Market Segment:
Compact Executive Sports Sedan/Coupe
Bmw Positioning:
The quintessential performance variant of the E36 3 Series, offering a blend of track-day capability and everyday usability.
Primary Competitors:
Audi S4, Mercedes-Benz C36 AMG, Porsche 968.
Performance Focus:
Engineered by BMW Motorsport GmbH (M GmbH) for enhanced performance, handling, and braking.
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for its balanced chassis, precise steering, and engaging driving experience.
Engine Power:
Significant power increase over standard 3 Series models.
Coverage Continents:
Global (North America, Europe, Asia, etc.)
Coverage Regions:
Specific market variants may exist, but this manual aims for comprehensive coverage.
Estimated Page Count:
1500+
Manual Type:
Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual
Format:
Downloadable Digital Format (likely PDF)
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition, emissions control, engine management (DME).
Transmission Systems:
Manual and Automatic transmission overhaul, diagnosis, and repair.
Drivetrain Systems:
Clutch, driveshafts, differential, axles, limited-slip differential (LSD).
Suspension Systems:
Front and rear suspension, struts, springs, bushings, anti-roll bars, steering linkage.
Brake Systems:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) if applicable to specific years/trims.
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, wiring diagrams.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, seats, HVAC system.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Fault codes, diagnostic procedures, common problems and solutions.
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement.
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake caliper/rotor replacement, electrical component repair.
Diagnostics Procedures:
Step-by-step diagnostic trees for various systems.
Alignment Procedures:
Wheel alignment specifications and procedures.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized BMW tools.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostics, including sensor testing, ECU diagnostics, and fault code interpretation.
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque specifications for all fasteners.
Electrical Schematics:
Full electrical wiring diagrams for all systems.
File Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable PDF for quick information retrieval.
Print Quality:
High-resolution scans for clear text and diagrams.
Binding Type:
Not applicable for digital download, but equivalent to a professionally bound workshop manual.
Paper Type:
Not applicable for digital download, but content quality mimics professional workshop manual paper.
Engine Code:
S50B30 (Euro), S50B32 (Euro), S52B32 (US/Canada)
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24 valves (3.0L & 3.2L Euro, 3.2L US/Canada)
Engine Displacement:
2990cc (Euro 3.0L), 3201cc (Euro 3.2L & US/Canada 3.2L)
Horsepower Euro 3.0:
286 hp @ 7000 rpm
Torque Euro 3.0:
320 Nm (236 lb-ft) @ 3600 rpm
Horsepower Euro 3.2:
321 hp @ 7400 rpm
Torque Euro 3.2:
350 Nm (258 lb-ft) @ 3250 rpm
Horsepower Us 3.2:
240 hp @ 6000 rpm (US/Canada models) - Note: Lower power due to emissions regulations
Torque Us 3.2:
305 Nm (225 lb-ft) @ 4800 rpm (US/Canada models)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection (DME - Digital Motor Electronics).
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane Recommended)
Cooling Type:
Pressurized liquid cooling system.
Oil Capacity Quarts:
6.5 quarts (6.2 liters) for S50/S52 engines (check manual for exact spec).
Oil Type Recommendation:
BMW Longlife-98 or equivalent synthetic oil (e.g., 5W-30, 5W-40 - consult manual for exact specs).
Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag 265/5 - Euro, ZF S5D 321Z - US/Canada)
Optional Transmission:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (ZF 4HP22 EH - less common on M3)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch.
Differential:
BMW M Differential (Standard Limited-Slip Differential - LSD)
Transmission Fluid Spec:
BMW ATF Dexron III or equivalent for automatic. Manual transmission fluid specification should be checked in the manual (e.g., ATF Dextron II E or LT-2).
Body Styles:
Coupe (E36/2), Convertible (E36/3), Sedan (E36/4 - less common M3 variant outside Euro markets).
Length Mm:
~4430-4440 mm (Coupe)
Curb Weight Kg:
~1500-1550 kg (depending on body style and options)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Kg:
Consult manual for specific GVWR.
Trunk Volume Liters:
~400 liters (Coupe)
NHTSA Ratings:
Specific ratings for M3 E36 may vary by year and market. Refer to the manual or historical safety data.
IIHS Ratings:
Refer to the manual or historical safety data.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Traction Control:
ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction) available on some models.
Stability Control:
DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) introduced later in the E36 lifecycle, may be present on later M3s.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners.
Chassis Design:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones.
Head Unit:
BMW Bavaria C Business or Professional radios, often with cassette player and CD changer integration.
Speaker System:
Standard premium sound system options available.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Parking Sensors:
Not typically standard or common for this era's M3.
Bluetooth:
Not a standard feature from the factory.
Navigation:
Optional BMW Navigation system available on some later models.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first (consult manual for specific year and oil type).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Around 60,000 miles (100,000 km), depending on spark plug type (e.g., platinum or iridium).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles (50,000-80,000 km).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years.
Engine Oil Spec:
BMW Longlife-98 or equivalent synthetic oil (e.g., 5W-30, 5W-40).
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Coolant or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Vanos System:
Variable valve timing (VANOS) can develop issues with seals or solenoids, leading to rough idle or power loss.
Cooling System Components:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks and water pumps can become brittle and leak over time.
Subframe Mounts:
Cracking or separation of rear subframe mounting points can occur due to stress.
Driveshaft Center Support Bearing:
Wear can lead to vibrations and noise.
Rod Bearings:
Can be a wear item, particularly in high-performance driving scenarios; requires regular inspection and potential replacement.
