Positioning:
High-performance sport coupe/sedan, benchmark for its class in handling and engine performance.
Competitors:
Porsche 911, Chevrolet Corvette (C4), Nissan 300ZX, Toyota Supra (MkIV), Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4.
Performance Focus:
Emphasis on driver engagement, track capability, and refined German engineering.
Target Audience:
Enthusiast drivers seeking a capable and rewarding performance car with a pedigree.
Manual Value Proposition:
Authoritative, dealership-level information essential for maintaining and repairing the complex M3 systems.
Coverage Scope:
All models and all repairs A-Z
Estimated Page Count:
Over 1000 pages (typical for comprehensive dealer manuals)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF, but specified as sold for sales business)
File Format:
PDF (Searchable, Printable)
Print Quality:
High Resolution (Designed for clear reproduction of diagrams and text)
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
Engine:
S50B32 (US Spec) / S50B30 (Euro Spec) engine service, diagnosis, and overhaul
Transmission:
Getrag 420G 6-speed manual transmission, ZF 5HP18/5HP30 automatic transmission service and repair
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive system, differential, driveshafts, CV joints
Brakes:
ABS, DSC (if equipped), front and rear brake systems, rotor and pad replacement, hydraulic systems
Suspension:
Front strut suspension, rear multi-link suspension, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, ECU, sensor diagnostics, lighting, power windows, central locking, audio system
Bodywork:
Body panel removal and installation, trim, doors, bumpers, glass, convertible top (if applicable)
HVAC:
Climate control system, A/C service, heater core, blower motor
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, evaporative emissions system
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, fan assembly
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid flushes, belt inspection/replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation, component testing
Repair:
Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper overhaul, electrical component repair
Installation:
Component installation and replacement procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures.
Engine Code:
S50B32 (US Spec) / S50B30 (Euro Spec)
Engine Type:
Inline-6, DOHC, 24 valves, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)
Displacement:
3.2 Liters (3201 cc) for S50B32 (US) / 3.0 Liters (2990 cc) for S50B30 (Euro)
Bore X Stroke:
86.4 mm x 89.6 mm (S50B32)
Compression Ratio:
10.5:1 (S50B32)
Horsepower:
321 hp @ 7400 rpm (S50B32) / 286 hp @ 7000 rpm (S50B30)
Torque:
258 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm (S50B32) / 236 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (S50B30)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (Bosch Motronic)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
Ignition System:
Distributorless ignition system (DIS) with individual coil packs
Type:
Getrag 420G 6-speed Manual Transmission
Type:
ZF 5HP30 5-speed Automatic Transmission
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch
Differential:
Limited Slip Differential (LSD) standard
Gear Ratios:
Detailed in manual (specific to manual/auto and axle ratio)
Length:
Approx. 4492 mm (176.8 in)
Width:
Approx. 1710 mm (67.3 in)
Height:
Approx. 1337 mm (52.6 in) (Coupe)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2700 mm (106.3 in)
Track Width Front:
Approx. 1445 mm (56.9 in)
Track Width Rear:
Approx. 1474 mm (58.0 in)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x120
Wheel Offset:
ET41 (Front), ET41 (Rear) (typical)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1500 kg (3307 lbs) (Manual Coupe)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Specific GVWR in manual
NHTSA Ratings:
Not directly tested by NHTSA in modern comparable standards; E36 chassis known for robust structure.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Optional ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction)
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners
Chassis Design:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500 - 10,000 miles or annually, as per manual/condition based service.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000 miles (check manual for specific plug type and interval).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or as specified by BMW coolant type.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years.
Engine Oil:
BMW Longlife-01 or equivalent, typically SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for precise spec and viscosity).
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or equivalent silicate-free, ethylene glycol-based coolant.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent, e.g., Red Line MTL (refer to manual for exact specification).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ZF Lifeguardfluid 5 or equivalent (Dexron III based, but specific formulation is critical).
Differential Fluid:
BMW Hypoid Gear Oil G2 or equivalent GL-5 rated, 75W-90.
Vanos System:
Wear in the VANOS piston rings can lead to decreased low-end torque and rough idle.
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tanks, water pumps, and radiator end tanks can become brittle and crack over time.
Subframe Mounts:
Rear subframe mounting points can crack the chassis under stress, requiring reinforcement.
Rod Bearings:
Premature wear of connecting rod bearings can lead to catastrophic engine failure if not addressed.
Oil Pan Gasket:
Can leak over time, requiring replacement.
Window Regulators:
Plastic components can break, causing power windows to fail.
Bmw Performance Legacy:
Continuation of BMW's reputation for building driver-focused performance cars with advanced engineering.
E36 M3 Development:
Evolved from the standard E36 chassis with significant upgrades to engine, suspension, brakes, and aerodynamics.
Engine Origin:
The S50 engine was a significantly modified version of BMW's M50 engine, developed by BMW M GmbH.
Production Years E36 M3:
1992-1999 (Global), 1995-1999 (US Market)
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing and Regensburg)
Car And Driver 10Best:
Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list multiple times during its production run.
Motor Trend Car Of The Year:
While not winning overall Car of the Year, it was consistently praised by automotive journalists.
Performance Dynamics:
Widely regarded as one of the best-handling cars of its era.