Positioning:
        
        
            High-performance sport coupe/sedan, benchmark for its class in handling and engine performance.
        
     
    
    
        
            Competitors:
        
        
            Porsche 911, Chevrolet Corvette (C4), Nissan 300ZX, Toyota Supra (MkIV), Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4.
        
     
    
    
        
            Performance Focus:
        
        
            Emphasis on driver engagement, track capability, and refined German engineering.
        
     
    
        
            Target Audience:
        
        
            Enthusiast drivers seeking a capable and rewarding performance car with a pedigree.
        
     
    
        
            Manual Value Proposition:
        
        
            Authoritative, dealership-level information essential for maintaining and repairing the complex M3 systems.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Coverage Scope:
        
        
            All models and all repairs A-Z
        
     
    
    
        
            Estimated Page Count:
        
        
            Over 1000 pages (typical for comprehensive dealer manuals)
        
     
    
    
        
            Type:
        
        
            Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
        
     
    
    
    
    
        
            Format:
        
        
            Digital (likely PDF, but specified as sold for sales business)
        
     
    
        
            File Format:
        
        
            PDF (Searchable, Printable)
        
     
    
        
            Print Quality:
        
        
            High Resolution (Designed for clear reproduction of diagrams and text)
        
     
    
        
            Binding Type:
        
        
            N/A (Digital Format)
        
     
    
        
            Paper Type:
        
        
            N/A (Digital Format)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine:
        
        
            S50B32 (US Spec) / S50B30 (Euro Spec) engine service, diagnosis, and overhaul
        
     
    
        
            Transmission:
        
        
            Getrag 420G 6-speed manual transmission, ZF 5HP18/5HP30 automatic transmission service and repair
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain:
        
        
            Rear-wheel drive system, differential, driveshafts, CV joints
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            ABS, DSC (if equipped), front and rear brake systems, rotor and pad replacement, hydraulic systems
        
     
    
        
            Suspension:
        
        
            Front strut suspension, rear multi-link suspension, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment
        
     
    
        
            Steering:
        
        
            Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods
        
     
    
        
            Electrical System:
        
        
            Wiring diagrams, ECU, sensor diagnostics, lighting, power windows, central locking, audio system
        
     
    
        
            Bodywork:
        
        
            Body panel removal and installation, trim, doors, bumpers, glass, convertible top (if applicable)
        
     
    
        
            HVAC:
        
        
            Climate control system, A/C service, heater core, blower motor
        
     
    
        
            Fuel System:
        
        
            Fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, evaporative emissions system
        
     
    
        
            Cooling System:
        
        
            Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, fan assembly
        
     
    
    
        
            Maintenance:
        
        
            Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid flushes, belt inspection/replacement
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics:
        
        
            Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation, component testing
        
     
    
        
            Repair:
        
        
            Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper overhaul, electrical component repair
        
     
    
        
            Installation:
        
        
            Component installation and replacement procedures
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Code:
        
        
            S50B32 (US Spec) / S50B30 (Euro Spec)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Type:
        
        
            Inline-6, DOHC, 24 valves, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)
        
     
    
        
            Displacement:
        
        
            3.2 Liters (3201 cc) for S50B32 (US) / 3.0 Liters (2990 cc) for S50B30 (Euro)
        
     
    
        
            Bore X Stroke:
        
        
            86.4 mm x 89.6 mm (S50B32)
        
     
    
        
            Compression Ratio:
        
        
            10.5:1 (S50B32)
        
     
    
    
        
            Horsepower:
        
        
            321 hp @ 7400 rpm (S50B32) / 286 hp @ 7000 rpm (S50B30)
        
     
    
        
            Torque:
        
        
            258 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm (S50B32) / 236 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (S50B30)
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Delivery:
        
        
            Multi-point fuel injection (Bosch Motronic)
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Type:
        
        
            Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
        
     
    
        
            Ignition System:
        
        
            Distributorless ignition system (DIS) with individual coil packs
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Type:
        
        
            Getrag 420G 6-speed Manual Transmission
        
     
    
    
        
            Type:
        
        
            ZF 5HP30 5-speed Automatic Transmission
        
     
    
    
        
            Clutch Type:
        
        
            Hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch
        
     
    
        
            Differential:
        
        
            Limited Slip Differential (LSD) standard
        
     
    
        
            Gear Ratios:
        
        
            Detailed in manual (specific to manual/auto and axle ratio)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Length:
        
        
            Approx. 4492 mm (176.8 in)
        
     
    
        
            Width:
        
        
            Approx. 1710 mm (67.3 in)
        
     
    
        
            Height:
        
        
            Approx. 1337 mm (52.6 in) (Coupe)
        
     
    
        
            Wheelbase:
        
        
            Approx. 2700 mm (106.3 in)
        
     
    
        
            Track Width Front:
        
        
            Approx. 1445 mm (56.9 in)
        
     
    
        
            Track Width Rear:
        
        
            Approx. 1474 mm (58.0 in)
        
     
    
        
            Wheel Bolt Pattern:
        
        
            5x120
        
     
    
        
            Wheel Offset:
        
        
            ET41 (Front), ET41 (Rear) (typical)
        
     
    
    
        
            Curb Weight:
        
        
            Approx. 1500 kg (3307 lbs) (Manual Coupe)
        
     
    
        
            Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
        
        
            Specific GVWR in manual
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Ratings:
        
        
            Not directly tested by NHTSA in modern comparable standards; E36 chassis known for robust structure.
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Standard Anti-lock Braking System
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Optional ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction)
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Driver and passenger front airbags
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners
        
     
    
        
            Chassis Design:
        
        
            Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Typically 7,500 - 10,000 miles or annually, as per manual/condition based service.
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            Typically around 60,000 miles (check manual for specific plug type and interval).
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Flush:
        
        
            Every 2-3 years or as specified by BMW coolant type.
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Flush:
        
        
            Every 2 years.
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil:
        
        
            BMW Longlife-01 or equivalent, typically SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for precise spec and viscosity).
        
     
    
        
            Coolant:
        
        
            BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or equivalent silicate-free, ethylene glycol-based coolant.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Manual:
        
        
            BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent, e.g., Red Line MTL (refer to manual for exact specification).
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Automatic:
        
        
            ZF Lifeguardfluid 5 or equivalent (Dexron III based, but specific formulation is critical).
        
     
    
        
            Differential Fluid:
        
        
            BMW Hypoid Gear Oil G2 or equivalent GL-5 rated, 75W-90.
        
     
    
    
        
            Vanos System:
        
        
            Wear in the VANOS piston rings can lead to decreased low-end torque and rough idle.
        
     
    
        
            Cooling System:
        
        
            Plastic expansion tanks, water pumps, and radiator end tanks can become brittle and crack over time.
        
     
    
        
            Subframe Mounts:
        
        
            Rear subframe mounting points can crack the chassis under stress, requiring reinforcement.
        
     
    
        
            Rod Bearings:
        
        
            Premature wear of connecting rod bearings can lead to catastrophic engine failure if not addressed.
        
     
    
        
            Oil Pan Gasket:
        
        
            Can leak over time, requiring replacement.
        
     
    
        
            Window Regulators:
        
        
            Plastic components can break, causing power windows to fail.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Bmw Performance Legacy:
        
        
            Continuation of BMW's reputation for building driver-focused performance cars with advanced engineering.
        
     
    
    
        
            E36 M3 Development:
        
        
            Evolved from the standard E36 chassis with significant upgrades to engine, suspension, brakes, and aerodynamics.
        
     
    
        
            Engine Origin:
        
        
            The S50 engine was a significantly modified version of BMW's M50 engine, developed by BMW M GmbH.
        
     
    
    
        
            Production Years E36 M3:
        
        
            1992-1999 (Global), 1995-1999 (US Market)
        
     
    
        
            Manufacturing Locations:
        
        
            Germany (Dingolfing and Regensburg)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Car And Driver 10Best:
        
        
            Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list multiple times during its production run.
        
     
    
        
            Motor Trend Car Of The Year:
        
        
            While not winning overall Car of the Year, it was consistently praised by automotive journalists.
        
     
    
    
        
            Performance Dynamics:
        
        
            Widely regarded as one of the best-handling cars of its era.