Market Segment:
Compact Executive Sports Sedan
Target Demographic:
Performance enthusiasts, driving purists
Primary Competitors:
Porsche 911 (964 generation), Chevrolet Corvette (C4 generation), Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (Mk3)
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for precise handling, balanced chassis, and driver-focused feedback.
Engine Performance:
High-revving inline-six engine, celebrated for its power delivery and distinctive sound.
Heritage:
Direct descendant of the legendary E30 M3, carrying forward BMW's motorsport DNA.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, component testing, timing, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel delivery, emission controls.
Engine Management:
DME (Digital Motor Electronics) system, sensor diagnostics, actuator testing, ignition system, fuel injection system, fault code diagnosis.
Transmission Manual:
Clutch system, gearbox overhaul, shift linkage, driveshafts, differential, fluid specifications.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, struts, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, sway bars, wheel alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (ABS equipped), caliper overhaul, rotor replacement, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, parking brake.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, fluid specifications.
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, relay functions, lighting system, instrumentation, charging system, starting system, battery maintenance.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, interior trim, exterior trim, glass replacement, chassis alignment.
Climate Control:
HVAC system diagnosis, refrigerant charging, component replacement, blower motor, heater core, A/C compressor.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Systematic fault finding procedures, symptom-based diagnosis, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-I) interpretation.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, differential fluid change.
Component Replacement:
Engine components (pistons, rings, bearings), transmission rebuild, clutch replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement, suspension arms, shock absorbers.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Specific diagnostic trees for common and uncommon issues across all major systems.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized BMW tools required for specific repairs and adjustments.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering complete engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, complex electrical diagnostics, and body repair.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder
Displacement:
2990 cc (3.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
86.0 mm x 85.8 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)
Horsepower:
286 PS (282 hp; 210 kW) at 7000 rpm
Torque:
320 Nm (236 lb-ft) at 3600 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic M3.3 DME with Sequential Fuel Injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91+ Octane Recommended)
Crash Test Data:
Limited official data for this specific model year; refer to general E36 platform data from contemporary testing.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction) available as an option
Airbags:
Driver's airbag standard, passenger airbag optional.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners
Chassis Structure:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Coolant Flush:
Every 24 months
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 24 months
Engine Oil Type:
BMW High Performance SAE 5W-30 Synthetic
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 Liters (with filter change)
Coolant Type:
BMW Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 or equivalent), 50/50 mix with distilled water
Transmission Fluid Type:
BMW MTF-LT-1 or equivalent manual transmission fluid (specific viscosity may vary)
Differential Fluid Type:
BMW SAF-XJ or SAF-XXL (hypoid gear oil with limited slip additive)
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tank prone to cracking, water pump impeller failure.
Vanos System:
Leaking seals or solenoids can cause rough idle and reduced performance.
Subframe Mounts:
Rear subframe mounting points can crack due to chassis stress.
Heater Control Valve:
Can fail, leading to no or inconsistent cabin heating.
Window Regulators:
Can seize or break, causing power windows to malfunction.
Automotive Journalism Acclaim:
Widely praised by automotive journalists of the era for its performance, handling, and engine.
Performance Car Of The Year:
Contender in many performance car comparisons of the early 1990s.
Enthusiast Following:
Cult status among BMW enthusiasts, highly sought after.