Positioning:
High-performance sports sedan, benchmark for handling and driver engagement in its era.
Competitors:
Porsche 911, Chevrolet Corvette, Nissan 300ZX, Toyota Supra.
Driving Dynamics:
Exceptional chassis tuning, powerful inline-six engine, precise steering, balanced handling.
Design:
Iconic E36 M Sport styling, aerodynamic enhancements, purposeful interior.
Performance Heritage:
Direct descendant of BMW's motorsport successes, homologation special for racing.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection, ignition system (mechanical aspects).
Engine Electrical:
Engine control unit (ECU) functions, sensors, actuators, ignition system (electrical aspects), starter motor, alternator.
Transmission:
Manual transmission (Getrag S5D 250G/310Z), clutch system, driveshafts, differential, troubleshooting.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, struts, shock absorbers, control arms, subframes, alignment procedures.
Brakes:
Brake system hydraulics, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), caliper, rotor, pad replacement, bleeding procedures, parking brake.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, alignment.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, fuel tank, evaporative emissions (EVAP) system.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, lighting, starter, horn, wipers, power windows, mirrors, central locking, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system components, refrigerant, diagnostics, repair.
Bodywork:
Exterior body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, seals, interior trim, corrosion prevention.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, spark plug replacement, fuel filter replacement.
Diagnostics:
Fault code retrieval (OBD-I), symptom-based diagnostics, component testing, electrical circuit testing.
Repair:
Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component repair, body panel repair.
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon problems across all major systems.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized BMW tools required for specific repairs.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic to advanced diagnostics and repairs.
Target Audience:
Professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 Cylinder (S50)
Displacement Eu:
2990 cc (Euro S50B30)
Displacement Eu Late:
3201 cc (Euro S50B32)
Displacement Us:
2990 cc (North American S50B30US)
Horsepower Eu:
286 hp @ 7000 rpm (S50B30), 321 hp @ 7400 rpm (S50B32)
Horsepower Us:
240 hp @ 6000 rpm (S50B30US)
Torque Eu:
320 Nm @ 3600 rpm (S50B30), 350 Nm @ 3250 rpm (S50B32)
Torque Us:
225 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (S50B30US)
Injection Type:
Bosch Motronic M3.3 (Euro) / M3.3.1 (US) Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Requirement:
Premium Unleaded (91+ Octane)
Ignition System:
Distributorless ignition (DIS) with individual coil packs.
Valvetrain:
Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) on intake camshaft (Euro models).
Length:
Approx. 4433 mm (174.5 in)
Width:
Approx. 1711 mm (67.4 in)
Height:
Approx. 1352 mm (53.2 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2700 mm (106.3 in)
Track Width Front:
Approx. 1447 mm (57.0 in)
Track Width Rear:
Approx. 1473 mm (58.0 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1460 kg (3219 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Refer to vehicle VIN plate and manual.
Wheel Size:
17x7.5 front, 17x8.5 rear (standard)
Tire Size Front:
235/40ZR17
Tire Size Rear:
245/40ZR17
Oil Change:
Every 7,500 to 10,000 miles (12,000 to 16,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions. Refer to Condition Based Service (CBS) if equipped, or manual.
Spark Plugs:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard plugs, or 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for platinum/iridium plugs. Check manual for specific type.
Brake Fluid:
Every 2 years regardless of mileage.
Coolant:
BMW recommends coolant flush every 4 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km). Use BMW-approved coolant.
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 synthetic. Consult manual for specific BMW LL-xx approvals (e.g., LL-98, LL-01) or equivalent specifications.
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) or equivalent.
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent hydraulic fluid.
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tanks prone to cracking, water pump failure (especially plastic impeller).
Vanos:
Early VANOS systems can develop issues with the solenoid seals, leading to rough idle or low-end torque loss (Euro models).
Subframe Mounts:
Rear subframe mounting points can crack or separate from the chassis due to stress.
Bushings:
Worn control arm bushings, trailing arm bushings, and sway bar bushings are common and affect handling.
Electrical:
Corrosion on ABS sensors, headlight range adjustment issues, window regulator failures.