Segment:
Performance Compact Executive Coupe/Sedan
Reputation:
Renowned for its motorsport heritage, agile handling, and powerful inline-6 engine.
Key Rivals:
Audi S2/RS2, Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16/2.5-16 Evolution, Ford Sierra RS Cosworth, Porsche 944.
Engine Type:
Naturally aspirated inline-6 with double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing).
Transmission:
Close-ratio Getrag 6-speed manual transmission.
Suspension:
M-tuned suspension with stiffer springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars compared to standard E36 models.
Brakes:
Upgraded M Sport brakes with larger rotors and calipers.
Aerodynamics:
Unique M Aerodynamic body kit, including front spoiler, side skirts, and rear spoiler.
Engine:
Diagnosis, repair, rebuilding, tuning, performance enhancements of the S50B30 inline-6 engine.
Transmission:
Repair and maintenance of the Getrag 6-speed manual transmission, clutch assembly, and driveline components.
Brakes:
Service and repair of the hydraulic brake system, including ABS, rotors, calipers, pads, and fluid bleeding.
Suspension Steering:
Maintenance and overhaul of front struts, rear multi-link suspension, bushings, ball joints, power steering system, and alignment procedures.
Electrical:
Comprehensive coverage of the automotive electrical system, including wiring diagrams, component testing, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, and ECU diagnostics.
Fuel System:
Service and troubleshooting of the fuel injection system, fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, and emissions control.
Cooling System:
Maintenance of the radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, and coolant specifications.
Exhaust System:
Repair and replacement of exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, and pipework.
HVAC:
Service and repair of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, including refrigerant handling and component replacement.
Body Chassis:
Body panel repair, structural integrity, door mechanisms, window regulators, and cosmetic refurbishment.
Preventative Maintenance:
Detailed schedules for oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, belt inspections, and spark plug replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, fault code interpretation, and symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Repair Rebuilding:
Step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, reassembly, and calibration for all major vehicle systems.
Diagnostics:
Guidance on using diagnostic tools (e.g., OBD-I) and interpreting sensor data for engine management and other systems.
Performance Tuning:
Information relevant to optimizing the performance of the S50 engine, potentially including modifications and tuning advice.
Diagnostic Depth:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, including resistance, voltage, and current checks for various sensors and actuators.
Rebuilding Depth:
Comprehensive engine and transmission rebuilding procedures, including torque specifications, clearance measurements, and component tolerances.
Electrical Diagrams:
Detailed, high-resolution wiring schematics for all electrical systems, crucial for electrical troubleshooting.
Digital Format:
Likely PDF, ensuring searchability and easy navigation.
Resolution:
High resolution, suitable for clear viewing of diagrams and text.
Physical Format Consideration:
If printed, expected professional binding for durability in a workshop environment.
Physical Format Consideration:
If printed, durable paper stock suitable for grease and workshop conditions.
Engine Configuration:
Inline 6-cylinder, Naturally Aspirated
Displacement:
2990 cc (3.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
86.0 mm x 85.8 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, Double VANOS
Horsepower:
286 PS (282 hp / 210 kW) at 7000 rpm
Torque:
320 Nm (236 lb-ft) at 3600 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (Bosch Motronic 3.1)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (95 RON or higher)
Engine Oil Type:
BMW High Performance Synthetic SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts) with filter
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based)
Transmission Type:
Getrag 420G 6-speed Manual
Automatic Option:
No automatic transmission offered for the E36 M3 in most markets (some exceptions like the US did not get the S50B30).
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic dry single plate clutch
Transmission Fluid Type:
BMW MTF-LT-2 / Pentosin MTF 2 (or equivalent GL-4 rated fluid)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
1.3 Liters (1.4 US Quarts)
Differential Fluid Type:
BMW SAF-XJ (or equivalent 75W-140 synthetic)
Differential Fluid Capacity:
1.0 Liters (1.05 US Quarts)
NHTSA Rating:
Not directly rated by NHTSA under modern standards; comparable vehicles of the era generally performed moderately.
Euro Ncap Rating:
Not applicable for 1993 models.
Traction Control:
Available, often referred to as ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction).
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag standard; passenger airbag optional or introduced later in production.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners.
Chassis Design:
Advanced E36 chassis with integrated crumple zones and safety cage construction.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 10,000-15,000 miles (15,000-25,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil used.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (50,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
100,000 miles (160,000 km) for long-life spark plugs.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Brake Fluid Flush Interval:
Every 2 years.
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW Power Steering Fluid (CHF 11 S or compatible ATF)
Vibration Harshness Dampener Thrust Bearing:
Potential for VANOS unit failure or oil leaks leading to rough idle or loss of power.
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tank can become brittle and crack; water pump and thermostat are common replacement items.
Suspension Bushings:
Rubber bushings in the front and rear suspension can degrade over time, affecting handling and ride comfort.
Subframe Mounts:
Rear subframe mounting points can crack or loosen, leading to significant handling issues and noise.
Head Gasket:
While generally robust, head gasket failures can occur, especially if the engine has been overheated.
Window Regulators:
Common failure point causing windows to drop into the doors.
Bmw Motorsport:
BMW M GmbH has a long history of creating high-performance versions of BMW production cars, dating back to the 1970s.
E36 Generation:
The E36 M3 is the second generation of the M3, succeeding the E30 M3. It represented a shift towards a more refined and powerful GT-style performance car.
Market Specific Engines:
The E36 M3 saw different engine specifications globally: S50B30 (3.0L Euro) and S50B32 (3.2L Euro), and the S50B30US (3.0L US-spec, detuned).
Production Period:
1992-1999
Manufacturing Location:
Germany (primarily Munich and Regensburg)
Body Styles:
Coupe, Convertible, Sedan (in some markets).