BMW 3 Series (E36)

BMW 3 Series (E36)
Overview
Manufacturer BMW
Production August 1990–2000[1]
Model years 1992-1999
Assembly Munich, Germany
Toluca, Mexico
Cairo, Egypt[2]
Greer, South Carolina, USA
Designer Boyke Boyer[3] (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
2.0-3.2 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.[4] 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.[5]

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.

Name,
Years 		Power Torque Engine 0–100 km/h Top speed Body styles Notes
316i
1990-1993		 74 kW (99 hp)
@5500 rpm 		141 N·m (104 lb·ft)
@4250 rpm 		M40B16 12.9 191 km/h (119 mph) sedan
316i
1993-1999		 75 kW (101 hp)
@5500 rpm		 150 N·m (110 lb·ft)
@3900 rpm		 M43B16 12.7195 km/h (121 mph) sedan
coupe
hatchback
wagon
316i
1999-2000		 76 kW (102 hp)
@5300 rpm		 165 N·m (122 lb·ft)
@2500 rpm		 M43TUB19 11.9190 km/h (120 mph) hatchback
318i
1990-1993		 83 kW (111 hp)
@5500 rpm 		162 N·m (119 lb·ft)
@4250 rpm 		M40B18 11.2 198 km/h (123 mph) sedan Sold as 316i in South Africa
318i
1993-1998		 85 kW (114 hp)
@5500 rpm		 168 N·m (124 lb·ft)
@3900 rpm		 M43B18 11.0 208 km/h (129 mph) sedan
convertible
wagon
318is
1992-1996		 103 kW (138 hp)
@6000 rpm 		175 N·m (129 lb·ft)
@4500 rpm 		M42B18 9.9 215 km/h (134 mph) sedan
coupe
hatchback		 Hatchback version called "318ti"
318is
1996-2000		 103 kW (138 hp)
@6000 rpm 		180 N·m (130 lb·ft)
@4300 rpm 		M44B19 9.9 215 km/h (134 mph) sedan
coupe		 Hatchback version called "318ti"

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.

Name,
Years 		Power Torque Engine 0–100 km/h Top speed Body styles Notes
320i
1991-1994 		110 kW (148 hp)
@5900 rpm 		190 N·m (140 lb·ft)
@4700 rpm 		M50B20 9.8 221 km/h (137 mph) sedan
coupe
convertible
320i
1994-1998 		110 kW (148 hp)
@5900 rpm 		190 N·m (140 lb·ft)
@4200 rpm 		M52B20 9.8 221 km/h (137 mph) sedan
coupe
convertible
wagon
323i
1995-1998 		125 kW (168 hp)
@5500 rpm 		245 N·m (181 lb·ft)
@3950 rpm 		M52B258.2232 km/h (144 mph) sedan
coupe
convertible
wagon
hatchback		 Hatchback version called "323ti"
323ti
1999-2001 		125 kW (168 hp)
@5500 rpm 		245 N·m (181 lb·ft)
@3900 rpm 		M52B258.2232 km/h (144 mph) hatchback
325i
1991-1993 		141 kW (189 hp)
@5900 rpm 		245 N·m (181 lb·ft)
@4700 rpm 		M50B25 7.5235 km/h (146 mph) sedan
325i
1993-1995 		141 kW (189 hp)
@5900 rpm 		245 N·m (181 lb·ft)
@4200 rpm 		M50B25TU 7.5235 km/h (146 mph) sedan
coupe
convertible
328i
1995-1998 		142 kW (190 hp)
@5500 rpm 		280 N·m (210 lb·ft)
@3950 rpm 		M52B287.0240 km/h (150 mph) sedan
coupe
convertible
wagon
M3
1992-1995 		213 kW (286 hp)
@7000 rpm 		320 N·m (240 lb·ft)
@3600 rpm 		S50B30 5.6 250 km/h (160 mph)* sedan
coupe
convertible		US-spec here
M3
1995-1998		 236 kW (316 hp)
@7400 rpm 		350 N·m (260 lb·ft)
@3250 rpm 		S50B32 5.4 250 km/h (160 mph)* sedan
coupe
convertible		US-spec here

* 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.

Name,
Years 		Power Torque Engine 0–100 km/h Top speed Body styles Notes
318tds
1994-1998		 66 kW (89 hp)
@4800 rpm 		190 N·m (140 lb·ft)
@2000 rpm 		M41D1713.0182 km/h (113 mph) sedan
coupe
compact
wagon
325td
1991-1996		 85 kW (114 hp)
@4800 rpm 		222 N·m (164 lb·ft)
@2000 rpm 		M51D25UL 12.0198 km/h (123 mph) sedan
325td
1996-1998		 85 kW (114 hp)
@4800 rpm 		230 N·m (170 lb·ft)
@1900 rpm		 M51D25TUUL12.0198 km/h (123 mph) sedan
325tds
1993-1996		 105 kW (141 hp)
@4800 rpm 		260 N·m (190 lb·ft)
@2200 rpm 		M51D25OL 9.9214 km/h (133 mph) sedan
touring
325tds
1996-1998		 105 kW (141 hp)
@4600 rpm 		280 N·m (210 lb·ft)
@2200 rpm 		M51D25TUOL9.9214 km/h (133 mph) sedan
touring

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

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.[6][7]

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.[8][9]

Gallery

References

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