coils, spark plugs, DME control

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converters, mufflers, O2 sensors

Bodywork:

Exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, M-specific aero components

Interior:

Seats, dashboard, climate control, trim panels

Climate Control:

HVAC system, refrigerant handling, diagnostics

Lighting:

Headlights, taillights, interior lights, bulb types

Safety Systems:

Airbags, seatbelts, ABS

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks/changes

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation (OBD-II)

Repair:

Engine component replacement, transmission overhaul, suspension repair, brake service, electrical component repair

Rebuilds:

Engine and transmission rebuild procedures

Installation:

Component installation and replacement (e.g., clutch, brake pads)

Specifications:

Torque specifications, tolerances, fluid capacities

Depth:

Detailed, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

Information Type:

Includes step-by-step instructions, diagrams, schematics, and specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Quality:

High-resolution, searchable PDF with clear diagrams and text.

Printable:

Printable pages for convenient workshop use.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Inline-6

Displacement:

3.2 Liters (3201 cc)

Engine Code:

S50B32 (US-spec and Euro-spec variants exist, with minor differences)

Bore X Stroke:

86.4 mm x 91.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.5:1 (approximate, varies slightly by market)

Horsepower Us Spec:

240 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque Us Spec:

225 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm

Horsepower Euro Spec:

321 hp @ 7400 rpm

Torque Euro Spec:

258 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Bosch Motronic M5.2

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Throttle Body:

Drive-by-wire (Euro-spec), Cable-actuated (US-spec)

ECU:

Bosch Motronic M5.2

🔧 Transmission

Type:

Getrag Type D 6-Speed Manual Transmission

Type:

N/A (M3 was exclusively manual in this generation)

Clutch:

Hydraulically operated single-plate clutch

Differential:

BMW M Limited Slip Differential (LSD) with 25% locking factor

Transmission Fluid Type:

BMW recommended manual transmission fluid (e.g., MTF LT-2 or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Coupe Length:

4433 mm (174.5 in)

Coupe Width:

1710 mm (67.3 in)

Coupe Height:

1336 mm (52.6 in)

Sedan Length:

4433 mm (174.5 in)

Sedan Width:

1710 mm (67.3 in)

Sedan Height:

1367 mm (53.8 in)

Wheelbase:

2700 mm (106.3 in)

Curb Weight Coupe:

1510 kg (3329 lbs)

Curb Weight Sedan:

1535 kg (3384 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 1980 kg (4365 lbs)

Trunk Volume Coupe:

400 Liters (14.1 cu ft)

Trunk Volume Sedan:

410 Liters (14.5 cu ft)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

4-star (Driver), 4-star (Passenger) - Estimated for E36 chassis

IIHS Side Impact:

Not rated (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety - specific ratings for this year/model might be scarce)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Traction Control:

Optional Automatic Stability Control (ASC+T)

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners

Body Structure:

Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones

💡 Technology Features

Radio:

BMW Business RDS or BMW Professional RDS cassette radios with optional CD player integration.

Navigation:

Optional BMW navigation system with trunk-mounted CD-ROM drive.

Audio System:

Standard 10-speaker system, optional premium Hi-Fi system.

ABS:

Standard on all models.

Asc T:

Optional Automatic Stability Control + Traction.

Phone Integration:

Optional pre-wiring for BMW car phone systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (BMW 'Condition Based Service' system may indicate earlier or later based on driving).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on spark plug type and condition).

Coolant Flush:

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

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Engine Oil:

BMW Longlife-98 (LL-98) specification synthetic oil, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 recommended. Capacity: 6.5 Liters (approx. 6.9 Quarts).

Coolant:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Capacity: Approx. 8.0 Liters (8.5 Quarts).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

BMW Power Steering Fluid (Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent).

Cooling System:

Plastic expansion tank can become brittle and crack; water pump impeller failure can occur; VANOS system issues (e.g., rattling, loss of power).

Suspension:

Subframe mounting points can crack due to chassis stress; front control arm bushings and rear trailing arm bushings wear out; shock absorber failure.

Engine Management:

Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor failure; Idle Control Valve (ICV) issues; ignition coil packs can fail.

Electrical:

Door lock actuators; window regulators; instrument cluster pixelation.

Clutch:

Clutch wear and hydraulic system leaks can occur.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Performance:

BMW has a long-standing reputation for building driver-focused, sporty vehicles with advanced engineering.

M3 Legacy:

The M3 is BMW's iconic performance model, originating in the E30 generation as a homologation special for touring car racing. The E36 M3 evolved the concept for wider appeal and increased performance.

E36 Generation:

The E36 generation M3 was produced from 1992 to 1999 (in most markets). The 1999 model year represents the final iteration of the E36 M3, incorporating updates from earlier E36 M3s.

Production Years:

1992-1999 (E36 M3)

Production Location:

Germany (primarily Regensburg plant)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press:

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

Car And Driver Best:

Frequently appeared on Car and Driver's '10Best' lists during its production run.

Sport Heritage:

Benefited from BMW's extensive motorsport experience, contributing to its performance credentials.