BMW M3 Saloon / Coupé / Convertible (1992-1999) (E36)
In 1990, the four-door sedan marks the launch of the third generation. The car boasts a high level of elegance and innovative technology. It has also become significantly larger and more spacious. The two-door version follows in 1992, but this time as an extremely elegant coupé. Just a few months later, BMW adds two further highlights – the new convertible and the new BMW M3. With the BMW 3 Series Compact of 1994, BMW designers succeed in realising yet another conceptual innovation. It appeals predominantly to fans that attach importance to economy, without wishing to forego dynamics and comfort. The tailgate of the 4.21-metre long BMW is a particularly practical feature.
The new six-cylinder models are equipped with two camshafts and four valves per combustion chamber. The power units in the coupé version feature for the first time VANOS variable camshaft control, a new technology that enhances the torque curve, lowers fuel consumption and emission levels and allows engineers to increase compression. Two further newcomers are the 325tds featuring a six-cylinder diesel engine including turbocharger and intercooler as well as the first four-cylinder turbo diesel under the bonnet of the 318tds. At the turn of the year 1994/95, BMW also adds a lightweight aluminium crankcase to the six-cylinder engines.
BMW M3 saloon, 286 bhp
From October 1994, the BMW M3 was also supplied as a saloon. It combined the attractive line of the 3 Series saloon with the 4-valve 6-cylinder engine newly developed by BMW Motorsport GmbH. It was fitted with the world’s first fully variable valve timing (VANOS) and generated 286 hp. Only 1,303 units of the M3 saloon were sold up to the facelift of the BMW M3 and this has made it a much sought-after collector’s item today.
General Data
Model Year……………………………1994 – 1995
No. of Units…………………………..1,303
Price
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Six-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm………………………2990
Power Output…………………………210 kW/286 bhp at 7000 rpm
Max.Speed…………………………….250 km/h (155mph)
Dimensions……………………………4433x1698x1365
Empty Weight (kg)…………………..1535
BMW M3 saloon, 321 bhp
M GmbH gave the BMW M3 an extensive revision with numerous improved details for the model year 1996. The 6-cylinder engine was enlarged to create a displacement of 3.2 litres and now generated 321 hp. It provided a unique level of efficiency in this performance class with advanced fully variable valve timing developed to create Double VANOS. By 1998, customers could also select an M3 as a four-door saloon. Nearly 3,000 units of this high-performance saloon generating 321 hp were supplied to the European market.
General Data
Model Year……………………………1995 – 1998
No. of Units…………………………..2,690
Price……………………………………DM 88,500
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Six-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm………………………3201
Power Output…………………………236 kW/321 bhp at 7400 rpm
Max.Speed…………………………….250 km/h (155 mph)
BMW M3 saloon, US version
The new BMW M3 based on the third 3 Series generation (E36) celebrated its debut on the North American market in 1994. The US version developed especially for North America generated 240 hp and initially developed its power from displacement of 3.0 litres. The displacement was increased to 3.2 litres in the course of the model revision in 1996 while the output remained the same. Between 1996 and 1998, the US version was also successfully marketed as a saloon with nearly 9,000 units produced.
General Data
Model Year……………………………1996 – 1998
No. of Units……………………………8,610
Price
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Six-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm………………………3201
Power Output…………………………176 kW/240 bhp at 6000 rpm
Max.Speed…………………………….219 km/h
BMW M3 Coupé, 286 bhp
The new BMW M3 based on the third 3 Series generation (E36) celebrated its debut in 1992. The high-performance coupé with simple styling from BMW Motorsport GmbH was powered by a newly developed 3.0 litre 6-cylinder engine with the world’s first variable valve timing (VANOS) and a robust 286 hp. This enabled the new M3 to offer performances of a thoroughbred sports car, combined with full everyday utility and at a very favourable price compared with the competition. This first version had already sold more than 15,000 units by the summer of 1995.
General Data
Model Year……………………………1992 – 1995
No. of Units…………………………..15,550
Price……………………………………DM 80,000
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Six-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm………………………2990
Power Output…………………………210 kW/286 bhp at 7000 rpm
Max.Speed…………………………….250 km/h (155mph)
Dimensions……………………………4433x1710x1335
Empty Weight (kg)…………………..1535
BMW M3 coupé, 321 bhp
Since 1992, BMW has sold the successful M3 based on the third 3 Series generation (E36). M GmbH gave the M3 an extensive revision with numerous improved details for the model year 1996. The engine was enlarged to create a displacement of 3.2 litres and now generated 321 hp. It provided a unique level of efficiency in this performance class with advanced fully variable valve timing developed to create Double VANOS. The revised chassis and the new compound braking system completed the facelift and transformed the M3 into a balanced and versatile sports car with no competition.
General Data
Model Year……………………………1995 – 1998
No. of Units…………………………..8,962
Price……………………………………DM 88,500
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Six-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm………………………3201
Power Output…………………………236 kW/321 bhp at 7400 rpm
Max.Speed…………………………….250 km/h (155mph)
Dimensions…………………………….4433x1710x1335
Empty Weight (kg)…………………..1515
BMW M3 GT coupé
In 1995, BMW M GmbH launched a strictly limited version of the BMW M3 for homologation as a racing car, the M3 GT. The BMW M3 was already extremely powerful but the BMW M3 GT packed even more power. Double-VANOS and six individual throttle valves combined with a braking system designed for racing circuits to give the M3 GT incredible performance for a road vehicle. Only 356 cars of this limited edition were produced.
General Data
Model Year……………………………1995 – 1995
No. of Units…………………………..356
Price……………………………………DM 91,000
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Six-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm………………………2990
Power Output…………………………217 kW/295 bhp at 7000 rpm
Max.Speed…………………………….250 km/h (155mph)
Dimensions……………………………4433x1710x1335
Empty Weight (kg)…………………..1460
BMW M3 coupé, US version
The new BMW M3 based on the third 3 Series generation (E36) celebrated its debut on the North American market in 1994. The US version developed especially for North America generated 240 hp and initially developed its power from displacement of 3.0 litres. The displacement was increased to 3.2 litres in the course of the model revision in 1996 while the output remained the same. The US version of the BMW M3 was exceptionally successful. North America advanced to become the largest single market generating the strongest sales for the M3 coupé with a total of 22,000 units produced.
General Data
Model Year……………………………1994 – 1999
No. of Units…………………………..22,013
Price
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Six-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm………………………2990 (ab 1996: 3201)
Power Output…………………………176 kW/240bhp at 6000 rpm
Max.Speed…………………………….219 km/h
BMW M3 convertible, 286 bhp
The new BMW M3 based on the third 3 Series generation (E36) celebrated its debut in 1992. The first version of the new M3 already celebrated its premiere in spring 1994 with the M3 convertible. Optimum dynamic power was supplied by the 3.0 litre 6-cylinder engine newly developed by BMW M GmbH, fitted with the world’s first fully variable valve timing (VANOS) and robust power of 286 hp. Like the M3 saloon launched in autumn of 1994, the M3 convertible was also the preserve of passionate aficionados and is therefore a coveted collector’s car today.
General Data
Model Year……………………………1994 – 1995
No. of Units…………………………..1,975
Price……………………………………DM 91,300
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Six-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm………………………2990
Power Output…………………………210 kW/286 bhp at 7000 rpm
Max.Speed ……………………………250 km/h (155mph)
Dimensions……………………………4433x1710x1340
Empty Weight (kg)…………………..1615
BMW M3 convertible, 321 bhp
M GmbH gave the BMW M3 an extensive revision with numerous improved details for the model year 1996. The 6-cylinder engine was enlarged to create a displacement of 3.2 litres and now generated 321 hp. It provided a unique level of efficiency in this performance class with advanced fully variable valve timing developed to create Double VANOS. The M3 convertible also benefitted from the innovations and now had an even more sporty and dynamic profile. The convertible remained in production until September 1999 and this made it the version of the BMW M3 E36 with the longest production run.
General Data
Model Year……………………………1996 – 1999
No. of Units…………………………..3,870
Price……………………………………DM 97,500
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Six-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm………………………3201
Power Output…………………………236 kW/321 bhp at 7400 rpm
Max.Speed…………………………… 250 km/h (155mph)
Dimensions……………………………4433x1710x1340
Empty Weight (kg)…………………..1635
BMW M3 convertible, US version
The new BMW M3 based on the third 3 Series generation (E36) celebrated its debut on the North American market in 1994. The US version developed especially for North America generated 240 hp and initially developed its power from displacement of 3.0 litres. The displacement was increased to 3.2 litres in the course of the model revision in 1996 while the output remained the same. Although the M3 convertible was only supplied to North America around the end of the production run, it enjoyed extremely successful sales. BMW M GmbH sold nearly 7,000 convertibles between 1998 and 1999.
General Data
Model Year……………………………1998 – 1999
No. of Units…………………………..6,269
Price
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Six-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm………………………3201
Power Output…………………………176 kW/240 bhp at 6000 rpm
Max.Speed…………………………….219 km/h
