BMW 3 Series (E36)

BMW 3 Series (E36)
Overview
Manufacturer	BMW
Production	August 1990–2000[1]
Assembly	Munich, Germany Toluca, Mexico Cairo, Egypt[2] Greer, South Carolina, USA
Designer	Darrin boyer (1987) Joji Nagashima (1988)
Body and chassis
Class	Compact executive car (D)
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: 1.6-1.9 L 4-cyl 2.0-2.8 L 6-cyl Diesel Engines: 1.7 L 4-cyl turbo 2.5 L 6-cyl turbo
Transmission	5-speed manual 6-speed manual 4-speed automatic 5-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,700 mm (106 in)
Length	4,432 mm (174 in)- except hatchback 4,209 mm (166 in)- hatchback only
Width	1,697 mm (67 in)- except convertible 1,709 mm (67 in)- convertible only
Height	sedan and hatchback: 1,392 mm (55 in) coupe: 1,367 mm (54 in) convertible: 1,349 mm (53 in)
Chronology
Predecessor	BMW E30
Successor	BMW E46

The BMW E36 is a compact executive car which was produced by BMW from 1990 to 1999. It was introduced in October 1990 in the 4-door sedan body style. The model range was later expanded to include the coupe, convertible, station wagon ("Touring") and hatchback ("Compact"). The BMW E46 replaced the E36 sedans in 1998, however the E36 coupe and station wagon models remained in production until 1999, the convertible models remained in production until 2000 and the hatchback models remained in production until 2001.

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. Even though the BMW factory was producing its own E36 convertibles, the Baur "Top Cabriolet" conversion was also available.

The E36 was a successful model which laid strong foundations for the BMW E46's success in subsequent years.^[3] 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). Additionally, the E36 M3 was named Car and Driver's best handling car for over $30k in 1997.^[4]

Development process

Development began in July 1981, with the final design being frozen in 1988.

Design

The body styling is sometimes referred to as the "dolphin shape".

All E36 saloons, coupes, and estates employed the "Z-axle" multilink suspension in the rear which had been proven 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.

Engines

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.

Models

Four-cylinder petrol

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

Six-cylinder petrol

Initially, the M50 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.

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 exhaust camshaft.

* Electronic speed limiter

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 4-cylinder turbocharged and intercooled M41 engine became available for the sedan, hatchback and wagon models.

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.

Malaysia

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

USA/Canada

1999 328iS coupe

• 318i, 318is, 318ic (1992–1995)
• 318ti (1994–1996)
• 318i, 318ti (1996–1998)
• 320i Canada only (1993-1995)
• 323i (1996–1998)
• 323is, 323ic (1996–1999)
• 325i, 325is, 325ic (1992)
• 325i, 325is, 325ic (1993–1995)
• 328i (1996–1998)
• 328is, 328ic (1996–1999)
• M3 (1995-1999 coupe, 1997-1998 sedan, 1998-1999 convertible) USA-specific M3 engines: S50B30US (1995) and S52B32 (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 3.0L powerplant.^[5][6]

E36/5 3 Series Compact

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.

E36/7 Z3 Roadster and E36/8 Z3 Coupe

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 Z3 Coupe was designed as E36/8.

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.^[7][8]

Gallery

• 

  1991–1996 BMW 318i saloon (Australia)

• 

  1996–1998 BMW 323i saloon (Australia)

• 

  BMW E36 Wagon

• 

  1995 BMW 328i convertible (Australia)

• 

  1995 BMW 328i convertible (Australia)

• 

  1996 BMW M3 coupé

• 

  BMW M3 saloon

• 

  E36 3-Series sedan (US)

• 

  Baur Convertible

• 

  316i Compact

• 

  318ti Compact

• 

  1999 E36 328iS coupé

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to BMW E36.