BMW M3 (E36): Overview, Photos & Characteristics

BMW M3 (E36)

Red BMW M6 E36 at Arkhangelskoye Estate (Moscow Region, Russia)

The M3 model of the E36 3 Series was released in November 1992 and was initially available as a coupé only, with a convertible version added in 1994. A sedan version was also added in December 1994, to fill in the gap caused by the lack between the end of E34 M5 production in 1995 and the launch of the E39 M5 in 1998.

In September 1995, a facelift version of the coupé was introduced. Changes included the engine displacement increasing to 3.2 L (195 cu in), the manual transmission upgrading from a 5-speed to a 6-speed, different wheels and clear indicator lenses. The facelift changes were applied to the saloon model in November 1995 and the convertible model in February 1996. The kerb weight of the 1996 M3 coupe in European specification is 1,515 kg (3,340 lb).

The E36 M3 is powered by the BMW S50 straight-six engine. It was the first M3 to use a six-cylinder engine, which has since been used in the majority of M3 models. In most countries, the initial 2,990 cc (182 cu in) version generated 210 kW (282 HP) at 7,000 rpm and 320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft) at 3,600 rpm. North American models used the less powerful BMW S50B30US engine instead.

The facelift models in late 1995 were upgraded to a 3,201 cc (195 cu in) version of the BMW S50 engine, generating 236 kW (316 HP) at 7,400 rpm and 350 N⋅m (258 lbf⋅ft) at 3,250 rpm. North American models used the less powerful BMW S52 engine instead.