🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

M3

Chassis Code:

E36

Model Year:

1999

Platform Generation:

E36

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The E36 M3 represented the pinnacle of BMW's performance sedan and coupe offerings in the late 1990s, a direct competitor to vehicles like the Porsche 911 (996 generation) and high-performance Mercedes-Benz models.

Competitors:

Primary competitors included the Porsche 911, Chevrolet Corvette, Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG, and Audi S4. The E36 M3 was lauded for its superior handling dynamics and driver engagement.

Performance Focus:

Engineered for track-inspired performance, featuring a potent inline-six engine, M-tuned suspension, and aerodynamic enhancements.

Driver Experience:

Renowned for its communicative steering, balanced chassis, and direct driver feedback, making it a purist's sports car.

Utility:

Offered in coupe, convertible, and (in some markets) sedan body styles, providing a blend of M-performance with everyday usability.

📋 Manual Details

Models Covered:

All 1999 BMW M3 E36 models

Repair Scope:

All repairs A-Z

Estimated Page Count:

Approx. 1500-2000 (typical for comprehensive dealership manuals of this era)

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Print (assumed, typical for dealership manuals)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

S50B32 (US Spec) / S52B32 (Euro Spec), including lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition, emissions control, engine management, and rebuild procedures.

Transmission:

Getrag 420G 6-speed manual, clutch system, shift linkage, driveline, differential, axle shafts.

Brakes:

Front: Ventilated discs, M-specific calipers. Rear: Ventilated discs. ABS system, hydraulic system, parking brake.

Suspension:

Front: MacPherson struts, M-tuned components, anti-roll bar. Rear: Multi-link independent suspension, M-tuned components, anti-roll bar.

Steering:

Hydraulic power steering, steering rack, steering column.

Electrical:

Complete vehicle electrical system, wiring diagrams, charging system (alternator, battery), starting system, lighting, instrumentation, comfort electronics, DME (Digital Motor Electronics) diagnostics.

Body And Chassis:

Body structure, exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, glass, seals, body repair, corrosion prevention.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC), refrigerant system, climate control unit.

Safety Systems:

Airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, seatbelt systems.

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance, scheduled servicing, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for all major vehicle systems, fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all components, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, brake caliper replacement, suspension component renewal, electrical system diagnosis and repair.

Installation:

Procedures for installing genuine BMW M performance parts and common aftermarket upgrades (where applicable to dealership service).

Diagnostics:

On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) interpretation, DME specific diagnostic routines, use of BMW diagnostic tools (e.g., GT1, DIS).

Depth:

Comprehensive; covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Details:

Physical book format, designed for workshop use. High-quality paper, durable binding.

Quality:

Professional, high-resolution printing with clear diagrams and illustrations.

Binding:

Stapled, perfect bound, or spiral bound (common for FSMs to lay flat).

Paper:

Durable, heavy-weight paper suitable for workshop environments.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Us:

S50B32 (US-spec, 3.2L inline-6)

Engine Code Euro:

S50B32 (Euro-spec, 3.2L inline-6) or S52B32 (US-spec, 3.2L inline-6 for later 1999 models)

Displacement:

3.2 liters (3201 cc)

Horsepower Us Spec:

240 hp @ 6000 rpm (S50B32 US)

Horsepower Euro Spec:

321 hp @ 7400 rpm (S50B32 Euro)

Torque Us Spec:

236 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm (S50B32 US)

Torque Euro Spec:

258 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm (S50B32 Euro)

Induction:

Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (S M PFI) with individual throttle bodies (ITBs) on Euro spec.

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)

Dme Type:

MS41.0 or MS42 for 1999 models

🔧 Transmission

Type:

Getrag 420G 6-speed manual transmission

Type:

None (M3 E36 was exclusively manual)

Differential:

Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) standard

Clutch:

Hydraulically operated single-plate clutch

📐 Dimensions

Coupe Length:

174.5 inches (4432 mm)

Coupe Width:

67.5 inches (1715 mm)

Coupe Height:

53.6 inches (1362 mm)

Convertible Length:

175.0 inches (4445 mm)

Convertible Width:

67.5 inches (1715 mm)

Convertible Height:

53.3 inches (1354 mm)

Wheelbase:

104.5 inches (2654 mm)

Curb Weight Coupe Manual:

3274 lbs (1485 kg)

Curb Weight Convertible Manual:

3549 lbs (1610 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Not explicitly rated for 1999; based on contemporary vehicle safety standards for the era.

IIHS Side Impact:

Not explicitly rated for 1999; based on contemporary vehicle safety standards for the era.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional (ASC+T - Automatic Stability Control and Traction)

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Optional BMW Business CD or Professional RDS radio with CD player, Nakamichi or Harman Kardon premium sound system options.

Navigation:

Optional BMW Navigation System (limited functionality by modern standards).

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system.

Original Connectivity:

Limited by era; typically basic radio integration and optional car phone preparation.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Recommended every 5,000-7,500 miles or annually, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil quality.

Major Service Intervals:

Inspect/replace spark plugs (approx. 60,000 miles), inspect belts (50,000 miles), coolant flush (every 2-3 years), brake fluid flush (every 2 years).

Engine Oil:

BMW High Performance Synthetic SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (e.g., BMW Twin Power Turbo or equivalent).

Coolant:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant mixed 50/50 with distilled water).

Transmission Fluid:

BMW MTF-LT-1 or MTF-LT-2 (Manual Transmission Fluid) or equivalent specified for Getrag 420G.

Differential Fluid:

BMW SAF-XJ or SAF-XXL (Synthetic Gear Oil for LSD) or equivalent.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 High-Temperature Brake Fluid

Common Wear Items:

VANOS unit (variable camshaft timing), cooling system components (radiator, hoses, water pump), subframe bushings, clutch slave cylinder, and various suspension bushings.

Electrical Quirks:

Window regulators, door lock actuators, OBC (On-Board Computer) pixelation, heater control valves.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Motorsport Division:

Built by BMW M GmbH, the performance division of BMW, continuing a legacy of motorsport-derived road cars.

E36 Generation:

The third generation of the 3 Series, replacing the E30 and paving the way for the E46. The E36 M3 was introduced in 1992 (Europe) and 1994 (North America) with performance upgrades over standard 3 Series models.

Production Years:

E36 M3: 1992-1999 (global). 1999 model year is the final year for the E36 M3.

Manufacturing Locations:

Germany (primarily Dingolfing and Regensburg)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Performance Acclaim:

Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its driving dynamics, handling, and potent engine. Widely considered one of the best driver's cars of its era.

Sport Sedan Rankings:

Frequently appeared on "best of" lists for sports sedans and coupes during its production run.

Dealer Service Standards:

This manual adheres to the same exacting standards and level of detail used by certified BMW technicians for factory-approved repairs and maintenance.