Segment:
Performance Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, Owners, Independent Repair Shops
Key Competitors:
Porsche 911 (964/993), Mercedes-Benz C36 AMG, Audi S4 (B5), Chevrolet Camaro Z28, Ford Mustang SVT Cobra
Performance Focus:
Engineered for exhilarating driving dynamics and track capability
Driving Experience:
Renowned for its balanced chassis, responsive steering, and powerful inline-six engine
Engine:
S50B30, S50B32, S52B32 (North American variants)
Drivetrain:
Manual Transmission (Getrag 265/5, ZF S5D 310Z, ZF 6-speed), Differential, Axles
Suspension:
Front MacPherson Struts, Rear Multi-link Suspension (Z-Axle), Springs, Dampers, Bushings
Brakes:
Front & Rear Disc Brakes (Vented Front), ABS System, Brake Lines, Master Cylinder
Steering:
Power Assisted Rack and Pinion, Steering Column
Electrical:
Battery, Alternator, Starter, Ignition System, Lighting, Instrumentation, DME (Digital Motor Electronics)
Fuel System:
Fuel Pump, Injectors, Fuel Pressure Regulator, Fuel Tank, EVAP System
Cooling System:
Radiator, Water Pump, Thermostat, Cooling Fan, Hoses
Exhaust System:
Exhaust Manifold, Catalytic Converter, Muffler, Exhaust Pipes
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Interior Trim, Seats, HVAC System
Chassis And Frame:
Unibody Structure, Subframes
Routine Maintenance:
Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Fluid Checks/Changes
Engine Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Piston/Ring Replacement, Valve Stem Seal Replacement, Timing Chain/Belt Service (if applicable)
Transmission Service:
Clutch Replacement, Transmission Fluid Change, Gearbox Overhaul
Brake Service:
Pad/Rotor Replacement, Caliper Rebuild, Brake Bleeding
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Strut/Shock Replacement, Bushing Replacement, Ball Joint Service, Power Steering Pump/Rack Service
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring Diagrams, Fault Code Diagnosis, Component Testing, DME Troubleshooting
Bodywork And Paint:
Panel Alignment, Dent Repair, Door Mechanism Service
HVAC System Repair:
Component Replacement (Compressor, Blower Motor), Refrigerant Service
Troubleshooting:
Common Problems and Solutions, Diagnostic Flowcharts
Depth:
Comprehensive Workshop Level (from basic maintenance to major component overhaul and diagnostics)
European Engine S50B30:
3.0L (2990 cc) Naturally Aspirated Inline-6, Dual VANOS, 24 Valves
European Engine S50B32:
3.2L (3201 cc) Naturally Aspirated Inline-6, Dual VANOS, 24 Valves
North American Engine S52B32:
3.2L (3201 cc) Naturally Aspirated Inline-6, Dual VANOS, 24 Valves (M50 block based)
S50B30 Horsepower:
286 PS (282 hp) @ 7000 RPM
S50B30 Torque:
320 Nm (236 lb-ft) @ 3600 RPM
S50B32 Horsepower:
321 PS (317 hp) @ 7400 RPM
S50B32 Torque:
350 Nm (258 lb-ft) @ 3250 RPM
S52B32 Horsepower:
240 hp @ 6000 RPM (US-Spec)
S52B32 Torque:
236 lb-ft @ 4200 RPM (US-Spec)
Fuel Injection:
Bosch Motronic M3.3/M3.3.1/M5.2 Electronic Fuel Injection
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded (91+ Octane Recommended)
Transmission Type European:
5-Speed Manual (Getrag 265/5, ZF S5D 310Z)
Transmission Type North American:
5-Speed Manual (ZF S5D 310Z), 6-Speed Manual (ZF Type C for '98 M3)
Optional Transmission:
4-Speed Automatic (ZF 4HP-22 EVO - limited availability, not common on M3)
Clutch:
Hydraulically Actuated Single Plate Dry Clutch
Limited Slip Differential:
Standard (typically 25% lock)
Coupe Length:
Approx. 4433 mm (174.5 in)
Convertible Length:
Approx. 4433 mm (174.5 in)
Coupe Width:
Approx. 1710 mm (67.3 in)
Convertible Width:
Approx. 1710 mm (67.3 in)
Coupe Height:
Approx. 1336 mm (52.6 in)
Convertible Height:
Approx. 1350 mm (53.1 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2700 mm (106.3 in)
Curb Weight Coupe:
Approx. 1460-1500 kg (3219-3307 lbs)
Curb Weight Convertible:
Approx. 1580-1650 kg (3483-3638 lbs)
Crash Test Data:
Limited official NHTSA/IIHS ratings for this era; reliance on BMW's internal safety engineering and real-world performance
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction) on some models
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Airbags (Standard from mid-90s onwards)
Seat Belts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts
Body Structure:
Reinforced chassis and safety cage design
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months (Synthetic oil recommended)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (refer to specific plug type)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years
Engine Oil:
BMW High-Performance Synthetic SAE 5W-30, 5W-40, or 10W-40 (check owner's manual for exact spec based on climate/engine)
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 or equivalent, 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (BMW recommends high-performance DOT 4)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin MTF2)
Differential Fluid:
BMW Hypoid Gear Oil SAE 75W-90 (LS for Limited Slip Differential)
Vanos System:
Solenoid seals and O-rings can degrade, leading to camshaft timing issues and rough idle (especially on S50B30/B32).
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle and crack; water pump bearing failure is also common.
Subframe Mounts:
Rear subframe mounting points can crack or tear due to chassis flex under stress. Requires reinforcement.
Window Regulators:
Plastic components in window regulators can fail, causing windows to drop.
Heater Core:
Heater core leaks are possible, leading to coolant smells inside the cabin and fogging windows.
Dme Module:
Older DME units can experience capacitor failure or electrical issues.
Car And Driver Five Best:
Named to Car and Driver's 'Ten Best' list multiple times during its production run.
Motor Trend Car Of The Year:
While not a 'Car of the Year' winner in its specific segment by MotorTrend, it was highly praised for its performance and handling.
Performance Reviews:
Consistently received high marks from automotive journalists for its driving dynamics, engine response, and balanced chassis.
