Vehicle Segment:
Performance Compact Executive Coupe/Convertible
Target Audience:
Enthusiast drivers, performance-oriented individuals
Key Competitors:
Porsche 911 (996), Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG (W202), Audi S4 (B5)
Powertrain Emphasis:
High-revving naturally aspirated inline-six engine, M Differential
Chassis Dynamics:
Sport-tuned suspension, precise steering, balanced handling
Manual Value Proposition:
Vehicle-specific, technician-level accuracy, essential for maintenance and repair
Powertrain:
Engine, Drivetrain, Transmission, Differential
Chassis:
Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Wheels, Tires
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, ECU, Sensors, Lighting, Audio, HVAC Electrical Components
Body:
Body Panels, Interior Trim, Seats, Doors, Glass
Comfort And Convenience:
HVAC System, Power Accessories, Convertible Top (if applicable)
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Fault Code Diagnosis, Symptom-Based Analysis
Repair:
Component Removal, Installation, Reassembly, Adjustment
Overhaul:
Engine Rebuild, Transmission Overhaul, Differential Rebuild
Calibration:
Sensor Calibration, Alignment Procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive (Dealer-Level Technician Specific)
Detail Level:
Detailed specifications, torque values, diagnostic procedures, wiring diagrams
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-6
Displacement:
3.2 Liters (3246 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
87.0 mm x 91.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
11.5:1
Horsepower:
333 hp @ 7900 RPM
Torque:
262 lb-ft @ 4900 RPM
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Individual Throttle Bodies (ITBs)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded (91+ Octane)
ECU:
MS43 DME (Digital Motor Electronics)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48, 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Transmission Type:
6-Speed Manual
Transmission Type:
SMG II (Sequential Manual Gearbox II)
Clutch:
Hydraulically Actuated Single Plate
Differential:
M Variable Lock Differential (M-LD)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Red Line MT-90)
Smg Fluid:
Hydraulic Fluid (Pentosin CHF 11S)
Differential Fluid:
BMW Hypoid Gear Oil G2 (SAE 75W-140)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:
4-Star (for Coupe models, 1999-2000 models may vary)
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Good (for Coupe models)
Traction Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS)
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Cornering Brake Control (CBC)
Limited Slip Differential:
M Variable Lock Differential (M-LD) for improved traction
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners
Chassis Reinforcement:
Reinforced body structure for enhanced crashworthiness
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD, BMW Professional CD, Optional Navigation System
Audio System:
Standard BMW Hi-Fi, Optional Harman Kardon Logic 7
Parking Sensors:
Optional Rear Park Distance Control (PDC)
Bluetooth:
Optional via BMW Assist or aftermarket integration
Xenon Headlights:
Optional Xenon headlights for low and high beam
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or annually (based on BMW's Condition Based Service - CBS)
Inspection Interval:
Regular inspections as per CBS, major inspections around 30,000-60,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement:
Around 60,000 miles (depending on ignition coils)
Engine Oil Type:
Synthetic SAE 10W-60 (BMW High Performance Synthetic)
Engine Oil Capacity:
7.0 Liters (7.4 US Quarts)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent
Rod Bearings:
Potential wear, especially in early models or those driven hard without proper maintenance.
S54 Throttle Actuators:
Can become sticky or fail, impacting throttle response.
Vanos System:
Solenoid issues or wear in the system can affect performance and idle.
Subframe Mounts:
Cracking of the rear subframe mounting points is a known structural issue.
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tanks can become brittle and crack.
Brand Philosophy:
Sheer Driving Pleasure, performance engineering
Previous Generation:
E36 M3
Next Generation:
E90/E92 M3
Production Period:
2000-2006
Manufacturing Location:
Germany (Regensburg Plant)
Notable Variants:
Coupe, Convertible, Clubsport (Europe)
Car And Driver 10Best:
Car and Driver's 10Best list for multiple years (including 2001, 2002, 2003)
Motortrend Car Of The Year:
Nominated for MotorTrend Car of the Year
General Automotive Press Sentiment:
Universally praised for its performance, handling, and engine.
