E36 M3 3.0
Production Versions:
BF91: European-spec coupe S50 B30 (LHD), 03/92-07/95
BF99: European-spec GT coupe S50 B30 (LHD), 02/95-06/95
BF92: European-spec coupe S50 B30 (RHD), 03/93-07/95
CB91: European-spec sedan S50 B30 (LHD), 06/94-07/95
CB92: European-spec sedan S50 B30 (RHD), 10/94-07/95
BJ91: European-spec convertible S50 B30 (LHD), 03/94-08/95
BJ92: European-spec convertble S50 B30 (RHD), 09/94-08/95
BF93: U.S.-spec coupe manual S50 B30 USA (LHD), 03/94-12/95
BF03: U.S.-spec coupe automatic S50 B30 USA (LHD), 12/94-01/96
BF98: South African-spec coupe S50 B30 (RHD), 09/93-04/94
History
What makes the three-liter E36 M3 unique?
The E36 M3 3.0 is the original BMW Motorsport (later called BMW M) version of the E36 3 Series. Available as a coupe, convertible or sedan, it uses one of two 3.0-liter S50 engines, both based to some degree on the standard production M50 powerplant. The European S50 has individual throttle bodies and a more complex cylinder head, while the U.S.-spec S50 more closely resembles the normal production M50 engine. All E36 M3s also have a BMW M-tuned chassis and unique cosmetic items both inside and out. Unlike its E30 M3 predecessor, the E36 M3 was not designed primarily for competition use, but rather as a road-going GT car.
Where was the E36 M3 3.0 introduced?
The E36 M3 coupe was first shown at the 1992 Paris Motor Show. The U.S.-spec version did not appear until the 1994 Los Angeles International Auto Show.
Where was the E36 M3 3.0 built?
All 3.0-liter E36 M3s were built on the regular 3 Series assembly line at the Regensburg factory near Munich with the excpetion of a small batch of coupes assembled in South Africa from German-supplied Semi Knocked-Down kits exclusively for that market.
Production Data
How many versions the 3.0-liter E36 M3 were there?
BMW initially produced the European-spec E36 M3 3.0 only as as a coupe. Convertible and sedan versions were introduced two years later. Each body style was offered in left-hand drive and right-hand drive configurations. There was also a limited run of E36 M3 GT coupes built in both left-hand drive and right-hand drive. The U.S.-spec version of the 3.0-liter M3 was offered only as a coupe, with a choice of manual or automatic transmissions. Finally, there was a small number of South African-spec coupes assembled for the 1994 model year at the Rosslyn, South Africa factory from German-supplied Semi Knocked-Down kits (SKD).
How many of each version were produced?
ECE coupe (LHD): 11,284 built from 03/92 thru 07/95
ECE coupe (RHD): 3,152 built from 03/93 thru 07/95
ECE GT coupe (LHD): 350 built from 02/95 thru 06/95 (plus 6 pre-production in 12/94)
SA coupe (RHD): 748 built in SKD form from 09/93 thru 04/94
USA coupe manual (LHD): 8,515 built from 03/94 thru 12/95
USA coupe automatic (LHD): 1,705 built from 12/94 thru 01/96
ECE convertible (LHD): 1,403 built from 03/94 thru 08/95
ECE convertible (RHD): 572 built from 09/94 thru 08/95
ECE sedan (LHD): 868 built from 06/94 thru 07/95
ECE sedan (RHD): 415 built from 10/94 thru 07/95
How did the U.S.-spec version of the E36 M3 come about?
When the E36 M3 made its European debut in 1992 there were no plans to produce a North American version. Sales of the previous M3, the E30 of 1988-91, had amounted to just under 5,000 units and BMW’s only other North American-spec M car at the time, the E34 M5, was not selling in large enough quantities to justify the addition of another M model in the American market. However, a letter-writing campaign initiated by the BMW Car Club of America sparked such an overwhelming response by the enthusiast BMW community that BMW of North America decided to reconsider. The main issue was price: BMW NA was determined to keep the MSRP down to around $35,000, about the same as the last of the E30 M3s. The only way to meet this price point was to develop a specific version of the S50 engine without the costly individual throttle bodies and continuously variable VANOS valve timing system of the European-spec motor. Just such a car entered production in February, 1994 (as a 1995 model) and went on to be produced in almost equal numbers to the European version despite a production run of only half as many years. (Note: This model was not available in Canada see question below)
What chnaged during the production of the European-spec E36 M3 3.0?
There were no major mechanical alterations to the E36 M3 3.0 during its production. However, the model did receive the following equipment changes:
-M tri-color stitching added to four-spoke airbag steering wheel (9/92 production)
-M-design four-spoke airbag steering wheel offered (9/93 production)
-Passenger-side airbag available (9/93 production)
-Light Silvergrey Nappa leather replaced by Light Grey Nappa leather (9/93 production)
-Alpine White II (218) replaced by Alpine White III (300) (12/93 production)
-Sterling Silver metallic (244) replaced by Arctic Silver metallic (309) (12/93 production)
-Diamond Black metallic (181) replaced by Cosmos Black metallic (303) (3/94 production)
-Violet Blue/Black extended Nappa leather added (3/94 production)
-Classic Red/Black extended Nappa leather added (3/94 production)
-Mugello Red (274) replaced by Bright Red (314) (9/94 production)
-Revised temperature controls for HVAC (9/94 production)
What changed during the production of the U.S.-spec 1995 M3?
Though all 3.0-liter U.S.-spec M3s are officially 1995 models, production actually spanned from March of 1994 thru January of 1996. During that time, the following changes were introduced:
-On-board computer added to option list (mid-1994 production)
-Height-adjustable steering wheel deleted (9/94 production)
-Console Valet with cupholders added (9/94 production)
-Mugello Red (274) replaced by Bright Red (314) (9/94 production)
-Revised temperature controls for HVAC (9/94 production)
-Automatic transmission available (12/94 production)
-Luxury Package option introduced (12/94 production)
-Forged Double Spoke alloy wheels, sized 7.5x17-in. (front) and 8.5x17-in. (rear), added to option list (12/94 production)
-Coded Driveaway Protection introduced (1/95 production)
-Rear spoiler becomes a factory option (was dealer-installed) and adds integrated third brake light (1/95 production)
-All exterior colors available with and without optional Luxury Package (5/95 production)
-Polished finish added to optional forged M Double Spoke alloy wheels (9/95 production)
-Radio changed to version used on 1996 models (11/95 production)
Was the European version of the three-liter E36 M3 ever sold in North America?
Yes. Through an agreement that existed between Canada and several European nations, any car federalized in one country could legally be sold in any of the others. With no North American version of the E36 M3 on the horizon in late 1993, BMW Canada took advantage of this agreement and imported 45 European-spec M3 coupes for the 1994 model year. Pulled at random off the standard assembly line during December of 1993, these cars were fitted with a third brake light and daytime running lights (required by Canadian law), while the rear fog light was deleted. Each car also received a numbered plaque on the inside of the glovebox door.
All paint colors and interior trims from the Euroepan-spec M3 were offered on the 45 Canadian examples. Each was equipped as standard with dual airbags, air conditioning, a green-tinted windshield stripe and an anti-theft AM/FM cassette radio. However, almost the entire European option list (including remote locking, power sunroof, front armrest, rear headrests, power front seats, heated front seats, on-board computer, hi-fi speakers, headlight washers, rear sunshade and forged M Double Spoke alloy wheels) was available at extra cost.
Was the 1995 U.S.-spec M3 ever offered outside the United States?
No, the 3.0-liter, 240-hp version of the M3 was exclusive to the United States for the 1995 model year. Even Canada, which received 45 Euro-spec M3s for 1994, was not offered the M3 again until the 1997 model year.
Drivetrain
What makes the European-spec S50 B30 powerplant unique?
Though based on the regular production M50 24-valve inline-six used in many BMW models of the era, the European version of the S50 B30 engine has a number of unique components developed by BMW Motorsport (later renamed BMW M). These include:
-Increased bore (to 86mm) and stroke (to 85.8mm) for a total of 2990cc
-Increased compression to 10.8:1
-Ported and polished cylinder head
-Individual throttle bodies for each cylinder
-Heavy-duty valve springs
-Continuously-variable VANOS valve timing on the intake stroke
-Bosch Motronic M3.3 engine management control
-Dual mass flywheel
-Free-flowing intake and exhaust systems
In this guise, the S50 B30 produces 286 hp (DIN) at 7,000 rpm and 236 lb/ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. These engines are equipped with dual catalysts for all markets.
How do the U.S. and European versions of the S50 engine differ?
The European and U.S. versions of the S50 B30 powerplant share similar cast iron engine blocks and have an identical capacity of 2990cc. However, the U.S. version (known as the S50 B30 USA) retains the less complex head design and two-stage (non-stepless)VANOS valve timing system of the normal M50 engine upon which it is based. It also does without the European-spec model's individual throttle plates for each cylinder. Compression is slightly lower at 10.5:1. One benefit of the U.S. version is that it retains hydraulic lifters, thus periodic valve adjustments are not needed.
The S50 B30 USA is rated at 240 hp (SAE) at 6,000 rpm and 225 lb/ft of torque at 4,250 rpm.
What kind of gearbox does the 3.0-liter E36 M3 have?
All 3.0-liter E36 M3s regardless of engine type have a ZF Type C five-speed manual gearbox with the following ratios: 4.20 (1), 2.49 (2), 1.66 (3), 1.24 (4), 1.00 (5). This is mated to a limited slip differential (25%) with a 3.15:1 final drive.
In addition, the U.S.-spec 1995 M3 was available with a ZF 5HP18 five-speed automatic transmission as an option starting with 12/94 production. This unit offers three driver-adjustable modes (normal, manual and winter) and uses the following ratios: 3.67 (1), 2.00 (2), 1.41 (3), 1.00 (4), .74 (5). It comes mated to a 3.23:1 final drive with limited slip differential.
Chassis
How is the M3's chassis different from that of a normal E36 3 Series?
The E36 M3’s suspension is based on that of the regular E36 3 Series, with MacPherson struts in front and the multi-link “Z-axle” in the rear. However, BMW M made the following changes when adapting the system to the M3:
-Height decreased by 31mm (1.2-in.)
-Track increased by .55mm (front) and .90mm (rear)
-Firmer shocks and springs
-Reinforced spring mounting plates
-Thicker anti-roll bars
-Revised suspension geometry
In addition, all 3.0-liter M3s have a special M-tuned steering rack with a variable ratio (from 15.4:1 to 19.8:1) and engine-speed-sensitive power steering.
What size brakes does the 3.0-liter E36 M3 have?
All 3.0-liter E36 M3s are fitted with four-wheel vented disc brakes measuring 12.4-inches or 315mm (front) and 12.3-inches or 313mm (rear) in diameter with a thickness of 28mm.
What size wheels and tires was the 3.0-liter E36 M3 equipped with?
For the E36 M3 3.0, BMW M specified 235/40ZR17 tires on all four corners. However, each body style was given a unique set of wheels. The coupe (both Euro-spec and U.S.-spec) wears 7.5x17-inch M Double Spoke cast alloy wheels. A lighter forged M Double Spoke version was optional on European-spec models from the start of production, and became optional on U.S.-spec M3s starting in December, 1994. These are always fitted in a staggered configuration, with 7.5x17-inch wheels in front and 8.5x17-inch wheels in back. A polished version of this wheel was standard on the E36 M3 convertible. The sedan has its own wheel design, the M Contour II, also in the staggered (7.5x17-in./8.5x17-in.) configuration. This wheel is also fitted to the U.S.-spec M3 coupe with Luxury Package, though only in the narrower 7.5x17-inch version.
How does the chassis of the U.S.-spec M3 differ from that of the European version?
The U.S.-spec M3 received the same chassis enhancements as the European-spec model, with the exception of slightly less aggressive spring and shock rates.
Cosmetics
How does the M3 3.0 differ cosmetically from the regular E36 3 Series?
Aside from the wheels, E36 M3s can be distinguished from a normal E36 3 Series by their more aggressive lower body panels consisting of a front airdam with body-color mesh intake, highly-sculpted side valance panels and lower rear diffuser with large-diameter exhuat tips. In addition, the protective side rub strips are wider and contain the “M3” logo, and the side-view mirrors are of the aerodynamic M design. A body-color M-Technic rear spoiler with either the "BMW Motorsport" script or a third brake light could be fitted as an option in most markets (except on convertibles).
How is the three-liter E36 M3 convertible cosmetically different from the coupe?
The three-liter M3 convertible shares all of its M body panels with the M3 coupe. However, the front airdam lacks the black plastic lower lip extension and the M-Technic rear spoiler was never available as a factory option on the open-top model.
How is the three-liter E36 M3 sedan cosmetically different from the coupe?
In order the appeal to a more conservative buyer, the M3 3.0 sedan is fitted with a more restrained M-Technic front airdam. Though similar to the one used on M3 coupes and convertibles, it contains three body-color horizontal slats in place of the mesh intake and (like the convertible) lacks the black plastic lower lip extension. Also, the side valance panels are less heavily sculpted.
How is the U.S. version of the E36 M3 3.0 cosmetically different from the European version?
There are few external differentiators between the two versions. However, like all E36 3 Series sold in America, the M3 is not fitted with ellipsoid headlights or a rear fog light, both standard features of the European version. Also, U.S.-spec models were never available with headlight washers.
How does the interior of the E36 M3 3.0 differ from that of a regular E36 3 Series?
The interior of the 3.0-liter E36 M3 has several special items that are unique to this model: an M instrument cluster with red needles and the M logo, door sill plates with the "M3" insiginia, a black headliner and a shift knob with the M tri-color stripe. All E36 M3s are equipped with the Check Control vehicle function monitoring system.
Several different steering wheels were offered on the E36 M3. Some very early examples have the three-spoke M-Technic II wheel without an airbag, but most have either a non-M three-spoke wheel with a Euro-size airbag or a four-spoke wheel with a full-size airbag. Cars built before September, 1993 use this wheel in the normal BMW design. After that time, the standard airbag wheel was replaced with an M version featuring a thicker rim and raised thumb grips plus a redesigned horn pad and M tri-color stitching on the rim. This was the only wheel available on North American M3s.
Unique to the E36 M3 coupe are M Design sport seats with integrated headrests in either M cloth with Amaretta suede bolsters or Nappa leather with the M tri-color insignia. The M3 sedan and convertible, as well as the U.S.-spec M3 coupe with Luxury Package, have regular BMW sport seats covered in Nappa leather. Luxury Package-equipped coupes and all E36 M3 sedans are further fitted with Burl Walnut wood trim on the center console, shift knob, parking brake handle and door pulls. They also have chrome interior door handles.
How is the interior of the U.S.-spec E36 M3 3.0 different from that of the European version?
The sole item that is unique to the interior of E36 M3s built for the American market is the instrument cluster. Though it shares its red needles and M logo with that of the Euro-spec car, the U.S. version has a 160-mph speedometer (in place of the 280 kph/170 mph unit) and a unique tachometer with a graduated redline and integrated economy-meter (in place of an oil temperature gauge).
Also, standard equipment was more extensive than on the European-market M3, and included:
-Air conditioning
-10 speaker Alpine radio/cassette sound system, prewired for CD changer
-Choice of M cloth/Amaretta suede or Nappa leather seating at no extra cost
What items were optional on the E36 M3 3.0?
European-market E36 M3s could be fitted with almost any 3 Series option including headlight washers, metallic paint, a rear spoiler (not available on the convertible), air conditioning, leather upholstery (standard on the convertible and sedan), power sunroof, power seats, heated seats, manual rear window sunshade, the fourth-generation on-board computer, cruise control and rear headrests.
On U.S. models, options were initially limited to a power sunroof, cruise control and heated front seats. The fourth-generation on-board computer became optional a few months after production began, and forged M Double Spoke alloy wheels were added to the option list by the end of 1994. An M-Technic rear spoiler was a dealer-installed option from the start of production and became a factory option in January, 1995.
What is the Luxury Package for the E36 M3?
The Luxury Package debuted exclusively for the U.S. version of the E36 M3 starting with December 1994. This package, with its more understated exterior trim and more luxurious interior appointments, included the following features:
-M-Technic front spoiler with three-slat, body color air intake and no lower lip
-Less sculpted side valance panels
-M Contour II alloy wheels (sized 7.5x17-in.)
-Eight-way power BMW sport seats
-Nappa leather door panels
-Extended Burl Walnut wood trim including the center console and door pulls
-Chrome interior door handles
-Front armrest
-Cruise control
-On-board computer
-Exclusive (until 5/95 production) choice of Arctic Silver metallic (309) and Boston Green metallic (275) paints
-Exclusive choice of Mulberry and Champagne Nappa leather upholstery
Special Versions
Were there any special versions of the three-liter E36 M3?
Five special versions of the E36 M3 3.0 were created by BMW M, though only three, the M3 GT, M3 GT Individual and M3 Lightweight, can truly be considered production models. The other two, M3 GTR and M3-R, are highly specialized models built in very limited numbers and not generally available to the public.
What is an E36 M3 GT?
The E36 M3 GT is a limited-edition version of the European-market 3.0-liter M3 coupe developed to homologate engine and bodywork enhancements to the equivalent competition model in the FIA GT Series (Division II) and the American IMSA GT Series. A total of 350 examples were produced in left-hand drive form from February thru June of 1995 (in addition to six pre-production vehicles produced in December of 1994) with the following special equipment:
-A retuned version of the S50 B30 powerplant with 264-degree cams, a BMW Motorsport dual-pickup oil pan, duocentric oil pumps and upgraded VANOS software producing 295 hp at 7,000 rpm and 238 lb/ft of torque at 3,900 rpm
-Shorter 3.23:1 final drive
-Stiffer springs and shocks
-M strut tower brace
-British Racing Green (312) paintwork
-Adjustable front and rear GT spoilers
-Clear front turn signal lenses
-Aluminum doors
-"BMW Motorsport International" emblems on exterior door mouldings and interior sill plates
-Forged M Double Spoke alloy wheels (7.5x17-in. front, 8.5x17-in. rear)
-Mexico Green Nappa leather upholstery with Anthracite Amaretta bolsters
-Three-spoke steering wheel with airbag
-Carbon fiber dashboard and center console trim
What is an E36 M3 GT Individual?
The E36 M3 GT Individual is a special edition of 50 right-hand drive E36 M3 coupes produced for the UK market in July of 1995. Though based mechanically on the standard E36 M3 instead of the more powerful GT version, these cars have the following special features:
-British Racing Green (312) paintwork
-Adjustable front and rear GT spoilers
-Clear front turn signal lenses
-Aluminum doors
-M strut tower brace
-Forged M Double Spoke alloy wheels (7.5x17-in. front, 8.5x17-in. rear)
-Mexico Green Nappa leather upholstery with Anthracite Amaretta bolsters
-Three-spoke steering wheel with airbag
-Graphite Birds Eye Maple wood interior trim (including shift knob)
-Chrome interior door handles
-Power sunroof
What is an E36 M3 Lightweight?
The M3 Lightweight (sometimes referred to as the M3 CSL) is a special version of the U.S. model E36 M3 designed for track driving. Approximately 120 were built between July and October of 1995 by BMW Individual (the division of BMW M responsible for special orders). These cars retain the stock 240-hp S50 B30 USA powerplant, though BMW claimed that all engines fitted to the Lightweights were tested to make sure they were operating at the top of the acceptable range. According to BMW figures, the Lightweight weighs 2,950 lbs., 225 less than the regular M3 coupe. All M3 Lightweights are painted Alpine White III (300) and include the following special features:
-Shortened 3.23:1 final drive
-Top speed limiter removed
-Aluminum doors
-Reduced sound insulation
-Stiffer springs and shocks from the European-spec M3
-M shock tower brace
-Forged M Double Spoke wheels (7.5x17-in. front, 8.5x17-in. rear)
-M3 GT front spoiler lip
-Standard M3 rear spoiler with integrated third brake light
-Chequered flag decals in BMW Motorsport colors on left-front and right-rear corners of bodywork
-"BMW Motorsport International" emblems on exterior door mouldings and interior sill plates
-manual BMW sport seats covered in anthracite "Hurricane" cloth with red highlights
-Anthracite carpeting from the four-cyilnder E36 coupe
-Air conditioning delete
-Radio delete
-Tool kit delete
-Console Valet delete
-Carbon fiber-look dash and center console trim
In addition, the following items were offered as special-order options that could be installed by the dealer:
-M3 GT-style adjustable rear spolier (with integrated third brake light)
-Lower chassis X-brace (for added stiffness)
-Upper strut tower brace
-BMW M oil pan and dual-pickup oil pump
-Ride-height adjustable suspension
-Cross-drilled brake rotors
-Adjustable camber plates
What is an E36 M3-R?
In late 1994, BMW Australia ordered 15 special road-going E36 M3-R models to compete in the Australian Super Production series (GT Production class). Originally built as standard M3 models on the normal German production line, these cars were converted to M3-R specification by Frank Gardiner Racing in Australia and were all completed in March and April of 1995. All 15 coupes are painted Alpine White III (300) with an Anthracite M cloth/Amaretta suede interior, plus the following unique features:
-A retuned version of the 2,990-cc S50 B30 powerplant developed in conjunction with BMW M GmbH and Schnitzer Motorsport GmbH featuring different camshafts, revised intake and exhaust ports, a lightened flywheel and a dual-pickup oil sump (as used in the later S50 B32 motor) . With these changes, the engine was re-rated at 324 hp (DIN) at 7,200 rpm and 258 lb/ft of torque at 4,400 rpm.
-Stronger drivershaft from the E31 850Ci
-Shorter 3.23 final drive
-Reinforced AP Racing clutch
-Top speed limiter removed
-Stiffer BMW Group N springs and shocks
-Larger AP Racing front brake rotors with four-piston calipers, stock rear rotors with AP Racing calipers
-Adjustable front and rear GT spoilers with additional rear rubber lip extensions
-M cross-spoke alloy wheels, sized 7.5x17-inch (front) and 8.5x17-inch (rear)
-Fog lights delete
-Rear "M3" badge delete
-Air conditioning delete
-Radio delete
-Central locking delete
-Check Control system delete
-Non-functional rear seat
-Individually-numbered silver plaque under the parking brake handle
What is an E36 M3 GTR?
The E36 M3 GTR is the road-going version of the competition machine built to compete in the 1994 ADAC German GT Cup Touring Car series. Essentially a race car with license plates, it features a stripped out interior and lightweight body panels (dropping the curb weight to 1300kg), fender flares to accommodate the 18-inch wheels and tires, adjustable front and rear spoilers, a full roll cage and a 300-hp version of the S50 B30 engine. Only two street-legal examples were built.
Color and Upholstery Selections
Exterior Colors (ECE models):
Alpine White II* (218), Al[pine White III** (300), Mugello Red**** (274), Bright Red***** (314), Dakar Yellow (267), Sterling Silver metallic* (244), Arctic Silver metallic** (309), Avus Blue metallic (276), Daytona Violet metallic (283), Diamond Black metallic*** (181), Cosmos Black metallic**** (303), Boston Green metallic (275/sedan and convertible only)
*thru 11/93
**from 12/93
***thru 2/94
***from 3/94
****thru 8/94
*****from 9/94
Interior Colors (ECE models):
Grey M cloth/Amaretta suede (coupe only), Anthracite M cloth/Amaretta suede (coupe only), Black Nappa leather (regular or extended), Light Grey Nappa leather (regular or extended), Lotus White/Black extended Nappa leather, Classic Red/Black extended Nappa leather, Violet Blue/Black extended Nappa leather, Hazelnut/Black extended Nappa leather (sedan and convertible only), Mulberry extended Nappa leather (sedan only), Anthracite Buffalo extended leather (coupe only)
Exterior Colors (USA coupe):
Alpine White III (300), Mugello Red* (274), Bright Red** (314), Dakar Yellow*** (267), Arctic Silver metallic**** (309), Avus Blue metallic (276), Boston Green metallic**** (275), Daytona Violet metallic*** (283), Cosmos Black metallic (303)
*thru 8/94
**from 9/94
***not available in combination with the Luxury Package until 05/95 production
****available only in combination with the Luxury Package until 05/95 production
Interior Colors (USA coupe):
Grey M cloth/Amaretta suede*, Anthracite M cloth/Amaretta suede*, Black Nappa leather**, Light Grey Nappa leather*, Champagne Nappa leather***, Mulberry Nappa leather***
*not available with Luxury Package
**available with or without Luxury Package
***available only with Luxury Package