🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

M3

Model Code:

E36

Year:

1991

E Code:

E36

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

Performance-oriented luxury coupe and convertible, positioned as a driver's car.

Competitors:

Porsche 968, Chevrolet Corvette C4, Toyota Supra (Mk III), Nissan 300ZX (Z32).

Performance Focus:

Emphasis on handling, driver engagement, and a potent inline-six engine.

Design:

Iconic M car styling cues, improved aerodynamics, and sport-tuned chassis.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

All Models & All Repairs A-Z

Specificity:

Vehicle Specific (Not Generic)

Target Audience:

Dealership Technicians

Estimated Page Count:

Likely 1000+

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed Manual (Implied)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine mechanical, cooling, lubrication, fuel, ignition, emissions control, engine management systems

Transmission:

Manual and Automatic transmission service, repair, and overhaul

Drivetrain:

Driveshafts, differentials, axle components

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension, steering components, wheel alignment

Brakes:

Brake system hydraulic, mechanical, ABS (if equipped), parking brake

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, lighting, instrumentation, power distribution, comfort systems, starting and charging

Body:

Body exterior, interior trim, doors, windows, sunroof, safety restraints

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems

Chassis:

Frame, body mounting, exhaust system

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, inspections

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting

Repair:

Component removal, installation, adjustment, and overhaul for all major systems

Diagnostics:

Detailed diagnostic steps, specifications, and expected results

Depth:

Comprehensive (Includes detailed rebuild procedures and factory specifications)

Detail Level:

Factory level detail, including torque specifications, clearances, and tolerances

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

Printed

Quality:

Professional quality, likely with diagrams and illustrations

Binding:

Professional binding (e.g., perfect binding, spiral binding for lay-flat use)

Paper:

Durable paper stock, suitable for workshop environments

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

S50B30 (Early European), S50B30US (North American)

Engine Type:

3.0L (2990cc) Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 Cylinder

Bore X Stroke:

86.0 mm x 85.8 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.2:1 (S50B30), 10.0:1 (S50B30US)

Horsepower:

240 hp (S50B30), 240 hp (S50B30US) @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

225 lb-ft (S50B30), 225 lb-ft (S50B30US) @ 4750 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic Engine Management System with Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS)

Emission Controls:

Catalytic Converter, EGR (where applicable), Oxygen Sensors

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-Speed Manual (Getrag 265/5)

Type:

4-Speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22 EH) - Less common for M3

Clutch:

Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch

Differential:

Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) - Standard on M3 models

Manual 1St Gear:

3.72

Manual Final Drive:

3.15

📐 Dimensions

Length:

174.5 inches (4432 mm)

Width:

67.5 inches (1715 mm)

Height:

52.5 inches (1334 mm)

Wheelbase:

101.2 inches (2570 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3200-3400 lbs (1450-1540 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 4200 lbs (1905 kg)

Wheel Size:

17 x 7.5 front, 17 x 8.5 rear

Tire Size Front:

235/40ZR17

Tire Size Rear:

245/40ZR17

Bolt Pattern:

5 x 120 mm

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

Limited specific official crash test data for 1991 model year. E36 chassis generally performed well for its era.

Braking:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - Standard

Stability Control:

Traction Control System (ASC+T) - Optional on some models

Airbags:

Driver's side airbag - Standard

Seat Belts:

3-point seat belts with pretensioners

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory cassette player with optional CD changer. Speaker system quality varied by option.

On Board Computer:

On-Board Computer (OBC) displaying fuel consumption, range, speed limit, etc.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system.

Traction Control:

ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction) was an optional system for improved traction.

Cellular Features:

No integrated cellular connectivity in the modern sense. Optional car phone pre-wiring may exist.

HVAC System:

Manual or optional automatic climate control (ACC) system.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions. Check Condition Based Service (CBS) if equipped.

Coolant Change:

Every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Spark Plugs:

Replace every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) depending on type.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-98 or equivalent)

Engine Oil Capacity:

6.5 US quarts (6.2 Liters)

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water)

Transmission Fluid Manual:

BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron III or equivalent ATF

Differential Fluid:

BMW Hypoid Gear Oil G2 or equivalent SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil

Cooling System:

Expansion tank cracks, water pump failure, thermostat issues, hose degradation.

Suspension:

Vibrations from driveshaft flex discs, control arm bushings (e.g., "RTABs"), shock absorber wear.

Electrical:

ABS sensor failures, "OBC" (On-Board Computer) issues, headlight leveling motors, window regulators.

Engine S50:

Vanous timing chain guide wear (though less prevalent on early E36 M3 than later E36 engines), oil leaks from valve cover gasket or oil pan.

Body Paint:

Clear coat peeling, rust in common areas like fender arches and rocker panels, especially in humid climates.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Motorsport:

BMW M GmbH (formerly BMW Motorsport GmbH) lineage, renowned for performance variants of BMW road cars.

E36 Generation:

The E36 generation of the 3 Series debuted in 1990, with the M3 variant introduced in Europe in 1992 and North America in 1994 (as a '94 model year, though production began earlier).

M3 Launch:

The 1991 model year indicates an early E36 platform vehicle, but the M3 E36 designation specifically refers to the performance model which officially launched later. This manual likely covers the base E36 chassis and potentially very early M3 development or pre-production specs applicable to the chassis foundation.

Production Period:

E36 M3 production ran from 1992 (Europe) to 1999. North American M3 (with specific engine variant) production ran from 1994 to 1999.

Manufacturing Locations:

Germany (Munich, Regensburg), South Africa, USA (Spartanburg, SC - for later E36 models).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press:

The E36 M3 in general was highly praised by automotive journalists for its driving dynamics and balance, though the 1991 model year designation might precede its official introduction in some markets, potentially referring to the broader E36 platform which also received acclaim.