🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

M3

Year:

1995

Chassis Code:

E36

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The ultimate driver's car of its era, positioned as a high-performance, track-capable homologation special

Competitors:

Porsche 911 (993), Chevrolet Corvette (C4), Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (MkIV), Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4

Performance Focus:

Emphasizes handling, braking, and engine power delivery

Chassis Tuning:

Stiffer springs, performance dampers, thicker anti-roll bars, revised suspension geometry compared to standard E36 models

Aerodynamics:

Unique front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and spoilers for improved downforce and cooling

Interior Appointments:

Sport seats, M steering wheel, M gear knob, M door sill plates

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

Complete factory service and repair

Styles Covered:

All styles of the 1995 BMW M3

Estimated Pages:

Hundreds of pages

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine System:

Detailed diagnostics, repair, and overhaul of the S50B30/S50B32 engine (depending on market variant)

Engine Management:

DME (Digital Motor Electronics) system, sensor diagnostics, fuel injection, ignition timing

Fuel System:

Fuel pump, injectors, pressure regulator, fuel tank, lines, testing procedures

Exhaust System:

Catalytic converter, muffler, exhaust manifold, diagnostics and repair

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, fan assembly, coolant specifications

Lubrication System:

Oil pump, oil pan, oil filter, oil specifications, oil change procedures

Transmission System Manual:

Getrag 5-speed manual transmission (S5D 310Z), clutch operation, fluid specifications, overhaul

Transmission System Automatic:

ZF 4-speed automatic transmission (optional, e.g., 4HP22), fluid type, operation, diagnostics

Drivetrain System:

Driveshafts, CV joints, differential, rear axle assembly, lubrication

Suspension System:

Front and rear suspension components, control arms, springs, dampers, bushings, alignment specifications

Steering System:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, fluid type, troubleshooting

Brake System:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, rotor and pad replacement

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting system, fuses, relays

Instrument Panel:

Gauges, warning lights, functionality, repair

HVAC System:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system, refrigerant types, component troubleshooting

Body Panels:

Hood, doors, fenders, bumpers, alignment, repair

Interior Trim:

Seats, dashboard, door panels, headliner, removal and installation

Body Hardware:

Door handles, locks, windows, regulators, seals

Maintenance Procedures:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-ups

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code interpretation

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component replacement and repair

Rebuilding Procedures:

Engine and transmission overhaul procedures

Adjustment Procedures:

Valve adjustments, idle speed settings, alignment adjustments

Installation Procedures:

Component installation, accessory fitting

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to full engine rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics

Diagnostic Tools:

Information relevant to using factory diagnostic tools (e.g., DIS, GT1)

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing entire manual or individual pages

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

S50B30 (US/Canada), S50B32 (Europe/ROW - check specific market for 1995 model)

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 (I6)

Displacement Us:

2990 cc (3.0 Liters)

Displacement Eu:

3201 cc (3.2 Liters)

Bore Us:

86 mm

Stroke Us:

85.8 mm

Bore Eu:

86.4 mm

Stroke Eu:

91 mm

Compression Ratio Us:

10.5:1

Compression Ratio Eu:

11.3:1

Horsepower Us:

240 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque Us:

225 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm

Horsepower Eu:

321 hp @ 7400 rpm

Torque Eu:

258 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point fuel injection (Bosch Motronic)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Type Standard:

Getrag 5-speed Manual Transmission (Type S5D 310Z)

Type Optional:

ZF 4-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., 4HP22EH)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch

Differential:

Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) standard

📐 Dimensions

Length:

174.5 inches (4432 mm)

Width:

69.1 inches (1755 mm)

Height:

53.6 inches (1362 mm)

Wheelbase:

106.1 inches (2695 mm)

Front Track:

57.7 inches (1465 mm)

Rear Track:

58.3 inches (1480 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3250-3350 lbs (1474-1519 kg)

Gvw Rating:

Approx. 4255 lbs (1930 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

Niosh Ratings:

N/A (Not a primary focus for NHTSA crash data of this era in detailed breakdown)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional Automatic Stability Control (ASC+T) on some models

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with front pretensioners

Body Structure:

Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

BMW Business CD or optional Hi-Fi sound system, with cassette player and AM/FM radio

Display:

Central information display (MID) for car functions and OBC (On-Board Computer)

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control

Parking Sensors:

Not typically factory-equipped on this model year

Bluetooth:

Not factory-equipped; aftermarket solutions available

Usb Ports:

Not factory-equipped

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first (refer to specific manual for exact recommendation)

Filter Replacement Interval:

Oil filter: with every oil change; Air filter: every 15,000-30,000 miles; Fuel filter: 30,000-50,000 miles (check manual)

Spark Plug Replacement:

Refer to manual, often around 60,000 miles

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles

Engine Oil Type:

BMW High Performance SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (e.g., Castrol TWS/Edge Professional) or approved equivalent

Engine Oil Capacity:

6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts) for S50B30/S50B32

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 Ethylene Glycol based) mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4, Low Viscosity (LV)

Transmission Fluid Manual:

MTF LT-2 (or equivalent) - 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

ATF Dexron III or equivalent

Differential Fluid:

SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Hypoid Gear Oil (often specific BMW fluid for LSD)

Vanos System:

Vanos (Variable Valve Timing) unit seals can degrade, leading to rough idle and power loss. Rebuild kits are available.

Subframe Mounts:

Rear subframe mounting points can crack or tear due to stress, especially on track-driven cars. Reinforcement kits exist.

Cooling System Components:

Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack. Water pump and thermostat housings can leak.

Head Gasket:

While generally robust, head gasket failures can occur, often due to overheating or improper maintenance.

Needle Bearing Failure:

Driveshaft center support bearing needle bearing can fail, causing vibrations.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage Emphasis:

BMW's long-standing reputation for building driver-focused, performance-oriented vehicles

E36 M3 Introduction:

The E36 M3 was introduced in 1992 (Europe) and 1994 (North America) as a successor to the E30 M3

1995 Updates:

The 1995 model year represents a significant iteration of the E36 M3, particularly with the introduction of the larger 3.2L S50B32 engine in European markets, while North America received the 3.0L S50B30

Production Period:

E36 M3 produced from 1992 to 1999

Manufacturing Locations:

Germany (Munich, Regensburg)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The E36 M3 (as a model line) was a multi-time recipient of Car and Driver's '10Best' list, recognized for its performance and value.

Performance Reputation:

Consistently lauded by automotive press for its excellent handling, powerful engine, and engaging driving dynamics.