Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics
Value Proposition:
Inexpensive way to keep vehicle working properly, detailed guides for service and repair
Advantage:
Official BMW factory information, high level of detail (hundreds of photos/illustrations)
Instruction Format:
Numbered instructions, detailed substeps, bold figure numbers
Safety Information:
Notes, cautions, and warnings to pinpoint critical information
Navigation:
Numbered table of contents for fast information retrieval
Visual Aids:
Detailed illustrations, drawings, photos, enlarged insets for detailed part examination
Engine:
Detailed repair and maintenance for all M3 engine variants
Drivetrain:
Transmission (manual and automatic where applicable), differential, driveshafts
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, shocks, struts, springs, bushings
Brakes:
Brake system diagnostics, repair, ABS systems
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods
Electrical:
Complete electrical system diagnostics, wiring diagrams, component testing
Bodywork:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, exterior components
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system service
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, tank service
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, fan service
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, fault code interpretation
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle components
Disassembly Assembly:
Complete disassembly and reassembly of all major systems
Electrical Diagnostics:
Detailed troubleshooting for electrical faults and component testing
Specifications:
Torque specifications, tolerances, alignment procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and advanced diagnostics
Engine Code Early:
S50B30 (European spec, initially)
Engine Code Later Usdm:
S50B32 (US-spec, 3.2L)
Displacement Usdm:
3.2 Liters (3201 cc)
Cylinders:
Inline 6-cylinder
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Horsepower Usdm S50B32:
321 hp @ 7400 rpm
Torque Usdm S50B32:
258 lb-ft (350 Nm) @ 3250 rpm
Redline:
Approx. 7600 rpm (S50B32)
Injection:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SFI) / Motronic Engine Management
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
Bore X Stroke Usdm:
86.4 mm x 91.0 mm
Compression Ratio Usdm:
10.5:1
Body Styles:
Coupe, Convertible, Sedan (4-door)
Wheelbase:
107.4 inches (2728 mm)
Length:
Approx. 174.5 inches (4432 mm)
Width:
Approx. 69.1 inches (1755 mm)
Height:
Approx. 53.7 inches (1364 mm)
Curb Weight Coupe Manual:
Approx. 3505 lbs (1590 kg)
Curb Weight Convertible Manual:
Approx. 3704 lbs (1680 kg)
Certification Implication:
Manual covers safety systems relevant to the era, not specific ratings for this product
Braking:
Four-wheel disc brakes (ventilated front), ABS
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control (ASC) or Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T)
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners
Oil Change:
Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or annually, consult manual for specifics
Spark Plugs:
Refer to manual for specific mileage or time intervals (e.g., 60,000 miles for some types)
Coolant Flush:
Typically every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles
Engine Oil:
BMW High Performance Synthetic Engine Oil (e.g., 5W-30 or 5W-40 depending on climate, check manual for exact spec like BMW Longlife-01)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, specific viscosity like 75W-90
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
BMW ATF Fluid (e.g., LT-3 or equivalent)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Brake Fluid
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 or equivalent), typically 50/50 mix with distilled water
Common Wear Items:
Vibration dampers, cooling system components (hoses, water pump), subframe bushings, VANOS system (variable camshaft timing)
Common Engine Issues:
VANOS unit failure, oil leaks from valve cover gasket or oil pan, cooling system leaks
Faults:
ABS/ASC sensor failures, window regulator issues, MAF sensor problems
Bmw Motorsport:
Direct lineage from BMW's renowned racing and performance division
E36 M3:
The second generation M3, known for its refined handling and powerful inline-six engine.
Key Differences Euro Vs Usdm:
Significant differences in engine (3.0L S50B30 Euro vs. 3.2L S50B32 USDM), suspension tuning, and available features.
Manufacturing Location:
Germany (primarily)
