BMW 3 Series (E36)

BMW 3 Series (E36)
Overview
Manufacturer BMW
Production 1990–2000
Assembly Germany: Munich
Germany: Regensburg
Egypt: 6th of October City
Mexico: Toluca[1]
South Africa: Rosslyn
United States: Spartanburg
Designer Pinky Lai[2]
Boyke Boyer[3][4]
Body and chassis
Class Compact executive car (D)
Body style 2-door coupé
2-door convertible
4-door saloon
5-door touring
Layout FR layout
Related BMW Z3
BMW 3 Series Compact
Powertrain
Engine Petrol:
1.6-1.8 L M40 I4
1.8  L M42 I4
1.6-1.8 L M43 I4
1.9 L M44 I4
2.0-2.5 L M50 I6
2.0-2.8 L M52 I6
3.0-3.2 L S50 I6
3.2 L S52 I6
Diesel:
1.7 L M41 I4 turbo
2.5 L M51 I6 turbo
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,700 mm (106 in)
Length 4,430 mm (174 in)
Width 1,700 mm (67 in)
Height 1,350–1,390 mm (53–55 in)
Chronology
Predecessor BMW 3 Series (E30)
Successor BMW 3 Series (E46)

The BMW E36 series is the third generation of the BMW 3 Series range of compact executive cars, and was produced from 1990 to 2000. The initial models were the 4-door sedan body style, followed by the coupe, convertible, wagon ("Touring") and hatchback ("Compact") body styles in later years.

The E36 was the first 3 Series to be offered in a hatchback body style. It was also the first 3 Series to be available with a 6-speed manual transmission (in the 1996 M3), a 5-speed automatic transmission and a four-cylinder diesel engine. The multi-link rear suspension was also a significant upgrade compared with previous generations of 3 Series.

Following the introduction of its E46 successor in 1998, the E36 began to be phased out.

The E36 was named in Car and Driver Magazine's 10Best list for every year it was on sale.[5]

The E36 M3 is powered by the S50 or S52 straight-six engine (depending on country). The E36 M3 was released in 1992 and was available in coupe, sedan and convertible body styles.

Development and launch

Development of the E36 began in 1981[6] and the exterior design was heavily influenced by aerodynamics, specifically the overall wedge shape, headlight covers and smaller wing mirrors.[7]

The E36 was launched in October 1990.[8]

Body styles

The body styles of the range are:

Suspension

The saloon, coupe, convertible and Touring models use the "Z-axle" multilink suspension in the rear, which was introduced in the Z1.

The hatchback body style (known as the "E36/5" or "BMW Compact") used a rear semi-trailing arm suspension based on the older E30 (also found in the Z3 and M Coupe), instead of the "Z-Axle" Multilink employed in all other E36's. This was done in order to save space due to its truncated rear end.

Drivetrain

The E36 was produced with the following transmissions:

  • 5-speed manual
  • 6-speed manual (1996-1999 M3- except for United States)
  • 4-speed automatic
  • 5-speed automatic

Models

Interior

Four-cylinder petrol

Initially, the 4-cylinder petrol engines from the E30 (M40 SOHC engine and M42 DOHC engine) were carried over. In 1993, the M40 was replaced by the M43 SOHC engine. In 1996, the M42 was replaced by the M44 DOHC engine.

ModelYearsEnginePowerTorque
316i 1990-1994M40B1673 kW (98 hp)
@ 5,500 rpm		141 N⋅m (104 lb⋅ft)
@ 4,250 rpm
1993-1999M43B1675 kW (101 hp)
@ 5,500 rpm		150 N⋅m (110 lb⋅ft)
@ 3,900 rpm
318i 1990-1993*M40B1883 kW (111 hp)
@ 5,500 rpm		162 N⋅m (119 lb⋅ft)
@ 4,250 rpm
1993-1998M43B1885 kW (114 hp)
@ 5,500 rpm		168 N⋅m (124 lb⋅ft)
@ 3,900 rpm
  318is**1992-1995M42B18103 kW (138 hp)
@ 6,000 rpm		175 N⋅m (129 lb⋅ft)
@ 4,500 rpm
1996-1998M44B19181 N⋅m (133 lb⋅ft)
@ 4,300 rpm

* Sold as 316i in South Africa
** Sold as 318i (instead of the M40/M43 engined models) in United States and South Africa

Six-cylinder petrol

Initially, the M50 petrol engines were used. In 1993 the M50TU added single VANOS, which increased torque (peak power was unchanged). In 1994, the M52 engine replaced the M50TU, resulting in the 328i model replacing the 325i and the addition of a new mid-range 323i model (powered by a 2.5 litre version of the M52).

The 1992 M3 introduced the 3.0 L S50 engine. In 1995, its capacity was increased to 3.2 L and VANOS was added to the intake camshaft.

ModelYearsEnginePowerTorque
320i1991-1994M50B20110 kW (148 hp)
@ 5,900 rpm		190 N⋅m (140 lb⋅ft)
@ 4,700 rpm
1994-1998M52B20190 N⋅m (140 lb⋅ft)
@ 4,200 rpm
323i1995-1998M52B25125 kW (168 hp)
@ 5,500 rpm[12]		245 N⋅m (181 lb⋅ft)
@ 3,950 rpm
325i1991-1993M50B25141 kW (189 hp)
@ 5,900 rpm		245 N⋅m (181 lb⋅ft)
@ 4,700 rpm
1993-1995M50B25TU245 N⋅m (181 lb⋅ft)
@ 4,200 rpm
328i1995-1998M52B28142 kW (190 hp)
@ 5,500 rpm		280 N⋅m (210 lb⋅ft)
@ 3,950 rpm
M3
Euro spec		1992-1995S50B30213 kW (286 hp)
@7000 rpm		320 N⋅m (240 lb⋅ft)
@3600 rpm
1995-1998S50B32236 kW (316 hp)
@7400 rpm		350 N⋅m (260 lb⋅ft)
@3250 rpm
M3
U.S. spec		1995S50B30US179 kW (240 hp)
@ 6,000 rpm		305 N⋅m (225 lb⋅ft)
@4,250 rpm
1996-1999 S52B32320 N⋅m (240 lb⋅ft)
@ 3,800 rpm

Diesel

Initially, the turbocharged straight-6 M51 was used in the E36 325td sedan. In 1993, the 325tds sedan was released, which added an intercooler to the M51. In 1994, the 318tds model was introduced, powered by the 4-cylinder M41 turbocharged and intercooled engine.

Diesel models were not sold in the United States.[13]

ModelYearsEnginePowerTorque
318tds1994-2000M41D1766 kW (89 hp)
@ 4,800 rpm		190 N⋅m (140 lb⋅ft)
@ 2,000 rpm
325td1991-1996M51D25UL85 kW (114 hp)
@ 4,800 rpm		222 N⋅m (164 lb⋅ft)
@ 2,000 rpm
1996-1998M51D25TUUL85 kW (114 hp)
@ 4,800 rpm		230 N⋅m (170 lb⋅ft)
@ 1900 rpm
325tds1993-1996M51D25OL105 kW (141 hp)
@ 4,800 rpm		260 N⋅m (190 lb⋅ft)
@ 2,200 rpm
1996-1998M51D25TUOL105 kW (141 hp)
@ 4,600 rpm		280 N⋅m (210 lb⋅ft)
@ 2,200 rpm

M3

M3 coupe

The E36 M3 is powered by the S50 and S52 straight-six engines, and was produced in coupe, sedan and convertible body styles.

E36/5 3 Series Compact

3 Series Compact

BMW made an entry level version of the E36 called the "3 Series Compact", a three-door hatchback. This platform is often referred to as the E36/5. In the United States/Canada market the car was sold as the 318ti and was equipped with a 1.8L I4, 139 bhp (104 kW; 141 PS) M42B18 engine and was priced at USD23,000 in 1995. In 1996 the 1.8 liter engine was replaced with 1.9L M44B19 putting out 142 bhp (106 kW; 144 PS) and 133 ft⋅lbf (180 N⋅m) of torque. Ostensibly due to slow U.S. sales of the E36/5 Compact, the E46 Compact was not sold in the United States.

E36/7 Z3 Roadster and E36/8 Z3 Coupe

2002 BMW Z3 3.0i

A modified version of the E36 platform designated as E36/7 was used for the Z3 roadster in 1996-2002. The modification for the Z3 Coupe was designed as E36/8.

Markets

Thailand

The BMW E36 3 Series was imported as a full CBU (Complete Built Up) car. Popular models included the 316i "Compact" 3-door and 318i saloon. During that time, BMW advertised that the full BMW lineup was available with ABS brakes and driver side airbags. Between 1995 and 1999, the Thai market lineup included an exclusive 2.4L version of the M52 engine with 184 hp (135 Kw).

Indonesia

In Indonesia, only the 318i, 320i, and 323i models were available, also with 323i and 320i limited edition. These models are packed with wooden panel on each door trim, in between 1995-1998 single tuning colours models are introduced, the area were covered with single colour ornament, such as carpet, seat and door trim leather, driver airbag and ABS become standard from 1996 model, ASC+T, obc, digital air conditioning and leather seats only available in 323i.

Malaysia

In Malaysia, only the 318i, 325i and 328i models were available.

U.S. and Canada

  • 318i, 318is, 318ic (1992–1995)
  • 318ti (1994–1996)
  • 318i, 318ti (1996–1998)
  • 320i Canada only (1993-1995)
  • 323i (1996–1998) Coupe and convertible models only.
  • 323is, 323ic (1996–1999)
  • 325i, 325is, 325ic (1992)
  • 325i, 325is, 325ic (1993–1995) Coupe models sold as 325is.
  • 328i (1996–1998)
  • 328is, 328ic (1996–1999) Coupe models sold as 328is.
  • M3 (1995-1998 coupe, 1997-1998 sedan, 1997-1998 convertible) US-specific M3 engines: S50B30US (1995) and S52B32 (1996–1998)

Special models

316i South African Edition

Released between 1994-1998, the South Africa version of the 316i featured an 1796cc engine, although it had a 316i badge. Apart from being a right-hand driven vehicle, all other aspects of the vehicle was identical to its international 316i equivalent/counterpart.

318is Mtechnic

A sport version of the 318i in coupe form was considered as a cheaper more economical alternative to the M3. This model offered a higher power engine, an Mtech bumper, skirt, 16 inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, and a sportier interior. It also had the option of a limited slip differential.

325is Mtechnic

In late 1993/early 1994 BMW Motorsports, in an effort to gauge the demand for its new E36 based M3 in the US, produced 150 highly modified 325is BMWs. Modifications included: M3 front spoiler, M3 Sport side skirts, M3 rear valence, M3 Mirrors, Motorsport door handles, and all were painted with BMW Alpine White III. Inside, the Motorsport Tri-Color Hurricane scheme suede and cloth seats and interior panels were accompanied with the M stitched steering wheel, M logo shift knob, the OBC, heated seats, and 200 watt premium sound system. Other Motorsport tweaks included 17" 2 piece BBS Motorsport wheels, M Tech suspension and a limited slip differential. Some models optionally included the M3 rear spoiler and stainless steel exhaust tips. The end result was a car that looked just like the 1995 M3 that was eventually released, yet lacked the larger Motorsport 3.0L powerplant.[14][15]

Motorsports

Geoff Brabham and his younger brother David Brabham won the 1997 AMP Bathurst 1000 at the Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst, Australia driving a Super Touring BMW 320i for BMW Motorsport Australia.

The 1998 24 Hours Nürburgring was won by a diesel for the first time - a BMW E36 320d, aided by its diesel engine requiring fewer fuel stops than rivals.[16][17]

References

  1. ↑ Jacobs, A. J. (2015). The New Domestic Automakers in the United States and Canada: History, Impacts, and Prospects. Lexington Books. p. 259. ISBN 9780739188262. Retrieved 24 December 2017.
  2. ↑ "Interview with automotive designer Pinky Lai". www.designboom.com. Retrieved 3 January 2017.
  3. ↑ "BMW car designers throughout history". www.bmwism.com. Retrieved 3 January 2017.
  4. ↑ Caspers, Markus (2017). Designing Motion: Automotive Designers 1890 to 1990. Birkhäuser. p. 79. ISBN 9783035607840. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  5. ↑ "1998 10Best Cars - 10Best Cars". Retrieved 6 January 2017.
  6. ↑ "3 Series - E36 (1990 - 1999)". www.bmwheaven.com. Retrieved 21 December 2017.
  7. ↑ "BMW 3 Series history. The third generation (E36)". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 21 December 2017.
  8. ↑ "1975 The history of the BMW 3 Series". www.topspeed.com.
  9. ↑ "BMW 3er E36 (1990-2000)". www.motor-talk.de (in German). Archived from the original on 2012-10-26.
  10. ↑ Taylor, James (2001). Original BMW M-Series. ISBN 9780760308981.
  11. ↑ "3'E36 Compact 318i model selection". www.realoem.com. Retrieved 1 April 2017.
  12. ↑ Cobb, James G. (1998-07-12). "BEHIND THE WHEEL/BMW 323is; Last Hurrahs for a Star Performer". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2016-10-31.
  13. ↑ "RealOEM.com - Select Your BMW Model". www.realoem.com. Retrieved 16 January 2017.
  14. ↑ "1994 BMW M-Design 325is Coupe". www.hemmings.com.
  15. ↑ "1994 M-Technic 325is". www.home.comcast.net. Archived from the original on 2015-02-16.
  16. ↑ "BMW World - Nürburgring 24 Hours". www.usautoparts.net. Archived from the original on 2011-04-11.
  17. ↑ "BMW motorsport press release". www.bmwsport.net. Archived from the original on 2011-07-23.
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