🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

M3

Year:

1999

Generation Code:

E36

Chassis Code:

E36

Engine Code Primary:

S50B32

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 1999 BMW M3 (E36 generation) represented the pinnacle of BMW's performance sedan offerings, positioned as a highly capable driver's car that blended everyday usability with track-bred performance.

Competitors:

Competed against other performance coupes and sedans of the era, such as the Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG, Porsche 911 Carrera (996), and Chevrolet Corvette.

Performance Focus:

Engineered for enthusiasts, emphasizing handling, braking, and acceleration capabilities.

Engine Availability:

The 3.2-liter S50B32 inline-six engine was a hallmark of the late E36 M3, offering a significant power upgrade over earlier models.

Transmission Offering:

The availability of a 6-speed manual transmission was a key selling point for driving purists.

Value:

This factory service manual provides the most accurate and complete information for maintaining, diagnosing, and repairing the 1999 BMW M3, essential for preserving its performance and value.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

Complete Factory Service Repair Manual

Styles Covered:

All Styles

Estimated Page Count:

Hundreds of Pages (Printable)

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed overhaul, disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of engine components including cylinder head, block, crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, valves, and timing system.

Engine Management:

Diagnosis and repair of fuel injection system (DME - Digital Motor Electronics), ignition system, emissions control systems (e.g., secondary air injection, evaporative emission control), and sensor/actuator testing.

Transmission Manual:

Repair and overhaul procedures for the Getrag 6-speed manual transmission, clutch operation, gearbox assembly, synchronizers, and shift linkages.

Transmission Automatic:

Diagnosis and repair of the Steptronic automatic transmission (if applicable to specific M3 models of this year), transmission control module (TCM), and related hydraulic and electronic components.

Drivetrain:

Rear-wheel drive system, differential (clutch pack details if applicable), driveshaft, CV joints, and wheel bearings.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems, including MacPherson struts, multi-link rear suspension, control arms, bushings, ball joints, shock absorbers, springs, sway bars, and alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, and steering angle sensor diagnostics.

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brake systems, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnosis and repair, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system, brake fluid specifications, caliper overhaul, rotor replacement, and parking brake.

Electrical System:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, component testing, battery and charging system, starter motor, alternator, and power distribution.

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, and structural components.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair, refrigerant handling, blower motor, evaporator, condenser, and climate control module.

Body Electronics:

Power windows, power locks, mirrors, central locking, remote keyless entry, interior lighting, exterior lighting, and instrument cluster.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, fault codes (OBD-II), and diagnostic procedures for various systems.

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil and filter change, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flush and fill, brake pad/rotor replacement, differential fluid change, transmission fluid change, accessory belt replacement.

Repair Procedures:

Engine rebuild (major and minor), cylinder head gasket replacement, clutch replacement, transmission overhaul, brake caliper rebuild, power steering pump replacement, alternator replacement, starter replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnosis of common and uncommon problems across all vehicle systems, including hard start issues, performance problems, electrical faults, and drivability concerns.

Specifications And Data:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, critical clearances, fluid capacities, fluid types, component tolerances, and diagnostic parameters.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed, high-resolution wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, including engine management, lighting, body electronics, and safety systems.

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance and lubrication to complete engine and transmission overhauls, advanced diagnostics, and component-level repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content for quick information retrieval.

Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.

Binding Recommendation:

PDF format allows for digital use or professional printing and binding.

Paper Recommendation:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 6-cylinder, naturally aspirated

Engine Code:

S50B32 (Euro-spec derivative)

Displacement:

3201 cc (3.2 Liters)

Horsepower Ps:

321 PS (236 kW) at 7400 rpm (European specification)

Torque Nm:

350 Nm (258 lb-ft) at 3250 rpm (European specification)

Redline:

7600 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic fuel injection (Bosch Motronic M5.2.1 or similar)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Block Material:

Aluminum alloy

Cylinder Head Material:

Aluminum alloy

Valvetrain:

DOHC (Double Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder

Compression Ratio:

11.3:1

🔧 Transmission

Type:

Getrag 420G 6-speed manual transmission

Type:

Steptronic 5-speed automatic transmission (market dependent, less common for M3)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch

Final Drive Ratio:

3.15:1 (typically)

Limited Slip Differential:

Standard M Differential (e.g., 25% lock)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4503 mm (177.3 in)

Width:

Approx. 1748 mm (68.8 in)

Height:

Approx. 1344 mm (52.9 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2700 mm (106.3 in)

Front Track:

Approx. 1447 mm (57.0 in)

Rear Track:

Approx. 1472 mm (57.9 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1510 kg (3330 lbs) for Coupe

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 1950 kg (4299 lbs)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

70 Liters (18.5 US Gallons)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Not specifically rated by NHTSA in a manner directly comparable to modern standards; however, E36 chassis was known for its structural integrity.

IIHS Side Impact:

Not specifically rated by IIHS in a manner directly comparable to modern standards.

Traction Control:

ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction)

Stability Control:

ASC+T

Anti Lock Brakes:

Standard ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)

Airbags Front:

Driver and front passenger airbags

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones

💡 Technology Features

Radio System:

BMW Business CD or BMW Professional CD audio systems, often with cassette player integration. Early models may have had simpler radio units.

Navigation System:

Optional BMW TrafficMaster or early professional navigation systems available on some models, typically using CD-ROMs.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system.

Parking Assistance:

No factory parking sensors or cameras typically offered for this model year.

Phone Integration:

Optional BMW Cellular Telephone system, often integrated into the center armrest or dashboard.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Refer to manual for specific BMW recommendations.

Engine Oil Filter Replacement:

With every oil change.

Air Filter Replacement:

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

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically around 60,000 miles, depending on plug type (e.g., platinum or iridium).

Coolant Flush And Fill:

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

Brake Fluid Flush And Replace:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Engine Oil Type:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) approved synthetic oil. Recommended viscosity: 0W-40 or 5W-40. Consult manual for precise BMW TwinPower Turbo specifications if applicable or equivalent.

Engine Oil Capacity:

6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48 formulation or equivalent). Mix 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 High Performance Synthetic Brake Fluid.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

MTF LT-2 or equivalent manual transmission fluid. Refer to manual for specific BMW part numbers.

Differential Fluid Type:

BMW Hypoid Gear Oil (G2 or G3) or equivalent synthetic gear oil, typically 75W-90 or 75W-140. Consult manual for M Differential specific requirements.

Common Problems Engine:

VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) solenoid leaks and performance issues, oil leaks from valve cover and oil pan gaskets, thermostat housing leaks, water pump failure, early ignition coil failures (pre-disintegration type).

Common Problems Suspension:

Front control arm bushings (tend to wear, leading to steering looseness), rear trailing arm bushings, shock absorber and strut mounts.

Common Problems Electrical:

Ignition coil disintegration (later models of E36 M3 may have more robust coils, but check), window regulator failures, instrument cluster pixel degradation.

Common Problems Cooling System:

Plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle and crack, water pump impeller can fail, radiator leaks.

Detailed Schedule:

The manual will provide detailed, mileage-based and time-based service schedules for all major components, including belt inspections, brake system checks, and fluid level checks.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Performance Division:

BMW M GmbH (Motorsport division) has a long history of creating high-performance versions of BMW production cars, dating back to the M1 and the iconic M5.

E36 M3 Introduction:

The E36 M3 was introduced in 1992, evolving through various engine and chassis updates. The 1999 model represents the latter stages of the E36 M3 lifecycle, often featuring the more powerful 3.2-liter engine in many markets.

E36 Generation Significance:

The E36 M3 was a critical model for BMW M, broadening the appeal of the M car to a wider audience while maintaining its performance credentials. It was available in coupe, sedan, and convertible body styles.

Production Years:

E36 M3 produced from 1992 to 1999.

Production Locations:

Primarily produced at BMW's manufacturing facilities in Germany.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Ten Best:

The E36 M3 was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's '10Best' lists during its production run, lauded for its driving dynamics and value proposition in the performance segment.

Motor Trend Performance Car Of The Year:

While not a specific winner in all years, the M3 was consistently a strong contender in performance car comparisons by automotive journalists.

Epa Fuel Economy:

EPA estimates for the 1999 M3 (manual transmission) were approximately 18 MPG city / 25 MPG highway. Actual mileage will vary.