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BMW 3 Series (E36)

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BMW 3 Series (E36)
Overview
ManufacturerBMW
Model codeE36
Production1990–2000
Model years1992–1998 (North America)
Assembly
DesignerClaus Luthe, Pinky Lai, Boyke Boyer
Body and chassis
ClassCompact executive car (D)
Body style
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Related
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,700 mm (106.3 in)
Length4,433 mm (174.5 in)[3]
Width1,710 mm (67.3 in)[3]
Height1,366–1,390 mm (53.8–54.7 in)[3]
Curb weight1,175–1,635 kg (2,590–3,605 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorBMW 3 Series (E30)
SuccessorBMW 3 Series (E46)

The third generation of the BMW 3 Series range of compact executive cars is designated under the model code E36, and was produced by the German automaker BMW from 1990 to 2000. The initial models were of the four-door saloon body style, followed by the coupé, convertible, wagon ("Touring"), and eventually hatchback ("Compact").

The E36 was the first 3 Series to be offered in a hatchback body style. It was also the first 3 Series to be available with a six-speed manual transmission (in the 1996 M3), a five-speed automatic transmission, and a four-cylinder diesel engine. The multi-link rear suspension was also a significant upgrade as compared to the previous generations of the 3 Series. All-wheel drive was not available for the E36, unlike the previous (E30) and successive (E46) generations.

The E36 was named in Car and Driver magazine's 10Best list for every year it was on sale.[4]

Following the introduction of its successor, the E46 3 Series in 1998, the E36 began to be phased out and was eventually replaced in 1999.

Development and launch

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Development of the E36 began in 1981[5] and the exterior design was heavily influenced by aerodynamics, specifically the overall wedge shape, headlight covers and smaller wing mirrors.[6] The lead designers were Pinky Lai[7] and Boyke Boyer.[8][9]

The production version of the E36 was launched in October 1990, with press release in November and market launch in early 1991.[10] The Touring (E36/3) did not go on sale until March 1995, with the Touring version of the previous generation having remained on sale until April 1994 alongside the E36 saloons and coupés.[11] At first, the Touring was only offered in 320i and 328i versions; in July 1995 the 318 tds Touring arrived, followed by the 318i in September.[11]

Body styles

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The body styles of the range are:

  • E36 saloon
    E36 saloon
  • E36 coupe
    E36 coupe
  • E36 convertible
    E36 convertible
  • E36 Baur Top Cabriolet
    E36 Baur Top Cabriolet
  • E36 Touring
    E36 Touring
  • E36 Compact
    E36 Compact

Design

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All models are rear-wheel drive since the E36 was not produced with all-wheel drive (unlike its predecessor and successor). The E36 chassis was all new, using the "Z-axle" multilink suspension proven in the 1989 BMW Z1, and designed with rear toe-in to minimize the oversteering characteristics of the preceding generation.[18] Unlike the other body styles, the hatchback (known as the "E36/5" or "BMW Compact") used a rear semi-trailing arm suspension based on the older E30 instead, in order to save space due to its truncated rear end.

Interior

The E36 was produced with the following transmissions:

  • 5-speed manual (1996-1999 M3 U.S) ZF S5D320Z
  • 5-speed manual (1994-1995 M3) ZF S5D310Z
  • 6-speed manual (1996-1999 M3- except for the United States) Getrag 420g
  • 4-speed automatic
  • 5-speed automatic

Available safety equipment included a driver's airbag, passenger airbag (from 1993 production) and side impact airbags in later models,[19] ABS braking and stability control ("ASC +T").[20] The dashboard was designed to accommodate the passenger side airbag from the beginning, which limited the size of the glove compartment.[21] Available in the Saloon and Touring, a rear seat with two integrated children's booster seats was a first for BMW.[11]

Electronic climate control was also available on the E36. In North America, cars equipped with the "Winter Package" also have heated seats and side mirrors.

Engines

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Petrol

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The four-cylinder petrol engines used in the E36 range were initially engines carried over from the previous generation 3 Series: the BMW M40 SOHC engine and the BMW M42 DOHC engine. In 1993, the M40 was replaced by the BMW M43 SOHC engine and the M42 was replaced in 1996 by the BMW M44 DOHC engine. To retain a 50/50 weight distribution (on petrol models), versions fitted with the heavier, six-cylinder engines had the battery relocated to the trunk.[22]

For the six-cylinder models, the E36 was launched with the then-new BMW M50 DOHC petrol engine. In late 1992 the M50TU versions added single-VANOS (variable valve timing), which increased torque (peak power was unchanged). In 1995, the BMW M52 engine replaced the M50TU, resulting in the 328i model replacing the 325i and the addition of a new mid-range 323i model (powered by a 2.5 litre version of the M52).

In 1992, the 3.0 L BMW S50 engine debuted in the E36 M3. In 1995, its capacity was increased to 3.2 L.[23]

Model Years Engine Power Torque Notes
316i 1990–1994 M40B16 4-cylinder 1.6 L (1,596 cc) 73 kW (100 hp) at 5,500 rpm 141 N⋅m (104 lb⋅ft) at 4,250 rpm
1993–1999 M43B16 4-cylinder 75 kW (102 hp) at 5,500 rpm 150 N⋅m (111 lb⋅ft) at 3,900 rpm
318i 1990–1993* M40B18 4-cylinder 1.8 L (1,796 cc) 83 kW (113 hp) at 5,500 rpm 162 N⋅m (119 lb⋅ft) at 4,250 rpm 316i in South Africa
1993–1998 M43B18 4-cylinder 85 kW (115 hp) at 5,500 rpm 168 N⋅m (124 lb⋅ft) at 3,900 rpm
318is 1992–1995 M42B18 4-cylinder 103 kW (140 hp) at 6,000 rpm 175 N⋅m (129 lb⋅ft) at 4,500 rpm 318i in North America
1996–1998 M44B19 4-cylinder 1.9 L (1,895 cc) 181 N⋅m (133 lb⋅ft) at 4,300 rpm
320i 1991–1993 M50B20 6-cylinder 2.0 L (1,991 cc) 110 kW (150 hp) at 5,900 rpm 190 N⋅m (140 lb⋅ft) at 4,700 rpm
1993–1998 M52B20 6-cylinder 190 N⋅m (140 lb⋅ft) at 4,200 rpm
323i 1995–1998 M52B25 6-cylinder 2.5 L (2,494 cc) 125 kW (170 hp) at 5,500 rpm[24] 245 N⋅m (181 lb⋅ft) at 3,950 rpm
325i 1991–1992 M50B25 6-cylinder 141 kW (192 hp) at 5,900 rpm 245 N⋅m (181 lb⋅ft) at 4,700 rpm
1993–1995 M50B25TÜ 6-cylinder 245 N⋅m (181 lb⋅ft) at 4,200 rpm Coupé sold as 325is in US
328i 1995–1998 M52B28 6-cylinder 2.8 L (2,793 cc) 142 kW (193 hp) at 5,500 rpm 280 N⋅m (207 lb⋅ft) at 3,950 rpm Coupé sold as 328is in US
M3 1992–1995 S50B30 6-cylinder 3.0 L (2,990 cc) 210 kW (286 hp) at 7,000 rpm 320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft) at 3,600 rpm Euro-spec
1995–1998 S50B32 6-cylinder 3.2 L (3,201 cc) 236 kW (321 hp) at 7,400 rpm 350 N⋅m (258 lb⋅ft) at 3,250 rpm
M3 1995 S50B30US 6-cylinder 3.0 L (2,990 cc) 179 kW (240 hp) at 6,000 rpm 305 N⋅m (225 lb⋅ft) at 4,250 rpm US-spec
1996–1999 S52B32 6-cylinder 3.2 L (3,152 cc) 320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft) at 3,800 rpm

Diesel

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Model Years Engine Power Torque
318tds 1994–2000 M41D17 4-cylinder 1.7 L (1,665 cc) 66 kW (90 hp) at 4,400 rpm 190 N⋅m (140 lb⋅ft) at 1,900 rpm
325td 1991–1996 M51D25 UL 6-cylinder 2.5 L (2,497 cc) 85 kW (115 hp) at 4,400 rpm 222 N⋅m (164 lb⋅ft) at 2,000 rpm
1996–1998 M51D25TÜ UL 6-cylinder 85 kW (115 hp) at 4,800 rpm 230 N⋅m (170 lb⋅ft) at 2,000 rpm
325tds 1993–1996 M51D25 OL 6-cylinder 105 kW (143 hp) at 4,800 rpm 260 N⋅m (192 lb⋅ft) at 2,200 rpm
1996–1998 M51D25TÜ OL 6-cylinder 105 kW (143 hp) at 4,600 rpm 280 N⋅m (207 lb⋅ft) at 2,200 rpm

Initially, the turbocharged straight-six BMW M51 engine was used in the E36 325td model. In 1993, the 325tds model was released, which added an intercooler to the M51. In 1994, the 318tds model was introduced, powered by the four-cylinder BMW M41 turbocharged and intercooled engine. Diesel engines were only available in saloon, touring and compact body styles. The coupe and convertible only had petrol engines.

M3 model

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Main article: BMW M3 (E36)
M3 coupe

The E36 M3 was launched in 1992 and was powered by the BMW S50 and BMW S52 straight-six engines rather than the four-cylinder units used in the E30. Unlike the predecessor, it was no longer a homologation special and was not developed expressly with competition in mind. It was produced in coupé, saloon, and convertible body styles.

Alpina models

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Alpina B3 3.2

E36-based Alpina production began in 1991 with the release of the Alpina B6 2.8/2, with an upgraded M50-derived engine.[25] A Japanese market exclusive B6 2.8/2 wagon was produced between 1996 and 1998.[26]

In 1993, the 2.8/2 was replaced by the B6 3.0, following the introduction of the 3 litre S50 engine that was used in the new M3 models. Alpina models were now offered in convertible and touring form as well, rather than just in coupe and saloon models. Again in 1996, Alpina introduced the B3 3.2, following the S50 engine's upgrade to 3.2 litres. With the new 3.2 models, Alpinas were now based on the 328i and its 2.8L engine, rather than 325i models.[27]

Alpina B3 3.2

In 1995, the B8 was released. The B8 4.6 was based on the 4 litre V8 from the E34 5-series, put in to a 328i-based shell. BMW V8s had coated bores which meant new blocks had to be cast by BMW specifically for Alpina V8s. [28] Fitting the V8 into the engine bay required numerous adjustments to both the body and engine parts; and even then, it was still a tight fit. The B8 4.6 produced a claimed 333 horsepower and 470 Nm of torque. Production of the B8 4.6 ended in late 1998.

For a short time, Alpina produced the B8 4.0, making 313 horsepower and 410 Nm of torque. Only an estimated 5 models are known to exist, and they were all sold in Japan.

All Alpina models featured Alpina's distinctive 20 spoke rims, as well as optional striping. Alpina models also had special aerodynamic pieces, including an Alpina-branded front lip and rear spoiler. Changes to the interior were also present in Alpina models, including new blue instrument panels, wooden trim, new seats and steering wheel.

The 4.6L Alpina B8 engine.

E36/5 Compact

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Main article: BMW 3 Series Compact
3 Series Compact

The 3 Series Compact range of three-door hatchback models was introduced in 1993, based on a shortened version of the E36 platform. The model code for the hatchback body style is "E36/5" and the model range consisted of 316i, 316g, 318ti, 323ti, and 318tds.

Z3 Roadster/Coupé

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Main article: BMW Z3
2002 BMW Z3 3.0i

A modified version of the E36 platform was used for the 1996-2002 Z3 roadster (model code E36/7) and coupé (model code E36/8).

North American model range

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The North American model range consisted of the models listed below. The 318i models were powered by the BMW M42 engine until 1995, and later the BMW M44 engine which was used in the 318is model sold in other countries. In North America, the "is" suffix was applied to the coupés.

Saloon Coupé Convertible Compact
318i 1992–1998[a] 1992–1997[b] (318is) 1994–1997 1995–1999
320i 1993–1995[c]
323i 1998–1999 (323is) 1998–1999
325i 1992–1995 1992–1995 (325is) 1994-1995
328i 1996–1998 1996–1999 (328is) 1996–1999
M3 1997–1998 1994–1999[d] 1998–1999[e]
  1. ^ Canada 1993-1998.
  2. ^ Canada only for 1999 model year.
  3. ^ Canada only
  4. ^ Canada only for the 1994 model year. US only for 1995 and 1996 model years.
  5. ^ US only

European model range

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The European model range had more variety than the North American and included diesel engines and the station wagon "Touring" body styles. The European market range had more low-range models than the North American, for example, the 316i and 318i had 8-valve SOHC engines. The M3 was also more expensive and had more horsepower than the North American version.

Saloon Coupé Convertible Touring Compact
Petrol
316i 1990-1998 1993-1999 1996-1999 1993-2000
316g[a] 1995-2000
318i 1990-1998 1993-1999 1995-1999
318is 1993-1998 1991-1999
318ti 1994-2000
320i 1990-1998 1991-1998 1992-1999 1994-1999
323i 1995-1998 1995-1999 1995-1999 1995-1999
323ti 1997-2000
325i 1990-1995 1990-1995 1992-1995
328i 1995-1998 1994-1999 1994-1999 1994-1999
M3 3.0 1994-1995 1992-1995 1993-1995
M3 3.2 1995-1997 1995-1998 1995-1999
Diesel
318tds 1994-1998 1994-1999 1994-2000
325td 1991-1998
325tds 1993-1998 1994-1999
  1. ^ Bivalent drive: The 316g can run either on gasoline or compressed natural gas (CNG).

Production

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The E36 was produced in Munich, Germany; Regensburg, Germany; Rosslyn, South Africa; and Spartanburg County, South Carolina, United States.

Local assembly of complete knock-down (CKD) kits was used for cars sold in Uruguay[29] (until 1991), Egypt, Mexico, and Thailand.[30][31][32] The E36 was also built as CKD kits in the Philippines starting from 1994 up until 1997, where production halted due to the 1997 Asian financial crisis.

Motorsports

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A field of multiple 318is competitors, representing Polish BMW 318is Cup at the 2023 Grand Prix of Slovakia.

Joachim Winkelhock competed in the British Touring Car Championship with the 318i and 320i from 1993 to 1995, winning the title in 1993. In the same year, Johnny Cecotto won the German ADAC GT Cup driving an E36 M3.[33] Cecotto won the Super Tourenwagen Cup for BMW in 1994 and 1998, while Winkelhock won in 1995. Steve Soper won the Japanese Touring Car Championship in 1995 with a works BMW 318i.

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-engined car for the first time – a BMW E36 320d, aided by its diesel engine requiring fewer fuel stops than rivals.[34][35]

References

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  1. ^ Herdianto, Radityo (30 July 2019). "BMW Seri 3 di Indonesia, Mobil Ikonik yang Punya Masalah Mengerikan di Masa Lalu". GridOto (in Indonesian). Retrieved 21 September 2019.
  2. ^ Automology (28 June 2018). "Cars Made in the Philippines, Really?". Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  3. ^ a b c "The BMW 3 Series Coupés" (PDF). BMW. 1996. Retrieved 19 February 2019.
  4. ^ "1998 10Best Cars - 10Best Cars". January 1998. Retrieved 6 January 2017.
  5. ^ "3 Series - E36 (1990 - 1999)". www.bmwheaven.com. Archived from the original on 7 January 2019. Retrieved 21 December 2017.
  6. ^ "BMW 3 Series history. The third generation (E36)". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 21 December 2017.[dead YouTube link]
  7. ^ "Interview with automotive designer Pinky Lai". www.designboom.com. 19 January 2016. Retrieved 3 January 2017.
  8. ^ "BMW car designers throughout history". www.bmwism.com. Archived from the original on 18 October 2012. Retrieved 3 January 2017.
  9. ^ Caspers, Markus (2017). Designing Motion: Automotive Designers 1890 to 1990. Birkhäuser. p. 79. ISBN 9783035607840. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  10. ^ "1975 The history of the BMW 3 Series". www.topspeed.com. 17 April 2006.
  11. ^ a b c d "Lifestyle-Laster für die linke Spur: Tradition: 30 Jahre BMW 3er Touring". Die Welt. 4 September 2017.
  12. ^ "BMW 3 Series Sedan (E36)". bmw-grouparchiv.de. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
  13. ^ "BMW 3 Series Coupe (E36)". bmw-grouparchiv.de. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
  14. ^ "BMW 3 Series Convertible (E36)". bmw-grouparchiv.de. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
  15. ^ "BMW 3 Series touring (E36)". bmw-grouparchiv.de. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
  16. ^ "BMW 3 Series compact (E36)". bmw-grouparchiv.de. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
  17. ^ "3'E36 Compact 318i model selection". www.realoem.com. Retrieved 1 April 2017.
  18. ^ Söderlind, Alrik (7 February 1991). "Överpris" [Overpriced]. Teknikens Värld (in Swedish). Vol. 43, no. 2. Stockholm, Sweden: Specialtidningsförlaget AB. p. 10.
  19. ^ "1992-98 BMW 325i/328i/323i". 29 May 2014.
  20. ^ "Used BMW 318i review: 1991-1998". www.carsguide.com.au. Retrieved 7 April 2019.
  21. ^ Söderlind 1991, p. 11.
  22. ^ Söderlind 1991, p. 12.
  23. ^ "FAQ E36 M3 3.0". www.bmwmregistry.com. Retrieved 7 April 2019.
  24. ^ Cobb, James G. (12 July 1998). "BEHIND THE WHEEL/BMW 323is; Last Hurrahs for a Star Performer". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 31 October 2016.
  25. ^ "Alpina-Archive - B6 2.8/2". www.alpina-archive.com. Retrieved 11 June 2023.
  26. ^ "1998 BMW Alpina B6 2.8 Touring". www.collectingcars.com. Retrieved 11 June 2023.
  27. ^ "BMW 3 Series E36". www.alpina-automobiles.com. Retrieved 11 June 2023.
  28. ^ "Alpina Archive - B8 4.6". www.alpina-archive.com. Retrieved 11 June 2023.
  29. ^ "Uruguay". e12.de. Retrieved 15 May 2019.
  30. ^ Jacobs, A. J. (2015). The New Domestic Automakers in the United States and Canada: History, Impacts, and Prospects. Lexington Books. p. 259. ISBN 9780739188262. Retrieved 24 December 2017.
  31. ^ "BAMC Profile". www.bag-eg.com. Archived from the original on 22 August 2010.
  32. ^ "SKD-Standort Mexiko". bmw-grouparchiv.de. Retrieved 11 May 2019.
  33. ^ "DriverDatabase". www.driverdb.com.
  34. ^ "BMW World - Nürburgring 24 Hours". www.usautoparts.net. Archived from the original on 11 April 2011.
  35. ^ "BMW motorsport press release". www.bmwsport.net. Archived from the original on 23 July 2011.
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