Segment:
Performance Sedan / Coupe
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, owners seeking in-depth knowledge
Key Competitors:
Porsche 911 (993), Chevrolet Corvette (C4), Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (Mk IV)
Performance Focus:
Emphasizes the M-specific tuning and performance enhancements.
Diy Support:
Designed to empower owners to perform complex repairs and maintenance themselves.
Engine:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions, diagnostics, ECU
Transmission:
Manual Transmission (Getrag 420G), clutch, driveline, differential
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension, steering system, power steering
Brakes:
Front and rear brakes, ABS, hydraulic system
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, lighting, instruments, accessories, starter
Body Chassis:
Body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, bumpers, chassis components
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components
Rebuilding:
Engine and transmission overhaul procedures
Electrical Diagnostics:
Fault finding for electrical circuits and components
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers everything from basic maintenance to full engine rebuilds and complex diagnostics.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-6
Displacement:
3.0 Liters (2990 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
86.0 mm x 85.8 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.5:1
Horsepower:
240 hp @ 6000 rpm (US Spec)
Torque:
225 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (US Spec)
Induction:
Bosch Motronic M5.2 Engine Management System, Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
Type:
5-Speed Manual (Getrag 420G)
Type:
None (Manual transmission was standard for US M3)
Clutch:
Hydraulic Actuated Single Dry Plate Clutch
Differential:
Limited-Slip Differential (LSD)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin MTF 2.0)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4/5 Stars (Driver/Passenger)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional (ASC+T - Automatic Stability Control + Traction)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger front airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones
Head Unit:
Factory BMW cassette/radio with optional CD changer. Limited digital integration.
Speakers:
Standard Hi-Fi system with multiple speakers.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Aux Input:
No factory auxiliary audio input. Aftermarket solutions common.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first. Check Condition Based Service (CBS) system.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) (typically Bosch Platinum FGR7DQP0E or equivalent).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-98 or equivalent like Castrol EDGE Professional OE 5W-30)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48 ethylene glycol based)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (BMW recommends DOT 4 High Performance)
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent
Vanos System:
Variable Valve Timing (VANOS) unit can develop issues, leading to rough idle or power loss. Often requires solenoid or seal replacement.
Subframe Mounts:
Rear subframe mounting points can crack due to stress. Reinforcement kits are available.
Oil Pan Gasket:
Common source of oil leaks.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks and water pumps can become brittle and fail.
Window Regulators:
Window regulator mechanisms can fail, causing windows to drop.
Bmw Motorsport:
BMW M GmbH (formerly BMW Motorsport GmbH) lineage, renowned for racing pedigree and performance tuning.
E36 Generation:
Third generation of the BMW 3 Series, the M3 variant was developed as a homologation special for racing.
Us Spec Differences:
US-spec E36 M3 featured a detuned 3.0L engine (S50B30US) compared to the European 3.0L and later 3.2L (S50B32) variants.
Production Years:
1992-1999 (E36 generation)
Model Year Specific:
1995 model year is the first year for the E36 M3 in North America.
