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. 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.
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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.
Background of the BMW E36 3 series’ production:
The third generation of the 3 series is the BMW E36. It is the E30 3 series’ replacement. The E36 chassis was exclusively offered in rear wheel drive, unlike the preceding generation E30 and succeeding generation E46. The BMW E36 was produced between 1990 and 2000. The E36 came in coupe, sedan, convertible, touring, and small body styles. The first 3 series to be equipped with a six gear manual transmission was the E36 M3.
Germany’s Munich and Regensburg, as well as South Africa’s Rosslyn plant and the United States’ Spartanburg plant, all produced the BMW E36 3 series. Complete knockdown kits were offered for sale in the markets of Uruguay, Egypt, Mexico, Thailand, and the Philippines. Since the car was only imported as parts and wasn’t put together as a whole until it was constructed in that nation, the entire knock down kits were a way to avoid paying higher import taxes.
Looking for more information about the BMW E36, such as colour codes, wheel choices, or hints and tips?
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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).
What number of BMW E36s were made?
The E36 M3, the first straight-6-powered M3, made its premiere in February 1992 and arrived in dealer showrooms in November of the same year. A 2,990 cc (182 cu in) S50 engine is employed, and it generates 210 kW.
In 1994, BMW released convertible and saloon versions of the M3, which had previously only been offered as a coupe. The introduction of the 4-door Motorsport model was prompted by the lack of any M5 models in the BMW lineup between the end of E34 M5 production in 1995 and the introduction of the E39 M5 in 1998.
Also in 1994, BMW created the limited-edition M3 GT as a racing homologation special; all GTs had an enhanced 295 PS (217 kW; 291 horsepower) 3.0-litre engine, and all were British Racing Green. Built were 356 GTs.
The M3 coupe and saloon received the 3.2-liter, 236-kilowatt S50B32 engine upgrades in September and November 1995, respectively. The vehicles also got new wheels, a 6-speed gearbox, and clear indicator lenses at the same time. These modifications weren’t made to the convertible until February 1996.
The Regensburg facility manufactured the majority of E36 M3s, but a limited number of detuned right-hand-drive M3s were also put together at BMW’s Rosslyn plant in Pretoria, South Africa. 12,114 convertibles, 12,603 saloons, and 46,525 coupes were all made. Production of the saloon ended in December 1997, that of the coupe in late 1998, and that of the convertible in December 1999.
In unbiased tests conducted by Car & Driver, the E36 chassis M3 was hailed as one of the best handling vehicles of the 1990s. Circuit racers and track lovers love the automobile because of its safe handling and balance. One of the first automobiles BMW created mostly with computer assistance, the E36 made use of sophisticated Finite Element Analysis as well as other technologies.
A classic, is the BMW E36?
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.
Is a BMW E36 a reliable vehicle?
Although the BMW E36 3 Series will always have a particular place in my heart, I am completely aware of how temperamental it can be. Check the back of the side skirts and the rear wheel wells for corrosion if you’re looking for one. It is well known to rust horribly in those places, and mine did too.
The cooling system can also be a major pain. A word of advice: even if you work on it yourself, whenever you need to, have a professional bleed the air out of the coolant system because doing it yourself is frustrating.
Additionally, the VANOS variable valve timing system is susceptible to failure; when it happens, the engine’s front end makes a sound similar to marbles in a tin can. So make sure to check it as well. Check the PCV system while you’re under the hood because it frequently develops an oil leak that also results in a vacuum leak.
Check the idle control valve under the intake manifold, which regulates the idle air intake and can occasionally develop some carbon build-up that stops it from opening, if the engine idles roughly when the engine is first started.
The BMW E36 3 Series is a fantastic entry-level BMW overall. Thanks to its excellent hydraulic steering, it’s affordable, entertaining to drive, and attractive. It also reminds me a little of an old-school BMW. Even if it’s not the most dependable car and will frustrate you, it can be fixed for a reasonable price and by you.
When was the E36 M3 manufactured?
generation E36 When the E36 3 Series’ M3 variant was first introduced in November 1992, it was solely offered as a coupe. A convertible version was later added in 1994.