Positioning:
High-performance luxury sports coupe, representing the pinnacle of BMW's E36 platform for track-day capability and everyday usability.
Competitors:
Porsche 911 (996), Chevrolet Corvette (C5), Ferrari 355, Nissan Skyline GT-R (R33/R34).
Performance Focus:
Enhanced engine, suspension, and braking systems compared to standard 3-Series models.
Design Heritage:
Evolution of the classic BMW coupe design, refined aerodynamics and aggressive styling.
Value:
Provides essential technical data and procedures for maintaining and repairing a complex, high-performance vehicle, saving significant costs compared to dealership servicing.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, internal components, cylinder head, block, timing, lubrication, cooling
Engine Management:
DME (Digital Motor Electronics), fuel injection, ignition system, sensors, actuators, emissions control
Transmission:
Manual transmission (Getrag Type D), clutch, shift mechanism, maintenance, repair
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, differential, axle components, limited-slip differential (if applicable)
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, components, alignment, bushings, shock absorbers, springs
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), hydraulics, component replacement
Steering:
Power steering system, components, hydraulic lines, steering rack
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, instruments, wiring diagrams
Bodywork:
Exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk, trim, body sealing, corrosion prevention
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, components, refrigerant, diagnostics
Interior:
Seats, dashboard, trim panels, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) components
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting, fault code interpretation
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and overhaul
Diagnostics:
OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) procedures, live data interpretation, sensor testing
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, wear limits
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for various systems
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Diagnostic Scope:
Advanced diagnostics for engine, ABS, and other electronic control units (ECUs)
Audience:
Professional mechanics, advanced DIY enthusiasts
Engine Type:
Inline-6, Naturally Aspirated
Engine Code:
S50B32 (US Spec: S52B32, though this manual specifies S50B32)
Displacement:
3201 cc (3.2 Liters)
Horsepower:
321 hp @ 7400 rpm (Euro Spec)
Torque:
350 Nm (258 lb-ft) @ 3250 rpm (Euro Spec)
Fuel Injection:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI) with individual throttle bodies (ITBs)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (95-98 RON / 91-93 AKI)
ECU Type:
Bosch Motronic M5.2 (or M5.2.1)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based)
Oil Type Specification:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40, API SG/SH or higher, ACEA A2/A3 (refer to manual for exact specifications)
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Engine Block Material:
Aluminum Alloy
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings:
Not directly rated by NHTSA for this specific model year, but E36 platform generally performed well for its era.
ABS:
Standard (Bosch ABS III)
Traction Control:
Standard (ASC+T - Automatic Stability Control and Traction)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones front and rear
Audio System:
BMW Business or Professional CD/RDS radio with cassette player, optional Harman Kardon sound system.
Navigation:
Optional BMW Traffic Message Channel (TMC) navigation system with a trunk-mounted CD-ROM drive.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Parking Assistance:
Rear parking sensors (optional).
Bluetooth:
Not available from factory.
Automatic Climate Control:
Optional dual-zone automatic climate control.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 to 10,000 miles (12,000 to 16,000 km) or annually, based on BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) system or manual recommendations.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles (48,000 to 96,000 km), depending on spark plug type (standard vs. long-life).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 9.5 liters (10.0 US quarts)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (high-performance, low-viscosity recommended)
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tank, water pump, and radiator hoses are common failure points due to age and heat cycling. Thermostat housing leaks can also occur.
Vanos System:
Variable Valve Timing (Vanos) solenoid seals can degrade, leading to performance loss and rough idle. Repair kits are available.
Subframe Mounts:
Cracks can develop in the subframe mounting points on the chassis due to stress. Reinforcement kits are available.
Oil Pan Gasket:
Leaking oil pan gaskets are common on higher mileage vehicles.
Rear Main Seal:
Leaking rear main crankshaft seal is another common oil leak point.
Maintenance Parts Examples
Oil Filter Part Number:
Mann-Filter HU 839Y or equivalent OEM
Air Filter Part Number:
Mann-Filter C 35178/2 or equivalent OEM
Bmw Performance Legacy:
BMW's M division, established in 1972, has a rich history of motorsport success and producing homologation specials and high-performance variants of road cars.
E36 Generation:
The E36 M3 was the second generation of the M3, launched in 1992. It replaced the highly successful E30 M3.
E36 M3 Variants:
Available as coupe, sedan, and convertible. The 1998 model is part of the later E36 M3 evolution, featuring the larger displacement S50B32 (Euro) or S52B32 (US) engines.
Production Years:
E36 M3: 1992-1999
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Regensburg plant)