Positioning:
The E36 M3 was a benchmark performance sedan/coupe, bridging the gap between luxury and raw sporting capability for its era.
Competitors:
Primary competitors included the Porsche 911 (964/993), Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16/2.5-16 Evolution, and various high-performance Japanese sports cars.
Performance Focus:
Engineered for enhanced driving dynamics, superior handling, and increased power output over standard 3 Series models.
Diy Support:
This manual caters to enthusiasts and DIY mechanics seeking detailed, authoritative information for maintenance and repair.
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, diagnostics, timing, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, exhaust systems.
Transmission:
Manual transmission (Getrag 265/5) repair, clutch service, driveline, differential.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, caliper service, rotor replacement, brake fluid bleeding.
Suspension And Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, steering rack, power steering system, wheel alignment.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, instrumentation, ECU diagnostics.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, glass, bumpers, chassis lubrication.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system service and repair.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation (OBD-I), diagnostic procedures.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, fuel filter, fuel pressure regulator, fuel tank removal/installation.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, O2 sensors.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, fluid checks and top-offs, brake pad replacement.
Repair:
Engine component rebuilds, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, electrical system repairs.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic steps for common and uncommon issues.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of BMW-specific tools for repairs.
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step instructions for replacing major and minor components.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic scheduled maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds.
Diagrams And Illustrations:
Includes detailed exploded views, wiring diagrams, and diagnostic flowcharts.
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, Double VANOS
Displacement:
2990 cc (3.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
86 mm x 85.8 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Horsepower:
286 PS (282 hp; 210 kW) at 7000 rpm (Euro Spec)
Torque:
320 Nm (236 lb-ft) at 3600 rpm (Euro Spec)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic M3.3 DME, Sequential Fuel Injection
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (RON 98 recommended)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (Glysantin G48 equivalent)
Transmission Type:
Getrag 265/5 5-speed Manual
Optional Transmission:
None for 1993 M3 (European Model)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated, single dry plate
Final Drive Ratio:
3.15:1 (Standard)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent GL-4 SAE 75W-90
NHTSA Rating:
Not specifically rated under modern NHTSA standards. E36 platform generally performed well for its time.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional (ASC - Automatic Stability Control)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags (standard)
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones
Oil Change Interval:
Every 15,000 km (9,300 mi) or annually, whichever comes first, using BMW LL-01 approved oil.
Inspection I:
Approximately 30,000 km (18,600 mi), includes checks of brakes, suspension, exhaust, fluids.
Inspection Ii:
Approximately 60,000 km (37,200 mi), includes spark plug replacement, more in-depth checks.
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic (BMW LL-01 Approved)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 Liters (9.0 US Quarts)
Vanos Unit:
Common issue is the failure of the VANOS solenoid seals, leading to rough idle and power loss.
Rear Subframe:
Cracking or separation of the rear subframe mounting points from the chassis due to stress.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack over time.
Rod Bearings:
Potential wear on rod bearings, particularly in higher-mileage or aggressively driven vehicles.
Bmw Motorsport:
Built upon BMW's extensive motorsport legacy, incorporating racing-derived technology and tuning.
E36 Generation:
The third generation of the 3 Series (E36) was introduced in 1990; the M3 variant debuted in 1992 as a homologation special.
Production Years:
1992-1999 (E36 M3)
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Munich, Regensburg), South Africa
Engine Variants:
Initially the S50B30 (286 hp) for Europe, later the S50B32 (321 hp) in Europe and S50B30US (240 hp) for North America (different engine and tuning).
