Positioning:
The E36 M3 represented BMW's commitment to performance driving, bridging the gap between everyday usability and track-ready capability. It was a halo model for the 3 Series.
Competitors:
Porsche 911 Carrera (993), Chevrolet Corvette C4/C5, Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (Mk IV), Mazda RX-7 (FD).
Performance Focus:
Emphasis on driver engagement, balanced chassis, powerful inline-six engine, precise steering, and robust braking system.
Heritage:
Carried the prestigious M badge, inheriting a lineage of motorsport-derived performance and engineering excellence.
Coverage Scope:
All Models, Engines, Trim, Transmission Types for 1995 BMW M3
Estimated Page Count:
Thousands (typical comprehensive workshop manual)
Type:
Workshop Repair Service Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel injection (DME), ignition, exhaust, transmission (manual & automatic), driveline, differential.
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), steering, brakes (hydraulic, ABS), wheels, tires.
Electrical:
Engine control unit (DME), body control module (BCM), lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, audio system, alarm system, diagnostic procedures (OBD-I/OBD-II depending on chassis build date).
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, HVAC, body sealing.
Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement, battery maintenance.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical circuit testing, fault code interpretation.
Repair:
Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper rebuild, electrical component diagnosis and repair, body panel repair.
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic procedures for all major systems, including DME fault codes and live data interpretation where applicable.
Depth:
Comprehensive (covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics).
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 Cylinder
Engine Designation:
S50B30US (North American Spec), S50B32 (European Spec)
Horsepower Usdm:
240 hp @ 6000 rpm (S50B30US)
Torque Usdm:
225 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm (S50B30US)
Horsepower Eudm:
322 hp @ 7400 rpm (S50B32)
Torque Eudm:
258 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm (S50B32)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (DME control)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane)
Bore X Stroke Usdm:
86.0 mm x 85.8 mm (S50B30US)
Bore X Stroke Eudm:
86.4 mm x 91.0 mm (S50B32)
Compression Ratio Usdm:
10.0:1 (S50B30US)
Compression Ratio Eudm:
10.8:1 (S50B32)
Valvetrain:
Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual (Getrag 265/5 - E36 M3 specific ratios)
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic (Steptronic on later E36 M3, likely not on initial 1995 USDM)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic Actuated Single Dry Plate
Final Drive Ratio Usdm:
3.15:1 (Standard for 5-speed manual)
Limited Slip Differential:
Standard on M3 models
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW Synchromesh Fluid LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin MTF.2, Red Line MTL)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent (check specific BMW P/N)
Manual Transmission Capacity:
Approx. 1.5 liters
NHTSA Rating:
Not readily available for this specific year/model in the same format as modern vehicles; rely on inherent design strengths.
Traction Control:
ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction) available as an option on some models.
Anti Lock Brakes:
Standard BMW ABS system
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard.
Body Structure:
Reinforced chassis and safety cage designed for occupant protection.
Audio System:
BMW Bavaria C Business or Professional CD/Cassette stereo systems. Optional Harman Kardon sound system.
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control (ECC - Electronic Climate Control) with A/C.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Trip Computer:
Optional trip computer with basic functions.
Early Connectivity:
Limited connectivity by modern standards; primarily focused on the integrated audio and climate systems.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or annually (recommended for synthetic oil). Check Condition Based Service (CBS) system if equipped/functional.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (typically use NGK BKR6EQUP or equivalent).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years (DOT 4 recommended).
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic (e.g., Castrol TWS Motor Oil, BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil)
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or BMW Power Steering Fluid
Engine Oil Capacity Usdm:
6.5 quarts (6.2 liters) with filter change
Cooling System Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 quarts (8.0 liters)
Vanos System:
Degradation of the VANOS seals and O-rings can lead to rough idle, reduced low-RPM power, and stalling. Repair kits are available.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks are prone to cracking; metal upgrades are common. Water pump and thermostat failure can also occur.
Subframe Mounts:
The rear subframe mounting points on the chassis can crack or tear due to the stresses of the M3's suspension. Reinforcement is a recommended preventative measure.
Rod Bearings:
Early E36 M3 engines (especially S50B30US) are known for potential wear of connecting rod bearings, which can lead to catastrophic engine failure. Regular oil changes and attentive driving are crucial.
Driver Window Regulator:
Common failure point for the power window regulators.
Bmw M Division:
BMW M GmbH (formerly BMW Motorsport GmbH) is BMW's division for high-performance cars. Founded in 1972, it has a rich history in motorsport.
E36 Generation:
The E36 generation of the 3 Series was produced from 1990-2000. The M3 variant debuted in 1992 in Europe and 1995 in North America.
Production Years E36 M3:
1992-1999 (Europe), 1995-1998 (North America)
North American Engine Difference:
The USDM E36 M3 received a de-tuned version of the European S50 engine, designated S50B30US, due to emissions regulations and to differentiate it from the higher-spec European version.
Body Styles:
Coupe, Convertible, and later Sedan (4-door, primarily for Europe/non-US markets).
Car And Driver 10Best:
The E36 M3 was a consistent recipient of Car and Driver's '10Best' list during its production run, recognizing its performance and value.
Performance Reviews:
Widely praised by automotive journalists for its exceptional handling, powerful engine (especially the Euro-spec), and driver-focused nature.
Bmw M Engineering:
Represents a pinnacle of BMW's road car engineering from the era.