Segment:
Performance Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe
Rivals:
Audi S4, Mercedes-Benz C36 AMG, Porsche 968
Performance Focus:
Naturally aspirated inline-6 engine, rear-wheel drive, sporty handling characteristics
Chassis Enhancements:
Stiffer suspension, larger sway bars, upgraded brakes compared to standard E36 3 Series
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, S50B30US specifications, fuel injection (DME), ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust
Drivetrain Systems:
Manual transmission (Getrag 5-speed), clutch, driveshaft, differential, axles
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, steering system, power steering
Braking Systems:
Front and rear brakes (vented discs), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake fluid, hydraulic system
Electrical Systems:
Battery, alternator, starter, lighting, wiring diagrams, fuse box, ECU (DME), sensors, instrument cluster
Body Exterior:
Body panels, bumpers, doors, hood, trunk, convertible top (if applicable), glass, mirrors
Body Interior:
Seating, dashboard, trim panels, HVAC system, airbags, seat belts
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, common fault identification, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair Rebuild:
Component removal and installation, engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension and brake component replacement
Diagnostics:
OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) procedures, sensor testing, ECU diagnostics
Level Of Detail:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine rebuilds)
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Displacement:
2990 cc (3.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
86.0 mm x 85.8 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.5:1
Horsepower:
240 hp @ 6000 rpm (S50B30US)
Torque:
225 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm (S50B30US)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic fuel injection (Bosch Motronic DME)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded (91+ Octane)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent (typically 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Oil Capacity:
6.5 Liters (6.9 US quarts)
Recommended Oil:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (refer to manual for specific BMW LL-01 or LL-98 approval)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual (Getrag 265/5)
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic (optional, less common for M3)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated, single dry plate
Transmission Fluid Type:
MTF LT-2 or equivalent (refer to manual for exact specification)
Differential Type:
Limited Slip Differential (LSD) standard
Length:
Approx. 4433 mm (174.5 in)
Width:
Approx. 1717 mm (67.6 in)
Height:
Approx. 1345 mm (53.0 in) (Coupe)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2700 mm (106.3 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1510 kg (3329 lbs) (Coupe)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 1950 kg (4300 lbs)
Crash Test Results:
Refer to NHTSA or IIHS archives for specific E36 chassis ratings; generally considered safe for its era.
ABS:
Standard (Bosch ABS III)
Traction Control:
ASR (Automatic Stability Control) available on some models, often linked to the ABS system
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags standard
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced A-pillars and chassis structure; specific pop-up roll bar for convertible models (if applicable).
Audio System:
BMW Business or Professional CD/Cassette stereo system, often with premium sound options (e.g., Harman Kardon).
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Onboard Computer:
Check Control system for monitoring vehicle functions and alerts.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500-10,000 miles or annually (using synthetic oil), as indicated by the vehicle's service indicator system (Check Control).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on spark plug type, typically long-life platinum or iridium).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-4 years or 30,000-60,000 miles.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years.
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW CHF 11S or Pentosin SSF (Synthetic Steering Fluid) (refer to manual for exact spec).
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific BMW approval, e.g., DOT 4 LV)
Cooling System Failures:
Plastic expansion tank, water pump, and radiator are common failure points. Overheating can lead to significant engine damage.
Subframe Mounts:
Cracking or separation of rear subframe mounting points is a known structural issue, especially under hard driving.
Vanos System:
Variable Valve Timing (VANOS) system can develop leaks or fail, leading to rough idle, loss of power, and increased fuel consumption.
Hesitation Stuttering:
Can be caused by vacuum leaks, faulty fuel injectors, ignition coil issues, or VANOS problems.
Climate Control Module:
The IHKA (Integrated Automatic Climate Control) unit can suffer from faulty solder joints or component failures, leading to erratic fan speeds or non-functional HVAC.
Performance Legacy:
BMW's M division has a long history of producing high-performance vehicles derived from their standard road cars.
E36 Generation:
The E36 M3 was the second generation M3, succeeding the E30 M3. It represented a shift towards more refinement and a larger, more powerful engine.
S50 Engine:
The North American S50B30US engine, while derived from the European S50B30, had different specifications (lower horsepower, different head design) due to emissions regulations.
Production Years:
1992-1999 (E36 M3 overall), 1996-1999 (North American E36 M3)
Manufacturing Location:
Germany (various BMW plants)
Automotive Press:
Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its driving dynamics, balanced chassis, and potent inline-6 engine.
Performance Car Rankings:
Frequently appeared on 'best of' lists for performance cars of its era.
