Segment:
Performance Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe
Era:
Iconic 1990s performance car
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16/2.5-16 Evolution, Audi S4 (B5), Porsche 944 S2/968, Ford Mustang Cobra (SN95)
Performance Focus:
Designed for driving enthusiasts, emphasizing handling, acceleration, and driver feedback.
Engine Technology:
High-revving inline-six engine with individual throttle bodies (ITBs) in European spec, advanced engine management.
Chassis Dynamics:
Renowned for its balanced chassis, independent suspension, and precise steering.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine electrical, fuel system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, engine management (DME), transmission (manual and automatic), clutch, driveline (driveshafts, differential)
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brakes (hydraulic, ABS), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Body electrical systems, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, HVAC system, audio system, wiring diagrams
Body:
Body construction, exterior panels, interior trim, doors, windows, bumpers
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, fluid checks and top-offs, belt inspections and replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation (OBD-I for specific systems), diagnostic procedures for all major systems
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical system repairs, body panel repair and replacement
Rebuild Refurbish:
Detailed instructions for complete engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, and component refurbishment
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers basic maintenance to complete mechanical and electrical system overhauls and diagnostics. Includes torque specifications, component clearances, and detailed repair sequences.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder
Displacement Usdm:
3.0 Liters (2990 cc)
Displacement Eudm:
2.5 Liters (2467 cc - early EUDM), 3.0 Liters (2990 cc - late EUDM)
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder (24 Total)
Horsepower Usdm:
240 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Usdm:
225 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Horsepower Eudm 3.0:
286 hp @ 7000 rpm
Torque Eudm 3.0:
236 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Induction:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Individual Throttle Bodies (ITBs) on EUDM S50B30
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
ECU:
Bosch Motronic M3.3 (USDM), M3.3.1 (EUDM)
Type Usdm:
5-Speed Manual (Getrag 265/5)
Type Usdm:
4-Speed Automatic (optional on some early E36 models, not typical for M3)
Type Eudm:
5-Speed Manual (Getrag 265/5)
Clutch:
Hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch
Differential:
Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) with 25% lock-up
Crash Test Standards:
Refer to NHTSA/IIHS data for period. E36 chassis generally performed well for its era.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - Bosch
Traction Control:
Optional ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction)
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners
Head Unit:
Period-appropriate BMW Professional RDS cassette/radio or optional CD player.
Speaker System:
Standard or optional Harman Kardon sound system.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system
OBD Port:
OBD-I diagnostic connector, typically located under the hood. Requires specific diagnostic tools for full access.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first (or as per Condition Based Service indicator if equipped).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard plugs, or as specified for iridium/platinum.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km)
Engine Oil:
BMW Longlife-98 specification or equivalent. Recommended viscosity typically 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic.
Coolant:
BMW Blue (G48) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 brake fluid
Transmission Fluid Manual:
BMW ATF LT-3 or equivalent synthetic manual transmission fluid (e.g., Pentosin MTF LT-2).
Differential Fluid:
BMW Hypoid Gear Oil LS SAE 90 or equivalent (limited-slip differential additive may be required).
Vanos System:
Variable Valve Timing (VANOS) system can degrade over time, leading to rough idle, loss of power, and knocking noises. Requires specific diagnostic and repair procedures.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack. Water pump and thermostat are common wear items.
Subframe Mounts:
Rear subframe mounting points can crack or pull through the chassis sheet metal, requiring reinforcement and repair.
Bushings:
Wear in control arm bushings, sway bar bushings, and trailing arm bushings can affect handling and ride quality.
Oil Leaks:
Common leak sources include valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and oil filter housing gaskets.
Bmw Performance:
BMW's long-standing reputation for motorsport success and driver-focused automobiles.
E36 Generation:
Third generation of the 3 Series platform, introduced in 1990. The M3 variant marked a significant evolution in BMW's performance models.
M Division Legacy:
Continuation of the 'M' performance division's philosophy of enhancing standard road cars for track-inspired capabilities.
Production Start Year:
1992 (Europe), 1994 (North America)
Production End Year E36:
1999
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Munich, Regensburg)
Car And Driver 10 Best:
Named to Car and Driver's 10 Best list for multiple years.
Automobile Magazine All Star:
Recognized by Automobile Magazine as an All-Star.
Performance Benchmark:
Widely considered a benchmark for handling and performance in its class during the 1990s.
