BMW 3 Series (E36)

For a complete overview of all the 3 series chassis, see BMW 3 Series.

BMW 3 Series (E36)

Overview
Manufacturer	BMW
Production	August 1990–2000^[1]
Model years	1991–1998 Europe^[2] 1992—1999 US & Canada
Assembly	Munich, Germany Toluca, Mexico (BMW de México) Cairo, Egypt^[3] (Modern Motors) Greer, South Carolina, United States (BMW US Mfg. Comp.)
Designer	Boyke Boyer (1987) Joji Nagashima (1988)^[4]
Body and chassis
Class	Compact executive car
Body style	2-door coupé 2-door convertible 4-door saloon 5-door estate 3-door hatchback
Layout	FR layout
Related	BMW M3 BMW Z3
Powertrain
Engine	Petrol Engines: 1.6L I4 8 valve 1.8L I4 8 valve 1.8L I4 16 valve 1.9L I4 8 valve 1.9L I4 16 valve 2.0L I6 24 valve 2.5L I6 24 valve 2.8L I6 24 valve 3.0L I6 24 valve 3.2L I6 24 valve Diesel Engines: 1.7L I4 Turbodiesel 2.5L I6 Turbodiesel
Transmission	5-speed manual 6-speed manual 4-speed automatic 5-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	106.3 in (2,700 mm)
Length	saloon & 1996-98 Coupe: 174.5 in (4,432 mm) Coupe & Convertible: 174.5 in (4,432 mm) Compact: 165.7 in (4,209 mm)
Width	1992-95 saloon: 66.8 in (1,697 mm) Coupe & 1996-98 saloon: 66.9 in (1,699 mm) Convertible: 67.3 in (1,709 mm) Compact: 66.9 in (1,699 mm)
Height	saloon: 54.8 in (1,392 mm) Coupe: 53.8 in (1,367 mm) Convertible: 53.1 in (1,349 mm) Compact: 54.8 in (1,392 mm)
Chronology
Predecessor	BMW E30
Successor	BMW E46

The BMW E36 is the third generation of the 3 Series compact executive cars produced by BMW. Development began in July 1981, with the final design being frozen in 1988. It was introduced in October 1990 (as a 1991 model) for Europe and in April 1991 (as a 1992 model) for US and Canada. It was the successor to the E30 3 Series and was eventually replaced by the E46 3 Series in 1998, though E36 coupes were still produced for the 1999 model year. The E36 experienced enormous success in the market. It laid strong foundations for the success that the BMW E46 enjoyed in subsequent years.^[5]

Also known as the "dolphin shape", the E36 was sold from 1990 through 1999. All E36 saloons, coupes, and estates employed the "Z-axle" multilink suspension in the rear which had been proven in the Z1. There was a hatchback body style, known as the E36/5 or BMW Compact. In order to save space due to its truncated rear end, the 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.

In the United States, the four-door E36 were on sale by April 1991, while the E30 coupes were retained until well into 1992 when they were replaced by E36 coupes. The E36 convertible was delayed until 1993.

The hatchback body style, known as the BMW Compact, was introduced in 1994 starting with the 318ti, being very popular in Europe but largely unsuccessful in North America. The "Touring" estate was sold in Europe from 1995, but was not available in the United States.

DOHC engines were used across the range (except in entry level models, see table below), with VANOS variable valve timing introduced in 1993. The 2.5 L M50B25 used in the 325i models was replaced in 1996 with the 2.8 L M52B28, creating the 328 line. Another 2.5 L I6 engine, the M52B25, was reintroduced for 1998 but badged as the 323i rather than 325i. For every year of its production, the E36 was named in Car and Driver Magazine's "10 Best Cars" list (see Car and Driver Ten Best), unlike the E30, which was never listed in the 10Best. Additionally, the E36 M3 was named Car and Driver's best handling car for over $30k in 1997.^[6]

International models

Each model is followed by its particular engine code.

Sedans

Name	Volume	Engine	Valvetrain	Fuel	Output	Torque	Engine code	0–100 km/h,s	Top speed	Years
316i	1,596 cc (1.596 L; 97.4 cu in)	4cyl	SOHC 8V	Petrol	100 PS (74 kW; 99 hp) @5500 rpm 102 PS (75 kW; 101 hp) @5500 rpm	141 N·m (104 lb·ft) @4250 rpm 150 N·m (110 lb·ft) @3900 rpm	M40B16 M43B16	12.9 12.7	191 km/h (119 mph) 195 km/h (121 mph)	1990–1993 1994–1998
316i	1,796 cc (1.796 L; 109.6 cu in) (South African Edition)	4cyl	SOHC 8V	Petrol	115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) @5500 rpm	168 N·m (124 lb·ft) @3900 rpm	M43B16	11.8 12.9 AT	200 km/h (120 mph) 199 km/h (124 mph)AT	1994–1998
318i	1,796 cc (1.796 L; 109.6 cu in)	4cyl	SOHC 8V	Petrol	113 PS (83 kW; 111 hp) @5500 rpm 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) @5500 rpm	162 N·m (119 lb·ft) @4250 rpm 168 N·m (124 lb·ft) @3900 rpm	M40B18 M43B18	11.2 11.0	198 km/h (123 mph) 208 km/h (129 mph)	1990–1993 1993–1998
318is	1,796 cc (1.796 L; 109.6 cu in) 1,895 cc (1.895 L; 115.6 cu in)	4cyl	DOHC 16V	Petrol	140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) @6000 rpm	175 N·m (129 lb·ft) @4500 rpm 180 N·m (130 lb·ft) @4300 rpm	M42B18 M44B19	9.9	215 km/h (134 mph)	1992–1995 1995–1998
320i	1,991 cc (1.991 L; 121.5 cu in)	6cyl	DOHC 24V	Petrol	150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) @5900 rpm	190 N·m (140 lb·ft) @4700 rpm 190 N·m (140 lb·ft) @4200 rpm	M50B20 M52B20	9.8 9.8	221 km/h (137 mph)	1991–1994 1994–1998
323i	2,494 cc (2.494 L; 152.2 cu in)	6cyl	DOHC 24V	Petrol	170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) @5500 rpm	245 N·m (181 lb·ft) @3950 rpm	M52B25	8.2	232 km/h (144 mph)	1995–1998
325i	2,494 cc (2.494 L; 152.2 cu in)	6cyl	DOHC 24V	Petrol	192 PS (141 kW; 189 hp) @5900 rpm	245 N·m (181 lb·ft) @4700 rpm 245 N·m (181 lb·ft) @4200 rpm	M50B25 M50B25	7.5 7.5	235 km/h (146 mph)	1991–1993 1993–1995
328i	2,793 cc (2.793 L; 170.4 cu in)	6cyl	DOHC 24V	Petrol	193 PS (142 kW; 190 hp) @5300 rpm	280 N·m (210 lb·ft) @3950 rpm	M52B28	6.7	240 km/h (150 mph)	1995–1998
M3	2,990 cc (2.99 L; 182 cu in) 3,201 cc (3.201 L; 195.3 cu in)	6cyl	DOHC 24V	Petrol	290 PS (213 kW; 286 hp) @7000 rpm 321 PS (236 kW; 317 hp) @7400 rpm	320 N·m (240 lb·ft) @3600 rpm 350 N·m (260 lb·ft) @3250 rpm	S50B30 S50B32	5.6 5.4	250 km/h (155 mph) (limited)	1992–1995 1995–1998
318tds	1,665 cc (1.665 L; 101.6 cu in)	4cyl	SOHC 8V	Diesel	90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) @4800 rpm	190 N·m (140 lb·ft) @2000 rpm	M41D17	13.0	182 km/h (113 mph)	1994–1998
325td	2,498 cc (2.498 L; 152.4 cu in)	6cyl	SOHC 12V	Diesel	115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) @4800 rpm	222 N·m (164 lb·ft) @2000 rpm 230 N·m (170 lb·ft) @1900 rpm	M51D25 M51D25	12.0	198 km/h (123 mph)	1991–1996 1996–1998
325tds	2,498 cc (2.498 L; 152.4 cu in)	6cyl	SOHC 12V	Diesel	143 PS (105 kW; 141 hp) @4800 rpm 143 PS (105 kW; 141 hp) @4600 rpm	260 N·m (190 lb·ft) @2200 rpm 280 N·m (210 lb·ft) @2200 rpm	M51D25 M51D25	9.9	214 km/h (133 mph)	1993–1996 1996–1998

Coupes

Name	Volume	Engine	Valvetrain	Fuel	Output	Torque	Engine code	0–100 km/h,s	Top speed	Years
316i	1,596 cc (1.596 L; 97.4 cu in)	4cyl	SOHC 8V	Petrol	102 PS (75 kW; 101 hp) @5500 rpm	150 N·m (110 lb·ft) @3900 rpm	M43B16	12.7	195 km/h (121 mph)	1993–1999
318is	1,796 cc (1.796 L; 109.6 cu in) 1,895 cc (1.895 L; 115.6 cu in)	4cyl	DOHC 16V	Petrol	140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) @6000 rpm	175 N·m (129 lb·ft) @4500 rpm 180 N·m (130 lb·ft) @4300 rpm	M42B18 M44B19	10.1	215 km/h (134 mph)	1992–1996 1996–1999
320i	1,991 cc (1.991 L; 121.5 cu in)	6cyl	DOHC 24V	Petrol	150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) @5900 rpm	190 N·m (140 lb·ft) @4700 rpm 190 N·m (140 lb·ft) @4200 rpm	M50B20 M52B20	9.9 9.8	218 km/h (135 mph)	1992–1993 1993–1999
323i	2,494 cc (2.494 L; 152.2 cu in)	6cyl	DOHC 24V	Petrol	170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) @5500 rpm	245 N·m (181 lb·ft) @3950 rpm	M52B25	7.9	232 km/h (144 mph)	1995–1999
325i	2,494 cc (2.494 L; 152.2 cu in)	6cyl	DOHC 24V	Petrol	192 PS (141 kW; 189 hp) @5900 rpm	245 N·m (181 lb·ft) @4200 rpm	M50B25	7.5	235 km/h (146 mph)	1992–1995
328i	2,793 cc (2.793 L; 170.4 cu in)	6cyl	DOHC 24V	Petrol	193 PS (142 kW; 190 hp) @5300 rpm	280 N·m (210 lb·ft) @3950 rpm	M52B28	6.7	240 km/h (150 mph)	1995–1999
M3	2,990 cc (2.99 L; 182 cu in) 3,201 cc (3.201 L; 195.3 cu in)	6cyl	DOHC 24V	Petrol	290 PS (213 kW; 286 hp) @7000 rpm 321 PS (236 kW; 317 hp) @7400 rpm	323 N·m (238 lb·ft) @3900 rpm 350 N·m (260 lb·ft) @3250 rpm	S50B30 S50B32	5.6 5.4	250 km/h (155 mph) (limited)	1993–1995 1995–1999

Convertibles (Cabriolets)

Name	Volume	Engine	Valvetrain	Fuel	Output	Torque	Engine code	0–100 km/h,s	Top speed	Years
318i	1,796 cc (1.796 L; 109.6 cu in)	4cyl	SOHC 8V	Petrol	115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) @5500 rpm	168 N·m (124 lb·ft) @3900 rpm	M43B18	11.5	194 km/h (121 mph)	1994–1998
320i	1,991 cc (1.991 L; 121.5 cu in)	6cyl	DOHC 24V	Petrol	150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) @5900 rpm	190 N·m (140 lb·ft) @4700 rpm	M50B20	10.6	211 km/h (131 mph)	1993–1996
323i	2,494 cc (2.494 L; 152.2 cu in)	6cyl	DOHC 24V	Petrol	170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) @5900 rpm	245 N·m (181 lb·ft) @3950 rpm	M52B25	9.6	211 km/h (131 mph)	1994–1999
325i	2,494 cc (2.494 L; 152.2 cu in)	6cyl	DOHC 24V	Petrol	192 PS (141 kW; 189 hp) @5900 rpm	245 N·m (181 lb·ft) @4200 rpm	M50B25	8.6	229 km/h (142 mph)	1993–1995
328i	2,793 cc (2.793 L; 170.4 cu in)	6cyl	DOHC 24V	Petrol	193 PS (142 kW; 190 hp) @5300 rpm	280 N·m (210 lb·ft) @3950 rpm	M52B28	7.7	230 km/h (140 mph)	1995–1999
M3	2,990 cc (2.99 L; 182 cu in) 3,201 cc (3.201 L; 195.3 cu in)	6cyl	DOHC 24V	Petrol	290 PS (213 kW; 286 hp) @7000 rpm 321 PS (236 kW; 317 hp) @7400 rpm	323 N·m (238 lb·ft) @3900 rpm 350 N·m (260 lb·ft) @3250 rpm	S50B30 S50B32	5.6 5.4	250 km/h (155 mph) (limited)	1993–1995 1995–1999

Touring (Wagons)

Name	Volume	Engine	Valvetrain	Fuel	Output	Torque	Engine code	0–100 km/h,s	Top speed	Years
316i	1,596 cc (1.596 L; 97.4 cu in)	4cyl	SOHC 8V	Petrol	102 PS (75 kW; 101 hp) @5500 rpm	150 N·m (110 lb·ft) @3900 rpm	M43B16	13.2	191 km/h (119 mph)	1997–1999
318i	1,796 cc (1.796 L; 109.6 cu in)	4cyl	SOHC 8V	Petrol	115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) @5500 rpm	168 N·m (124 lb·ft) @3900 rpm	M43B18	11.7	197 km/h (122 mph)	1995–1999
320i	1,991 cc (1.991 L; 121.5 cu in)	6cyl	DOHC 24V	Petrol	150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) @5900 rpm	190 N·m (140 lb·ft) @4200 rpm	M52B20	10.2	212 km/h (132 mph)	1995–1999
323i	2,494 cc (2.494 L; 152.2 cu in)	6cyl	DOHC 24V	Petrol	170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) @5500 rpm	245 N·m (181 lb·ft) @3950 rpm	M52B25	8.3	232 km/h (144 mph)	1996–1999
328i	2,793 cc (2.793 L; 170.4 cu in)	6cyl	DOHC 24V	Petrol	193 PS (142 kW; 190 hp) @5300 rpm	280 N·m (210 lb·ft) @3950 rpm	M52B28	7.0	240 km/h (150 mph)	1995–1999
318tds	1,665 cc (1.665 L; 101.6 cu in)	4cyl	SOHC 8V	Diesel	90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) @4800 rpm	190 N·m (140 lb·ft) @2000 rpm	M41D17	14.5	179 km/h (111 mph)	1995–1999
325tds	2,498 cc (2.498 L; 152.4 cu in)	6cyl	SOHC 12V	Diesel	143 PS (105 kW; 141 hp) @4800 rpm	260 N·m (190 lb·ft) @2200 rpm	M51D25	10.5	206 km/h (128 mph)	1995–1996
325tds	2,498 cc (2.498 L; 152.4 cu in)	6cyl	SOHC 12V	Diesel	143 PS (105 kW; 141 hp) @4600 rpm	280 N·m (210 lb·ft) @2200 rpm	M51D25	10.5	206 km/h (128 mph)	1996–1999

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.

Malaysia

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

US/Canada models

An E36 in service with the Georgia State Patrol.

318i, 318is, 318ic (1992–1995) M42B18
318ti (1994–1996) M42B18
318i, 318ti (1996–1998) M44B19
320i (1993-1995) M50TUB20 (Canada only)
323i (1996–1998) M52B25
323is, 323ic (1996–1999) M52B25
325i, 325is, 325ic (1992) M50B25
325i, 325is, 325ic (1993–1995) M50TUB25
328i (1996–1998) M52B28
328is, 328ic (1996–1999) M52B28
M3 (1995-1999 coupe, 1997-1998 sedan, 1998-1999 convertible) S50 (1995) and S52 (1996–1999)

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.

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 3.2L powerplant.^[7]^[8]

Other platform applications

316 Coupe 1.6 L engine

BMW made an entry level version of the E36 called the BMW 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 US sales of the E36/5 Compact, the E46 Compact was not sold in the United States.

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

Even though the BMW factory was producing its own E36 convertibles, the Baur "Top Cabriolet" conversion was still available, possibly out of respect for the long association of the two firms.

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.^[9]^[10]

Sales

Sales figures for the 3 Series coupes, saloons, and convertibles were at all times high in North America and Europe.

Gallery

1991–1996 BMW 318i saloon (Australia)
1996–1998 BMW 323i saloon (Australia)
BMW E36 Wagon
BMW 3-Series convertible E36 (US)
1995–1996 BMW 328i convertible (Australia)
1996 BMW M3 coupé
BMW M3 saloon
E36 3-Series sedan (US)
Baur Convertible
318ti Compact
1999 E36 328iS coupé

References

↑ http://www.motor-talk.de/blogs/italeri1947-hans-hitparade-von-autos-die-keiner-wollte/bmw-3er-e36-1990-2000-t3656543.html
↑ http://books.google.com/books?id=3LAr-jjuzj8C&pg=PA185&dq=bmw+1990+1991+3-series&hl=en&sa=X&ei=S1CLUZyaKobV0QGitICwDQ&ved=0CEUQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=bmw%201990%201991%203-series&f=false
↑ "Bmw. Bmw In Egypt". Car-cat.com. Retrieved 2010-05-12.
↑ http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=es&u=http://www.forocoches.com/foro/showthread.php%3Ft%3D1753960&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dbmw%2Bboyke%2Bboyer%2B1988%2Be36%2B-concept%26start%3D10%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26biw%3D1600%26bih%3D756&sa=X&ei=iflYUevMBdDw0QHijIG4Cw&ved=0CDEQ7gEwADgK
↑ http://www.bmwarchiv.de/e-code/e36.html
↑ "The Best-Handling Car for More than $30,000" (PDF). Retrieved 1997-09-01. Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
↑ "Hemmings".
↑ "MTechnic".
↑ Roy McNeill, Copyright BMW World 1999-2005. "BMW World - Nürburgring 24 Hours". Usautoparts.net. Retrieved 2010-02-12.
↑ "BMW motorsport press release". Retrieved 2010-10-03.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to BMW E36.

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Type	Series	1980s										1990s										2000s										2010s
Type	Series	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6
Compact	1 Series																												E82 / E88
	1 Series																									E81 / E87							F20 / F21
	2 Series																																			F22 / F23
	2 Series																																			F45
	3 Compact															E36/5						E46/5
Compact executive	3 Series	E21				E30							E36								E46							E90 / E91 / E92 / E93						F30 / F31 / F35
Compact executive	4 Series																																			F32 / F33 / F36
Executive	5 Series	E12	E28							E34							E39								E60 / E61							F10 / F11
Luxury	6 Series	E24																								E63 / E64							F06 / F12 / F13
Luxury	7 Series	E23							E32								E38							E65 / E66 / E67 / E68							F01 / F02 / F03 / F04
GT	8 Series										E31
Roadster	Z Series									E30 (Z1)								E36/7 & E36/8 (Z3)							E85 / E86 (Z4)						E89 (Z4)
M	1 Series M																																E82 M
	M3							E30 M3						E36 M3									E46 M3						E90/92/93 M3							F80
	M4																																			F82 / F83
	M5						E28 M5				E34 M5										E39 M5						E60/61 M5							F10 M5
	M6				E24 M635CSi/M6																						E63/64 M6							F06/12/13 M6
	M Roadster																			E36/7 (Z3) M								E85 (Z4) M
	M Coupé																			E36/8 M Coupé								E86 M Coupé
Sports car		E26 (M1)																				E52 (Z8)
SAV	X1																														E84
	X3																									E83							F25
	X4																																			F26
	X5																					E53							E70							F15
	X6																													E71 / E72						F16
PAV	3 GT																																		F34
PAV	5 GT																															F07
i	i3																																		I01
i	i8																																			I12