Vehicle Segment:
Compact Executive Sports Coupe.
Performance Orientation:
High-performance variant of the 3 Series Coupe, homologated for motorsport.
Key Competitors:
Porsche 911 Carrera, Chevrolet Corvette, Nissan 300ZX, Toyota Supra, Mitsubishi 3000GT.
Engine Performance:
Renowned for its powerful inline-six engine and engaging driving dynamics.
Handling:
Exceptional chassis tuning, sport-tuned suspension, and rear-wheel drive bias.
Driver Focus:
Designed with the driver at the forefront, offering an immersive and sporty experience.
Manual Utility:
Provides comprehensive technical data essential for maintaining and repairing this performance-oriented vehicle.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, diagnosis, troubleshooting, component replacement for S50B30 and S50B32 engines.
Engine Management:
Fuel injection, ignition system, emission controls, sensor testing, ECU diagnosis.
Transmission:
Manual (Getrag 265/5, Getrag 265/6 for some variants) and Automatic transmission (Steptronic optional on later models) repair, diagnosis, fluid service.
Drivetrain:
Rear differential, driveshafts, CV joints, clutch operation and replacement.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, springs, shock absorbers, bushings, wheel alignment procedures.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS operation and diagnosis, disc and pad replacement, caliper service, brake fluid.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, alignment.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, fuses, relays, onboard computer diagnostics.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, structural components, door mechanisms, convertible top operation (if applicable for specific models not explicitly excluded).
Climate Control:
HVAC system diagnosis, refrigerant service, blower motor, A/C compressor, heater core.
Interior:
Seat removal, dashboard components, interior trim.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, fault code interpretation.
Major Repairs:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs.
Component Disassembly Reassembly:
Step-by-step instructions for removing, inspecting, and reinstalling virtually all vehicle components.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all systems.
Diagnostic Procedures:
In-depth guidance on using diagnostic tools and interpreting sensor data.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all critical fasteners.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage instructions for specialized BMW tools.
Rebuild Instructions:
Comprehensive instructions for overhauling major mechanical assemblies.
Engine Code Eu:
S50B30 (3.0L, 24 valves, DOHC, VANOS)
Engine Code Us Spec:
S50B30US (3.0L, 24 valves, DOHC)
Engine Code Later Eu:
S50B32 (3.2L, 24 valves, DOHC, VANOS)
Horsepower Eu 3.0L:
286 hp @ 7000 rpm
Torque Eu 3.0L:
320 Nm (236 lb-ft) @ 3600 rpm
Horsepower Us 3.0L:
240 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Us 3.0L:
305 Nm (225 lb-ft) @ 4800 rpm
Horsepower Eu 3.2L:
321 hp @ 7400 rpm
Torque Eu 3.2L:
350 Nm (258 lb-ft) @ 3250 rpm
Fuel Injection:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) - Bosch Motronic system.
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane Recommended).
Ignition System:
Distributorless Electronic Ignition (DIS) with coil-on-plug or coil-near-plug on later models.
Transmission Type Eu:
5-Speed Manual (Getrag 265/5)
Transmission Type Us:
5-Speed Manual (Getrag 265/5)
Transmission Type Optional:
4-Speed Automatic (optional on some markets, Steptronic on later models)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch.
Final Drive Ratio:
Typically 3.15:1 (limited-slip differential standard).
Transmission Fluid Type:
Refer to manual for specific BMW approved MTF-LT-1 or MTF-LT-2 for manual; ATF for automatic.
Length:
Approximately 4433-4460 mm (174.5-175.6 inches) depending on market and year.
Width:
Approximately 1717-1718 mm (67.6-67.6 inches).
Height:
Approximately 1336-1357 mm (52.6-53.4 inches).
Wheelbase:
Approximately 2700 mm (106.3 inches).
Curb Weight:
Approximately 1460-1520 kg (3219-3351 lbs) depending on equipment and market.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Refer to vehicle placard, typically around 1900-2000 kg.
Crash Test Data:
Limited standardized crash test data available for this era, relying on internal BMW testing and real-world assessments.
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control (ASC) or ASC+T (with traction control) available on some models.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard.
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard; passenger airbag optional on earlier models, standard on later ones.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia reel seatbelts with pretensioners.
Chassis Structure:
Reinforced safety cell with crumple zones.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-15,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Consult manual for specific recommendations and oil quality.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 30,000 miles (50,000 km) for standard plugs, longer for platinum or iridium types (check manual).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or approximately 30,000-50,000 miles.
Engine Oil Type:
Refer to manual. Typically synthetic 5W-30 or 5W-40 meeting BMW LL-01 or LL-98 specifications.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts) for 3.0L, 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts) for 3.2L.
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent approved hydraulic fluid.
Vanos System:
Wear on the single or double VANOS unit seals can lead to rough idling, loss of low-end torque, and start-up issues.
Rod Bearings:
Some earlier S50 engines are known to have bearing wear issues, particularly if maintenance was neglected. The manual will detail inspection procedures.
Subframe Mounts:
Cracking or failure of the rear subframe mounting points is a common structural issue.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack; hoses can degrade over time.
Climate Control Blower:
Blower motor resistor failure is a common issue, leading to non-functional or intermittently working climate control fan.
Bmw Motorsport:
BMW M GmbH (formerly BMW Motorsport GmbH) is renowned for its high-performance vehicles.
E36 M3 Origin:
The E36 M3 was developed as a homologation special for racing, significantly revising the standard 3 Series chassis and powertrain.
Global Variants:
Significant differences existed between European (S50B30/S50B32) and North American (S50B30US) market engines due to emissions regulations.
Production Years:
1992-1999 (with E36 M3 Coupe production generally ending in 1998 for most markets).
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (primarily Munich and Regensburg).
