Segment:
Performance Sedan / Coupe
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, BMW M owners
Competitors:
Porsche 911 (993), Mercedes-Benz C36 AMG, Audi S4 (B5), Lexus GS300 (performance variants)
Vehicle Focus:
High-performance variant of the BMW 3 Series (E36) platform
Manual Value Proposition:
Enables comprehensive DIY maintenance and repair, crucial for preserving the performance and value of the M3
Engine:
3.0L S50B30 naturally aspirated inline-6 engine (including diagnostics, overhaul, timing, fuel injection, emissions)
Transmission:
Getrag 6-speed manual transmission (G6S/SMG optional, if applicable to 1997 MY)
Drivetrain:
Limited-slip differential (LSD), rear axle assembly, driveshaft, CV joints
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, M-specific tuning, alignment procedures, shock absorbers, springs, bushings
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS system, brake fluid flush, caliper overhaul, rotor replacement
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rod ends, steering column
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, ignition system, ECU diagnostics
Body:
Body panel removal and installation, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, weather stripping
HVAC:
Climate control system, A/C compressor, refrigerant recharge, heater core, blower motor
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, fuel lines, EVAP system
Cooling System:
Radiator, coolant hoses, water pump, thermostat, expansion tank
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes
Repair:
Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component troubleshooting
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, OBD-II fault code interpretation, specific component testing
Restoration:
Detailed instructions for bringing the vehicle back to original specifications
Refurbishment:
Guidance on restoring individual components or systems
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed wiring diagrams and diagnostic procedures
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-6
Displacement:
2990 cc (3.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
86.0 mm x 85.8 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.5:1
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, VANOS (variable valve timing)
Horsepower:
240 hp @ 6000 rpm (US Spec)
Torque:
225 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm (US Spec)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
Type:
Getrag 6-speed Manual Transmission (GS6-37BZ)
Type:
BMW SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox) - potentially an option on later 1997 models, verify specific market
Clutch:
Hydraulically actuated single-plate clutch
Gear Ratios:
Refer to manual for specific gear ratios (e.g., 1st: 4.23:1, 2nd: 2.51:1, 3rd: 1.67:1, 4th: 1.24:1, 5th: 1.00:1, 6th: 0.83:1 - typical for E36 M3)
Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF-LT-2 or equivalent (refer to manual for exact specification and capacity)
Length:
Approx. 4434 mm (174.6 in)
Width:
Approx. 1710 mm (67.3 in)
Height:
Approx. 1340 mm (52.8 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2700 mm (106.3 in)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x120 mm
Tire Size:
Standard: 225/50R16 front, 245/45R16 rear (optional 17" wheels available)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1510 kg (3329 lbs)
Gross Weight Rating:
Refer to vehicle VIN plate
NHTSA Front Impact:
4/5 Stars (for E36 platform, specific M3 ratings may vary)
IIHS Side Impact:
Not explicitly rated for this specific year/model, but generally good for the era
Traction Control:
ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners
Chassis:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific conditions)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 60,000 miles (refer to manual for exact type and gap)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 24,000 miles or 24 months
Engine Oil:
BMW High Performance Synthetic SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (API SJ or higher)
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 formulation) mixed 50/50 with distilled water
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Synthetic Brake Fluid
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW Power Steering Fluid (or Pentosin CHF 11S)
Subframe Mounts:
Cracking or separation of rear subframe mounting points due to stress.
Water Pump:
Plastic impeller water pumps prone to failure; metal impeller upgrades recommended.
Cooling System:
Expansion tank and hose failures, thermostat housing leaks.
Vanos:
Degradation of VANOS seals can lead to rough idle and loss of power, especially at low RPM.
Oil Pan Gasket:
Common leak point, requiring labor-intensive replacement.
Driver Side Actuator Window:
Window regulator failure on the driver's side is a common issue.
Bmw Performance:
BMW's long history of motorsport and performance-oriented vehicles
E36 Generation:
The E36 M3 is the second generation of the M3, succeeding the E30 M3 and preceding the E46 M3.
E36 M3 Variants:
Available as both a coupe and convertible, with distinct European and North American specifications.
Production Years:
1992-1999 (E36 M3 platform)
Manufacturing Location:
Germany (Munich, Regensburg)