The German carmaker BMW produced the third generation of the 3 Series line of small executive vehicles from 1990 to 2000. It is identified by the model designation E36. The four-door sedan body style was used for the first models, then in subsequent years, the coupe, convertible, wagon (“Touring”), hatchback (“Compact”), and the uncommon four-door convertible Baur TC4 were added.
The first 3 Series to be made available in a hatchback body configuration was the E36. It was also the first 3 Series to be offered with a four-cylinder diesel engine, a five-speed automatic transmission, and a six-speed manual transmission (in the 1996 M3). Comparing the current generation of the 3 Series to earlier models, the multi-link rear suspension was also a considerable improvement. The E36 did not have all-wheel drive, in contrast to the preceding (E30) and following (E46) models.
Every year the E36 was on the market, it was included in Car & Driver magazine’s 10Best list.
The powerful BMW S50 or BMW S52 straight-six engine powers the fast E36 M3 (depending on country). 1992 saw the release of the E36 M3, which came in coupe, sedan, and convertible body types.
Since it was the first time BMW coupled the incredibly amazing 6 cylinder BMW ‘M’ engine with one of the finest all-around chassis modifications, the first series of the BMW E36 M3 is now regarded as one of the company’s greatest accomplishments during the early development of the M3. The E36 M3 offers one of the best drivable platforms for road and track use of any reasonably priced mass-produced five-seater sedan or coupe created in the preceding century, significantly surpassing the earlier E30, which was proposed as a touring car with four cylinder (but very sophisticated).
The E36 started to be phased out and was eventually replaced in 1999 after the launch of its successor, the E46 3 Series, in 1998.
In This Article...
An Historical Note
In 1992, the third generation of the 3 Series, which came after the venerable E30, was unveiled. It was also the 3 Series’ biggest step forward at the time, developing into a far more opulent and high-tech vehicle than its predecessor. The E36 was superior to the car it replaced in size, weight, interior space, speed, and luxury. Naturally, some enthusiasts were skeptical about it, but it quickly won over the majority of BMW lovers.
The BMW E36 3 Series had a mid-cycle refresh in 1996 that added new model variants, engines, and some minor cosmetic improvements (now referred to as LCI in BMW jargon).
Generation E36 of the BMW 3 Series
The third generation of the BMW 3 Series lineup of small executive vehicles, the BMW E36 series, was manufactured from 1990 to 2000.
The BMW test facility in the village of Miramas was open to the world’s media in the fall of 1990. The first encounter with the new 3 Series generation was scheduled to take place here, in the south of France. At the time, Internet technologies and the autospying sector had not advanced as far, so even for journalists, the emergence of the new model remained a secret until the very end. The impact at the presentation, however, has proven to be much more powerful. The shocked reactions of those present were unrestrained when the shroud was removed off the car with the license plate E36!
If the E30’s design might be considered evolutionary, then the new “three” generation dramatically altered the direction of BMW’s overall design philosophy. New headlamps, headlight size, radiator grille “nostrils,” and proportions. Simply said, everything was brand new! The E36 was immediately introduced in a four-door version of the traditional sedan (another distinction from its predecessors), and it turned out to be substantially larger. Including both inside and the outside. Former “three-series” passengers could not have imagined such a large couch.
However, the large-scale Munich change went beyond only comfort and beauty. The vehicle got a new gauge, which was wider in the back and narrower up front, as well as an entirely new independent rear suspension. The kinematics of the so-called Z-axle (Z-suspension) were meticulously designed to lessen oversteer, about which E21 and E30 owners occasionally complained.
A range of more potent engines more than made up for the increase in size and weight. For the first time in the history of the 3-series, even the base engine produced more than 100 horsepower, and the most popular models, the 320i and 325i, had little trouble pushing the vehicle’s top speed well past 200 km/h.
Because the exterior and interior designs were so popular, the 1996 restyling essentially had little impact on how the car looked. The modifications only had an impact on the engine lineup.
Unsurprisingly, the third generation 3-Series broke BMW’s sales record once more since it was bigger, more comfortable, safer, and faster.
The Ideal First Project Vehicle
The E36 is undoubtedly one of the most adaptable automobiles in the US thanks to a fantastic engine and a sturdy frame. A nice project car will also be inexpensive and easy to find because many BMW E36s made it to the US. Even a Miata-like E36 variant known as the Z3 was produced. Speaking of the Miata, a fantastic project car, both of these cars are incredibly affordable, have a wide variety of aftermarket parts available to them, and are excellent all-around vehicles. You can purchase one of these two and begin working on your car with no hesitation because, depending on where you live in the United States, one of these can be purchased for less money than the other.
A BMW E36 is from what year(s)?
From 1995 until 1999, the E36, a second-generation M3, was sold in the US. The majority are coupes, however sedan variants were produced from 1997 to 1999 (when the coupe’s auto gearbox option was eliminated), and convertible versions were produced from 1998. (when all versions got side airbags as standard)
Is the BMW E36 a vintage car?
The current pinnacle of traditional retro appearance, analog performance, contemporary comfort, and affordability is the BMW E36.
For those seeking “The Ultimate Driving Experience,” the BMW 3-Series is a fantastic vehicle. It serves as a link between cheap entertainment and a taste of luxury. A sporty sedan may be customized with a broad variety of tunes and components to meet the desires of almost any enthusiast. It should come as no surprise that it has gained a sizable following.
Choosing the best 3-Series might be daunting, even with the abundance of forums. The E36 is currently available for a fair price, offers comparatively modern amenities, and keeps the iconic BMW design. Here is all you need to know about the E36 and how it compares to previous generations before making a purchase.
BMW E36: Is it collectible?
Definitely a collectible vehicle is the E36 M3. It has all the right components: it is uncommon, fashionable, handles superbly, and is a performance icon.
The E36 M3 is one of the most sought-after BMW M vehicles in the world of auto collecting.
It may not be the most sought-after M automobile, but because to its enormous appeal and relative scarcity, it is unquestionably a classic vehicle.
The E36 M3 is unquestionably a vehicle to take into consideration if you’re searching for an investment-grade performance vehicle.
A 328i is it an E36?
For the 1996 model year, the E36 325i was replaced by the BMW 328i, a variation of the E36 BMW 3 Series. Powerful was the 328i.
For the 1996 model year, the E36 325i was replaced by the BMW 328i, a variation of the E36 BMW 3 Series. The 2.8L inline six BMW M52 engine that powered the 328i produced 190 horsepower. Either a manual or automatic transmission was available for transferring this power to the rear wheels. The E36 3 Series’ top non-BMW M model, the 328i, was available in sedan, convertible, coupe, and touring (wagon) body styles and was positioned below the E36 M3. The 328ic name was also used for the coupe and convertible versions, and an E36 328is with more luxurious trim was also offered. Sedan – Manual, Sedan – Automatic, Coupe – Manual, Coupe – Automatic, Convertible – Manual, Convertible – Automatic, Touring – Manual, Touring – Automatic were the most common types created. The E36 BMW 328i was built up until 1999.
A 1999 BMW 328i Convertible 5-Speed sold for $23,000 on August 6, 2021, was the highest sale ever recorded.
A 1995 BMW 328i Convertible sold for $2,264 on March 2, 2019, according to sales records.
Is a 325i an E36?
BMW 325i – E36 (1992 to 1995) The 1992 model year saw the introduction of the BMW 325i, a variation of the E36 BMW 3 Series. The 2.5L inline six BMW M50 engine, with 189 horsepower, powered the 325i. This engine was available with either a manual or automatic transmission.
What is the value of a BMW E36?
There are several model options for the BMW E36 M3. There are various different trims and variants, including GT models for consumers who prefer more power and speed.
As a result, the E36 M3’s pricing varies by model, as well as by year and condition. The four-door sedan is often the most basic model of the BMW E36 M3.
Today, these models start at around $20,000. Prices might rise to more than $50,000 depending on the age and condition of the car. These costs are comparable to those in the early years of production. Customers would need to budget about $56,000 for the sedan models if they took inflation into account.
For those who recognize older models that are still in good condition, they are available for less than that. Given the variety of models and trims available, the cost may change depending on the particular model a buyer is looking for.
A BMW E36 can go how fast?
The 3-Series from the E36 generation is a fantastic tuner vehicle. They are easily converted into extremely speedy vehicles by adding rear-wheel drive and engines that respond well to forced induction.
This is a good illustration. It is a 325i that has been altered by the German tuning company Boostmode employing an engine with stronger internals and a BorgWarner S369 turbocharger. It produces 900 horsepower and a beautiful sound.
The vehicle is also incredibly swift, topping out at 176 mph and dominating a recent half-mile race in Europe. Because boost activates so quickly, the driver must short-shift into second gear to prevent tire spinning.
Even though this 325i isn’t a M vehicle, it can compete with the best of them.
What BMW E36 model is the rarest?
Only 346 of this particular M3 GT were ever produced, and it has a few minor upgrades over the original to provide the most intense driving experience.
Being the middle kid has always been a handicap for the E36 M3. Despite its capabilities, the E30 quickly rose to fame among collectors, with the E46 having to catch up despite the fact that the E36 was the original’s replacement.
But there is one such E36 that has crept past enemy lines, and it’s even better than the ordinary version, as Henry Catchpole explains in this Carfection YouTube video. This version was chosen for their current series since it was a homologation special as opposed to the normal E36, which was created as a result of the original’s commercial success.
The extremely unusual GT variant of the dark green E36 you see here features a number of improvements that only ardent E36 enthusiasts will notice. This extremely uncommon beast was created in just 346 examples. Additionally, no right hand drive versions were available. Although some would disagree, right-hand-drive models had what was known as the “GT Optic Pack” or “GT Individual” installed, which gives a few minor variations to the genuine GT, such as this 1994 version.
The vehicle in this article comes with the full-blown GT package, which includes enticing engine upgrades in addition to chassis and visual improvements. With a new intake manifold, numerous minor improvements to the Vanos management, a BMW Motorsport oil pan, and other factors, the compression ratio is raised to 10.8:1.
Even with all the improvements, the power is only increased to 295 horsepower at 7000 RPM. However, the GT weighs 30 kg less than the basic vehicle, in part because of modifications like the use of aluminum for the doors. Normally, M3s are limited to the infamous 155 mph wall, but the GT does away with such gimmickry, allowing the car to reach a mind-boggling 171 mph peak speed even with a shorter final drive. Not bad for a disguised 3 Series that is 25 years old.
A rear wing, transparent indicator lenses, and adjustable front spoilers are just a few of the exterior’s modest modifications from a conventional automobile. The wing may be the most interesting since, at high speeds, the down force pressures from the part are sufficient to eventually break the boot release. That’s a lot of force.