E36 M3 3.2
Production Versions:
BG91: European-spec coupe S50 B32 (LHD), 09/95-12/98
BG92: European-spec coupe S50 B32 (RHD), 11/95-12/98
BG93: North American-spec coupe S52 B32 (LHD), 04/96-04/99
CD91: European-spec sedan S50 B32 (LHD), 11/95-01/98
CD92: European-spec sedan S50 B32 (RHD), 12/95-01/98
CD93: North American-spec sedan manual S52 B32 (LHD), 09/96-05/98
CD03: U.S.-spec sedan auto. S52 B32 (LHD), 09/96-05/98
CD98: South African-spec sedan S50 B32 (RHD), 11/96-10/98
BK91: European-spec convertible S50 B32 (LHD), 11/95-09/99
BK92: European-spec convertible S50 B32 (RHD), 12/95-09/99
BK93: U.S.-spec convertible man. S52 B32 (LHD), 03/98-08/99
BK03: U.S.-spec convertible auto. S52 B32 (LHD), 03/98-08/99
History
What makes the E36 M3 3.2 unique?
For the 1996 model year, BMW M replaced the E36 M3 3.0 with the faster and more refined 3.2-liter version. For the European market, this model was fitted with the new S50 B32 engine, an evolution of the S50 B30, as well as a six-speed manual gearbox and detail refinements to the chassis. For the U.S. (and later Canadian) market, the M3 received its own powerplant, the S52, plus ASC+T traction control and a host of chassis upgrades. Both versions were also treated to a few cosmetic alterations.
Where was the E36 M3 3.2 introduced?
The 3.2-liter E36 M3 was first shown at the 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show. The North American-spec version did not appear until the 1996 New York International Auto Show.
Where was the E36 M3 3.2 built?
All 3.2-liter E36 M3s were built on the regular 3 Series assembly line at the Regensburg factory near Munich, with the exception of a small batch of M3 3.2 sedans built in BMW’s Rosslyn, South Africa factory from both Semi Knocked Down (SKD) and Complete Knock Down (CKD) kits.
Did Canada receive a version of the 3.2-liter E36 M3?
An E36 M3 powered by the 3.2-liter S52 engine was not introduced in Canada until the 1997 model year (9/96 production). This was the first official Canadian-spec M3 of any kind since the 45 limited-edition European-spec coupes that were sold there in 1994, and the first Canadian E36 M3 to use the North American-spec engine. The 3.2-liter E36 M3 was available in Canada as a coupe or sedan, but never as a convertible. Aside from minor differences in standard and optional equipment (see Production Data below), they are identical to the U.S. versions.
Did BMW ever produce an E36 M3 3.2 Compact?
BMW M GmbH only built one example of an E36/5 M3 Compact (hatchback) in honor of the 50th birthday of Auto Motor und Sport magazine in 1996. In addition to the S50 B32 engine and Getrag six-speed manual gearbox, this car featured a special quad-tip exhaust configuration that previewed the similar arrangement that would later appear on the E36/7 M roadster and E36/8 M coupe. It also included an M-tuned suspension, M3-spec brakes and 17-inch forged M Double Spoke alloy wheels. An M-Technic aero package, M aerodynamic rear-view mirrors and clear turn signal lenses dressed up the Bright Red (314) exterior, while the interior was treated to the M3 instrument panel, Recaro racing seats in black cloth with red four-point seatbelts, plus an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob. It is not known if this car still survives.
Production Data
How many versions the 3.2-liter E36 M3 are there?
The E36 M3 3.2 was immediately produced in coupe and convertible forms, as well as a four-door sedan. Like the original 3.0-liter E36 M3, 3.2-liter models were equipped with two different powerplants, one for North America (S52) and a second for Europe and the rest of the world (S50 B32). The latter model was offered from the start in all three body styles, and in both left-hand drive and right-hand drive configurations. Of these, a small run of right-hand drive sedans was assembled in South Africa from German-supplied components in late 1996, and a further number were fully built there during 1997 and 1998.
The North American-spec E36 M3 3.2 was initially offered only in the U.S. market and only as a coupe. For the 1997 model year (September, 1996 production), a North American-spec M3 sedan was added and Canada received the S52-powered E36 M3 for the first time. An S52-powered E36 M3 convertible was added exclusively to the U.S. market starting with March, 1998 production. Though all North American E36 M3 3.2 coupes were fitted with a manual gearbox, both the sedan and convertible could be ordered with a ZF five-speed automatic transmission.
How many of each version were built?
ECE coupe (LHD): 6,117 built from 09/95 thru 12/98
ECE coupe (RHD): 2,845 built from 11/95 thru 12/98
NA coupe (LHD): 11,793 built from 04/96 thru 04/99
ECE convertible (LHD): 1,763 built from 11/95 thru 09/99
ECE convertible (RHD): 2,107 built from 12/95 thru 09/99
USA convertible manual (LHD): 2,252 built from 03/98 thru 08/99
USA convertible automatic (LHD): 4,017 built from 03/98 thru 08/99
ECE sedan (LHD): 1,296 built from 11/95 thru 01/98
ECE sedan (RHD): 694 built from 12/95 thru 01/98
NA sedan manual (LHD): 4,574 built from 09/96 thru 05/98
USA sedan automatic (LHD): 4,036 built from 09/96 thru 05/98
SA sedan (RHD): 168 as Complete Knock Down (CKD) kits from 11/96 thru 04/97, 532 as complete cars from 04/97 thru 10/98
What is an E36 M3 Evolution?
To better distinguish the 3.2-liter E36 M3 from its 3.0-liter predecessor, BMW GB marketed the E36 M3 3.2 as the M3 Evolution within the United Kingdom. Aside from its right-hand drive configuration, it is mechanically and cosmetically identical to other European-spec 3.2-liter M3s.
How does the South African-produced E36 M3 sedan differ from the European-spec model?
The South African-spec E36 M3 sedan is essentially identical to the European-spec right-hand drive model but utilizes a low-compression version of the S50 B32 engine designed for low-octane South African fuel that produces slightly less power and torque (see Drivetrain below).
What changes were made to the European-spec E36 M3 3.2 during its producton?
The only major mechanical change during the production of the Euro-spec E36 M3 3.2 was the addition of the Sequential M Gearbox (SMG) option in 1997. In addition to SMG, various minor upgrades were introduced before production ended in late 1999 including:
-Restyled grille and side marker turn signals (9/96 production)
-Three-spoke M steering wheel available (9/96 production)
-Byzanz metallic available (9/96-8/97 production, sedan only)
-Side impact airbags available on sedans (1/97 production)
-Side impact airbags available on coupes and convertibles (9/97 production)
-Illumination added to M shift knob (9/97 production)
-Imola Red (405) paint available (3/98 production)
-Titanium Silver metallic (354) available in place of Arctic Silver metallic (309) (3/98 production)
-Fern Green metallic (386) available in place of Boston Green metallic (275) (3/98 production)
-Dark Beige leather upholstery available (9/98 production)
-In dash CD player available in some markets (9/98 production)
What changes were made to the North American-spec E36 M3 3.2 during its producton?
Though there were no further mechanical changes to the North American-spec E36 M3 after the 1996 model year, a number of equipment revisions occurred before production ended in August 1999. These included:
-Restyled grille and side marker turn signals (9/96 production)
-Byzanz metallic available (9/96-8/97 production, U.S-market sedan only)
-Side impact airbags available as an option for sedans (1/97 production)
-Power front seats available as individual option (3/97 production, already offered in Canada)
-Luxury Package option discontinued (9/97 production)
-Side impact airbags standard on all body styles (9/97 production)
-Illumination added to M shift knob (9/97 production)
-Rear headrests added (9/97 production)
-Front armrest added as standard (9/97 production, already standard in Canada)
-M Contour II alloy wheels available as a no-cost option (9/97 production)
-M cloth/Amaretta suede upholstery discontinued for U.S. market (9/97 production)
-Magma and Mulberry Nappa leather upholsteries (previously offered only in combination with Luxury Package) reintroduced to U.S. market (11/97 production)
-Three-spoke M steering wheel replaces four-spoke version on M3 coupes (3/98 production, already standard in Canada)
-Imola Red (405) paint available (3/98 production)
-Titanium Silver metallic (354) offered in place of Arctic Silver metallic (309) (3/98 production)
-Fern Green metallic (386) offered in place of Boston Green metallic (275) (3/98 production, not available on sedans)
-Radio updated from Alpine C33 to Alpine C43 (9/98 production)
-Sand Beige leather upholstery offered (9/98 production)
How does the Canadian-spec E36 M3 differ from the U.S. version?
After a two-year hiatus, the E36 M3 returned to the Canadian market for the 1997 model year. Unlike the 45 European-spec E36 M3 coupes that were sold in Canada during 1994, the 3.2-liter version was powered by the same S52 motor as the U.S.-spec model and was offered as a coupe or sedan. However, it differed from the U.S. model in the following ways:
-"Floating" front brake rotors standard (identical to the European-spec M3)
-Manual transmission only (no automatic option for the sedans
-Metric instrumentation
-Daytime running lights
-Three-spoke M steering wheel included from start of production
-Tilt steering wheel
-Standard power sunroof and cruise control
-Standard front armrest
-Standard split-folding rear seats (coupe and sedan)
-Optional heated front seats include headlight washers
-Optional power front seats offered from start of production
-Byzanz metallic paint not offered
-M cloth/Amaretta interiors still offered on coupes afterr 8/97
-Magma, Mulberry and Modena Natur Nappa leather interiors discontinued after 8/97
Drivetrain
How is the Euro-spec M3's 3.2-liter engine (S50 B32) different from the previous version (S50 B30)?
When creating the 3.2-liter M3 engine, BMW M relied upon much of the experience it had gained when designing the V12 engine for the McLaren F1 supercar. In the end, the S50 B32 incorporated the following improvements over the S50 B30 engine used in the original Euro-spec E36 M3:
-Increased bore to 86.4mm (from 86.0mm) and lengthened stroke to 91.0mm (from 85.8mm) for a total capacity of 3,201cc (from 2,990cc)
-Increased compression ratio to 11.3:1 (from 10.8:1)
-Advanced BMW/Siemens MSS50 engine management system able to compute 20 million instructions per second
-Double VANOS continuously variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust strokes
-Lightweight pistons
-Improved dual-mass flywheel
-Graphite-coated conrods
-Larger inlet valves
-More efficient intake and exhaust systems
-Second oil pump
The result of these changes boosted horsepower from 286 hp (DIN) at 7,000 rpm to 321 hp (DIN) at 7,400 rpm. Maximum torque also increased from 236 lb/ft at 3,600 rpm to 258 lb/ft at 3,250 rpm. This was the first street-legal BMW engine to achieve over 100 hp per liter.
How does the South African-spec S50 B32 engine differ from that of the European-spec version?
Due to low-octane fuel requirements, the S50 B32 motors produced for South Africa utilize different pistons which result in a reduced compression ratio of 10.5:1. These engines produce 310 hp (DIN) at 7,400 rpm and 251 lb/ft of torque at 3,250 rpm.
How is the North American 3.2-liter M3 engine (S52) different from the 3.0-liter (S50 B30 USA)?
Unlke the Euro-spec S50 B32, the S52 powerplant is an evolution of the standard production M52 engine. However, it incorporates the following changes over its S50 B30 USA predecessor:
-Increased bore to 86.4mm (from 86.0mm) and increased stroke to 89.6mm (from 85.8mm) for a total displacement of 3,152cc (from 2,990cc)
-More finely balanced camshafts
-Valve lifters, springs and spring seats with reduced mass
-Revised intake and exhaust systems
-OBD II (On-Board Diagnostics, version II) compliance
-Horsepower unchanged at 240 hp (SAE) at 6,000 rpm
-Torque increased to 236 lb/ft at 3,800 rpm (up from 225 lb/ft at 4,250 rpm)
NOTE: E36 M3s equipped with the ZF five-speed automatic transmission are rated at 225 lb/ft of torque at 3,800rpm.
What kind of gearboxes does the 3.2-liter M3 use?
There were four different transmissions used on 3.2-liter M3s. European-spec models have a Getrag six-speed manual transmission with the following ratios: 4.23 (1), 2.51 (2), 1.67 (3), 1.23 (4), 1.00 (5), .83 (6). This same gearbox was later used (with the same ratios) as the internals of the Sequential M Gearbox (SMG).
The North American-spec 3.2-liter E36 M3 retains the ZF Type C five-speed manual gearbox of the 3.0-liter version, with the same internal ratios: 4.20 (1), 2.49 (2), 1.66 (3), 1.24 (4), 1.00 (5). Starting with the 1997 model year, the ZF 5HP18 five-speed automatic returned as an option with the same internal ratios used on the 3.0-liter model: 3.67 (1), 2.00 (2), 1.41 (3), 1.00 (4), .74 (5).
All 3.2-liter M3s equipped with a manual gearbox (including SMG) use a shorter 3.23:1 final drive and limited slip differential. North American-spec M3s with the ZF five-speed automatic transmission have an even shorter 3.38:1 rear end, also with limited slip. In addition, all 3.2-liter North American-spec E36 M3s are equipped with Automatic Stability Control plus Traction (ASC+T) which can apply the brakes and/or reduce engine power in order to maintain traction. It includes an orange warning light under the M logo in the instrument cluster and can be switched off via a console-mounted button.
What is the Sequential M Gearbox (SMG)?
In 1997, BMW introduced the Sequential M Gearbox (SMG) as an option on the European-spec E36 M3 in some markets. Using the internals of the Getrag six-speed manual gearbox, SMG employs an electronic clutch operated by a magnetic valve that is triggered by pulling or pushing on the gear lever. Two further valves operate a pair of hydraulic cylinders that electronically engage each gear, thus allowing for shifts to occur in as little as 0.4 seconds. The SMG electronics are integrated with the Siemens engine management system to put the engine and gearbox in synch. The system includes an automatic mode, gear indicator in place of the engine oil temperature gauge below the tachometer, and a flashing upshift light under the M logo in the instrument cluster.
Chassis
What chassis upgrades were made to the 3.2-liter E36 M3 compared to the 3.0-liter model?
All 3.2-liter E36 M3s incorporate the following chassis revisions compared to the 3.0-liter version:
-Revised suspension geometry with increased front castor
-Firmer springs and shocks
-Stronger wheel hubs
-Front anti-roll bar linked to struts for lighter weight
-Quicker steering ratio (mean reduced from 17.6:1 to 15.6:1)
Note: European-spec E36 M3 3.2 sedans utilize the same suspension settings as the E36 M3 3.2 coupe.
What size brakes does the 3.2-liter E36 M3 have?
All 3.2-liter E36 M3s are fitted with four-wheel vented disc brakes of the same size as the E36 M3 3.0: 12.4-inches or 315mm (front) and 12.3-inches or 313mm (rear). However, European-spec and Canadian models also utilize two-piece front "floating" rotors.
Why was the U.S. market denied the “floating” front brake rotors?
The U.S. market was denied the more efficient two-piece rotors offered in the rest of the world because BMW of North America was concerned that, if not properly maintained, the rotors presented the possibility of failing, thus creating a legal liability.
What are the factory wheel and tire sizes for the M3 3.2?
For all versions of the 3.2-liter E36 M3, BMW M replaced the previous model's 235/40ZR17 tires with a staggered setup, specifically narrower 225/45ZR17s in the front and wider 245/40ZR17s in back. The tires are mounted on one of three wheel designs, all measuring 7.5x17-inch (front) and 8.5x17-inch (rear).
European-spec models continue to utilize one specific wheel design for each body style: M Double Spoke II for the coupe, forged M Double Spoke with a polished finish for the convertible (optional on the coupe) and M Contour II for the sedan. On North American models, the M Double Spoke II became the standard wheel for all body styles, with the forged M Double Spoke and M Contour II as options. The latter was fitted to all M3s equipped with the optional Luxury Package and became an individual option as of 9/97 production.
Cosmetics
What distinguishes the 3.2-liter E36 M3 cosmetically from the 3.0-liter version?
The E36 M3 3.2 can be identified from the 3.0-liter version by the following features:
-Black mesh front airdam insert in place of the body-color version
-M Double-Spoke II alloys in staggered 7.5x17-in. (front) and 8.5x17-in. (rear) sizes (not available on the European-spec convertible or sedan)
-Dakar Yellow II (337) offered in place of Dakar Yellow (267)
-Techno Violet metallic (299) offered in place of Daytona Violet metallic (266)
-Estoril Blue metallic (335) offered in place of Avus Blue metallic (276)
In addition, European-spec models are further enhanced by:
-Aluminum doors (coupe and convertible only)
-Clear turn signal lenses
-Third brake light in rear window or on rear spoiler
Note: All European-spec E36 M3 3.2 sedans share the mesh front airdam insert with the other M3 models but retain the less sculpted side valance panels. Like the 3.0-liter versions, both the European-spec sedan and convertible lack the black lower lip extension under the front airdam.
How is the interior of the E36 M3 3.2 different from that of the 3.0-liter model?
Though essentially identical in design and equipment to the earlier model, the interior of the 3.2-liter E36 M3 differs in the following ways:
-Restyled M cloth upholstery (coupe only)
-Shift knob with "M" logo instead of M stripe
-Leather door inserts included with leather upholstery on all models
-Magma leather interior in place of Champagne leather interior (only with Luxury Package on North American-spec cars built before 9/97)
-Modena Natur leather interior available
-Dark Beige leather interior available (from 9/98)
-Hazlenut leather interior available (not for North America)
In addition to the above M3-specific upgrades, the 3.2-liter M3 interior benefits from the following improvements made to most E36 3 Series models as of September 1995 production:
-Automatic climate control in place of manual system
-One-touch feature added to the optional power sunroof
-Revised audio systems and optional Harman/ Kardon upgrade with 320 watts and 6-disc CD changer (optional in most markets)
-Console-mounted door lock switch added (North American models only)
-Redesigned Console Valet (North American models only)
Was the optional Luxury Package continued on North American 3.2-liter M3s?
Yes. The Luxury Package option of the 1995 North American M3 continued unchanged (with the exception of additional leather on the seatbacks) for the later 3.2-liter model, but only on those built before September, 1997 (1996 and 1997 model years). The package was discontinued starting with the 1998 model year (9/97 production), at which time the front armrest became standard equipment (already standard in Canada) and the M Contour II wheels were offered as a no-cost option.
What items were optional on the E36 M3 3.2?
The option list of the 3.2-liter E36 M3 continued largely unchanged from that of the 3.0-liter model, with the exception of a few new items including: Harmon/Kardon audio system, door-mounted side airbags (standard in North America from 9/97 production), power rear vent windows for the coupe (not available in North America), Extended Burl Walnut wood interior trim for the coupe and convertible (not available in North America), and the SMG gearbox (not available in North America).
How do the South African E36 M3 sedans differ cosmetically from the German-built versions?
The South African-built E36 M3 sedan appears essentially identical to that of the German-built model though it is equipped with the black lower lip extension on the front airdam, sculpted side valance panels and forged M Double Spoke alloy wheels, none of which were officially available on European-spec M3 sedans. The interior of the South African model is essentially identical to the German-built version and is fitted with most available features as standard equipment including Nappa leather upholstery, wood trim, cruise control, power seats, on-board computer and premium sound system.
Special Versions
Were there any speical versions of the 3.2-liter E36 M3?
There were two official special editions of the 3.2-liter E36 M3, both introduced in late 1998. A limited edition of 50 right-hand drive M3 coupes was produced by BMW Individual exclusively for the United Kingdom to commemorate the end of E36 M3 production. In addition, 120 right-hand drive E36 M3 coupes and convertibles with special equipment were produced for the Australian market in order to commemorate 25 years of BMW Motorsport.
What distinguishes the UK-market E36 M3 Special Edition coupe?
BMW GB celebrated the end of E36 M3 production with a special edition of 50 UK-market M3 coupes in late 1998. Although mechanically identical to the standard model, these were all painted Imola Red (405) and featured additional front "splitters" below the standard airdam, the complete M3 GT-spec rear spoiler with third brake light and the forged M Double Spoke alloy wheels. The interior was trimmed in Bicolor Imola Red leather with Anthracite Amaretta suede bolsters and was equipped with a special M steering wheel featuring red stitching on the rim. Similar stitching appeared on the parking brake handle. All examples were further equipped with side airbags, power sunroof, power front seats, power rear vent windows and the Harmon/Kardon audio system.
What distinguishes the Australian-market E36 M3 Anniversary Edition?
The Australian-market E36 M3 Anniversary Edition coupes and convertibles were produced for 1999 to celebrate 25 years of BMW M GmbH. These models were mechanically identical to the standard M3 but all featured the forged M Double Spoke alloy wheels, remote locking with alarm, power sunroof (coupe only), power folding top (convertible only), automatic climate control, 10-speaker audio system with CD changer, on-board computer, cruise control, front armrest, rear headrests and heated front seats (convertible only). Options were limited to the SMG gearbox, power front seats, the Harmon/Kardon audio system and a removable hardtop (convertibles only). Coupes were available exclusively in Dakar Yellow II (337), Cosmos Black metallic (303), Estoril Blue metallic (335), Fern Green metallic (386) or Aegean Blue metallic (336) while convertibles were offered only in Dakar Yellow II (337), Imola Red (405), Cosmos Black metallic (303), Estoril Blue metallic (335), Fern Green metallic (386), Titanium Silver metallic (354) or Techno Violet metallic (299). Both body styles were fitted with extended Nappa leather upholstery in Black, Light Grey, Mulberry or Modena Natur, as well as extended wood trim in either Burl Walnut or Anthracite Birch. An indivudally-numbered sterling silver plaque appears on the center console of each of the 50 Anniversary Edition E36 M3 coupes and 70 Anniversary Edition E36 M3 convertibles. Note: These were the only E36 M3 convertibles ever officially imported into Australia.
Color and Upholstery Selections
Exterior Colors:
Alpine White III (300), Bright Red (314), Imola Red**** (405), Dakar Yellow II (337), Arctic Silver metallic* (309), Titanium Silver Metallic** (354), Estoril Blue metallic (335), Boston Green metallic* (275), Fern Green metallic** (386), Techno Violet metallic (299), Cosmos Black metallic (303), Byzanz metallic*** (355/sedan only)
* thru 2/98
**from 3/98
***thru 8/97
****from 8/98
Interior Colors (ECE models):
Grey M-Cross cloth/Amaretta suede (coupe only), Black M-Cross cloth/Amaretta suede (coupe only), Black Nappa leather (regular or extended), Light Grey Nappa leather (regular or extended), Modena Natur Nappa leather (regular or extended), Mulberry extended Nappa leather, Magma extended Nappa leather, Hazlenut extended Nappa leather, Anthracite extended Buffalo leather ((coupe only)
Interior colors (North American models):
Grey M-Cross cloth/Amaretta suede* (coupe only), Black M-Cross cloth/Amaretta suede* (coupe only), Black Nappa leather, Light Grey Nappa leather, Modena Natur Nappa leather**, Mulberry Nappa leather***, Magma Nappa leather***, Sand Beige Nappa leather****
*Canada only from 9/97
**USA only from 9/97
***Luxury Package only through 8/97, USA only from 9/97
****from 8/98