BMW 3 Series (E36)

BMW E36
328i Coupé
Overview
Manufacturer	BMW
Production	1990–2000
Body and chassis
Class	Entry-level luxury car / Compact executive car
Body style	2-door coupé 2-door convertible 3-door hatchback 4-door sedan 5-door station wagon
Platform	FR layout
Related	BMW M3 BMW Z3
Powertrain
Engine	Petrol Engines: 1.6L I4 1.8L I4 1.8L I4 16 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 4-speed automatic 5-speed automatic
Chronology
Predecessor	BMW E30
Successor	BMW E46

1998 E36 328i Coupé

1996 M3 Coupé

1994-1996 BMW E36 convertible (US)

1997-1999 BMW 323i convertible (North America)

E36 Wagon

318ti Compact

File:GASPBMW.JPG

Georgia State Patrol 318i

E36 3-Series sedan (US)

The E36 automobile platform was the basis for the 1991-2000 BMW 3 Series entry-level luxury car / compact executive car. It was the successor to the BMW E30 and was eventually replaced by the BMW E46 in 1999. The 4 door models were discontinued for 1999. Replacing it was the all-new E46. The 2 door E36 was still made for the 1999 year. So in 1999 you could only choose between a 2 door E36 and a 4 door E46. In 2000, the E36 was officially discontinued. The E36 was introduced in late 1990 (1991 model) for Europe and as a 1992 model for US and Canada.

The E36 experienced enormous success in the market. It laid strong foundations for the success that the BMW E46 experienced in subsequent years.

Also known as the "Dolphin shape", the E36 was sold from 1991 through 1999. It employed the "Z-axle" multilink suspension in the rear which had been proven in the Z1. DOHC engines were used across the range, with VANOS variable valve timing introduced in 1993.

The four-door E36 was sold from Autumn, 1991, in the United States but the E30 coupes were retained until well into 1992. The E36 convertible was delayed until 1994. The hatchback 318ti Compact was introduced in 1995, was very popular in Europe, but it was not very successful in North America. The BMW Compact was identical to the regular E36 sedan from front bumper to A-Pillar. Everything else was unique, namely its rear semi-trailing arm suspension, based on the old E30, instead of the Z-Axle Multilink employed in all other E36's. The Z3 and M Coupe have similar rear suspension setups as well. The "Touring" station wagon was sold in Europe from 1995, but was not offered in the United States.

The 2.5 L M50B25 used in the 325 models was replaced in 1996 with the 2.8 L M52B28, creating the 328 line. Another 2.5 L engine, the M52B25, was reintroduced for 1998 but the cars were sold as 323 rather than 325.

The 4-door 3 Series models were replaced after 1998 in the US, while the 2-door models lasted through 1999.

Non-US 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	Template:Auto cc	4cyl	SOHC 8V	Petrol	Template:Auto PS @5500 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @4250 rpm	M40B16	13.1	Template:Auto kmh	1990–1993
316i	Template:Auto cc	4cyl	SOHC 8V	Petrol	Template:Auto PS @5500 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @3900 rpm	M43B16	12.7	Template:Auto kmh	1993–1998
318i	Template:Auto cc	4cyl	SOHC 8V	Petrol	Template:Auto PS @5500 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @4250 rpm	M40B18	11.5	Template:Auto kmh	1990–1993
318i	Template:Auto cc	4cyl	SOHC 8V	Petrol	Template:Auto PS @5500 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @3900 rpm	M43B18	11.3	Template:Auto kmh	1993–1998
318is	Template:Auto cc	4cyl	DOHC 16V	Petrol	Template:Auto PS @6000 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @4500 rpm	M42B18	10.2	Template:Auto kmh	1992–1996
318is	Template:Auto cc	4cyl	DOHC 16V	Petrol	Template:Auto PS @6000 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @4300 rpm	M44B19	10.2	Template:Auto kmh	1996–1998
320i	Template:Auto cc	6cyl	DOHC 24V	Petrol	Template:Auto PS @5900 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @4700 rpm	M50B20	10.0	Template:Auto kmh	1991–1994
320i	Template:Auto cc	6cyl	DOHC 24V	Petrol	Template:Auto PS @5900 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @4200 rpm	M52B20	9.9	Template:Auto kmh	1994–1998
323i	Template:Auto cc	6cyl	DOHC 24V	Petrol	Template:Auto PS @5500 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @3950 rpm	M52B25	8.0	Template:Auto kmh	1995–1998
325i	Template:Auto cc	6cyl	DOHC 24V	Petrol	Template:Auto PS @5900 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @4700 rpm	M50B25	8.0	Template:Auto kmh	1991–1993
325i	Template:Auto cc	6cyl	DOHC 24V	Petrol	Template:Auto PS @5900 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @4200 rpm	M50B25	8.0	Template:Auto kmh	1993–1995
328i	Template:Auto cc	6cyl	DOHC 24V	Petrol	Template:Auto PS @5300 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @3950 rpm	M52B28	7.0	Template:Auto kmh	1994–1998
M3	Template:Auto cc	6cyl	DOHC 24V	Petrol	Template:Auto PS @7000 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @2600 rpm	S50B30	6.0	Template:Auto kmh	1992–1998
M3	Template:Auto cc	6cyl	DOHC 24V	Petrol	Template:Auto PS @7400 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @3250 rpm	S50B32	5.5	Template:Auto kmh	1995–1998
318tds	Template:Auto cc	4cyl	SOHC 8V	Diesel	Template:Auto PS @4400 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @2000 rpm	M41D17	14.4	Template:Auto kmh	1994–1998
325td	Template:Auto cc	6cyl	SOHC 12V	Diesel	Template:Auto PS @4800 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @1900 rpm	M51D25	12.0	Template:Auto kmh	1991–1996
325td	Template:Auto cc	6cyl	SOHC 12V	Diesel	Template:Auto PS @4800 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @1900 rpm	M51D25	12.0	Template:Auto kmh	1996–1998
325tds	Template:Auto cc	6cyl	SOHC 12V	Diesel	Template:Auto PS @4800 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @2200 rpm	M51D25	10.4	Template:Auto kmh	1993–1996
325tds	Template:Auto cc	6cyl	SOHC 12V	Diesel	Template:Auto PS @4600 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @2200 rpm	M51D25	10.4	Template:Auto kmh	1996–1998

Coupes

Name	Volume	Engine	Valvetrain	Fuel	Output	Torque	Engine code	0-100 km/h,s	Top speed	Years
316i	Template:Auto cc	4cyl	SOHC 8V	Petrol	Template:Auto PS @5500 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @3900 rpm	M43B16	11.3	Template:Auto kmh	1993–1998
318is	Template:Auto cc	4cyl	DOHC 16V	Petrol	Template:Auto PS @6000 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @4500 rpm	M42B18	10.2	Template:Auto kmh	1992–1996
318is	Template:Auto cc	4cyl	DOHC 16V	Petrol	Template:Auto PS @6000 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @4300 rpm	M44B19	10.2	Template:Auto kmh	1996–1999
320i	Template:Auto cc	6cyl	DOHC 24V	Petrol	Template:Auto PS @5900 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @4700 rpm	M50B20	10.0	Template:Auto kmh	1992–1993
320i	Template:Auto cc	6cyl	DOHC 24V	Petrol	Template:Auto PS @5900 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @4700 rpm	M52B20	9.9	Template:Auto kmh	1993–1999
323i	Template:Auto cc	6cyl	DOHC 24V	Petrol	Template:Auto PS @5500 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @3950 rpm	M52B25	8.0	Template:Auto kmh	1995–1999
325is	Template:Auto cc	6cyl	DOHC 24V	Petrol	Template:Auto PS @5900 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @4200 rpm	M50B25	6.9	Template:Auto kmh	1992–1995
328is	Template:Auto cc	6cyl	DOHC 24V	Petrol	Template:Auto PS @5300 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @3950 rpm	M52B28	6.7	Template:Auto kmh	1995–1999
M3	Template:Auto cc	6cyl	DOHC 24V	Petrol	Template:Auto PS @7000 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @3900 rpm	S50B30	6.0	Template:Auto kmh	1993–1995
M3	Template:Auto cc	6cyl	DOHC 24V	Petrol	Template:Auto PS @7400 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @3250 rpm	S50B32	5.5	Template:Auto kmh	1995–1998

Convertibles (Cabriolets)

Name	Volume	Engine	Valvetrain	Fuel	Output	Torque	Engine code	0-100 km/h,s	Top speed	Years
318i	Template:Auto cc	4cyl	SOHC 8V	Petrol	Template:Auto PS @5500 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @3900 rpm	M43B18	10.5	Template:Auto kmh	1994–1998
320i	Template:Auto cc	6cyl	DOHC 24V	Petrol	Template:Auto PS @5900 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @4700 rpm	M50B20	10.6	Template:Auto kmh	1993–1994
320i	Template:Auto cc	6cyl	DOHC 24V	Petrol	Template:Auto PS @5900 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @4200 rpm	M52B20	10.6	Template:Auto kmh	1994–1998
325is	Template:Auto cc	6cyl	DOHC 24V	Petrol	Template:Auto PS @5900 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @4200 rpm	M50B25	8.6	Template:Auto kmh	1993–1995
328is	Template:Auto cc	6cyl	DOHC 24V	Petrol	Template:Auto PS @5300 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @3950 rpm	M52B28	7.7	Template:Auto kmh	1995–1999
M3	Template:Auto cc	6cyl	DOHC 24V	Petrol	Template:Auto PS @7400 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @3250 rpm	S50B32	5.6	Template:Auto kmh	1996–1998

Touring (Wagons)

Name	Volume	Engine	Valvetrain	Fuel	Output	Torque	Engine code	0-100 km/h,s	Top speed	Years
316i	Template:Auto cc	4cyl	SOHC 8V	Petrol	Template:Auto PS @5500 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @3900 rpm	M43B16	13.2	Template:Auto kmh	1997–1999
318i	Template:Auto cc	4cyl	SOHC 8V	Petrol	Template:Auto PS @5500 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @3900 rpm	M43B18	11.7	Template:Auto kmh	1995–1999
320i	Template:Auto cc	6cyl	DOHC 24V	Petrol	Template:Auto PS @5900 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @4200 rpm	M52B20	10.2	Template:Auto kmh	1995–1999
323i	Template:Auto cc	6cyl	DOHC 24V	Petrol	Template:Auto PS @5500 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @3950 rpm	M52B25	8.3	Template:Auto kmh	1996–1999
328i	Template:Auto cc	6cyl	DOHC 24V	Petrol	Template:Auto PS @5300 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @3950 rpm	M52B28	7.4	Template:Auto kmh	1995–1999
318tds	Template:Auto cc	4cyl	SOHC 8V	Diesel	Template:Auto PS @4400 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @2000 rpm	M41D17	14.5	Template:Auto kmh	1995–1999
325tds	Template:Auto cc	6cyl	SOHC 12V	Diesel	Template:Auto PS @4800 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @2200 rpm	M51D25	10.5	Template:Auto kmh	1995–1996
325tds	Template:Auto cc	6cyl	SOHC 12V	Diesel	Template:Auto PS @4600 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @2200 rpm	M51D25	10.5	Template:Auto kmh	1996–1999

Compact

Main article: BMW Compact

Name	Volume	Engine	Valvetrain	Fuel	Output	Torque	Engine code	0-100 km/h,s	Top speed	Years
316i	Template:Auto cc	4cyl	SOHC 8V	Petrol	Template:Auto PS @5500 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @3900 rpm	M43B16	12.3	Template:Auto kmh	1994–1999
316i	Template:Auto cc	4cyl	SOHC 8V	Petrol	Template:Auto PS @5300 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @2500 rpm	M43B19	11.9	Template:Auto kmh	1999–2000
318ti	Template:Auto cc	4cyl	DOHC 16V	Petrol	Template:Auto PS @6000 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @4500 rpm	M42B18	9.9	Template:Auto kmh	1994–1995
318ti	Template:Auto cc	4cyl	DOHC 16V	Petrol	Template:Auto PS @6000 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @4300 rpm	M44B19	9.9	Template:Auto kmh	1995–1998
323ti	Template:Auto cc	6cyl	DOHC 24V	Petrol	Template:Auto PS @5500 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @3950 rpm	M52B25	7.8	Template:Auto kmh	1997–2000
318tds	Template:Auto cc	4cyl	SOHC 8V	Diesel	Template:Auto PS @4400 rpm	Template:Auto Nm @2000 rpm	M41D17	13.9	Template:Auto kmh	1995–2000

US/Canada models

• 318i, 318is, 318ic (1992-1995) M42B18
• 318ti (1994-1996) M42B18
• 318i, 318ti (1996-1998) M44B19
• 320i (1994) M52B20
• 323i, 323is, 323ic (1996-1998) M52B25
• 325i, 325is, 325ic (1992) M50B25
• 325i, 325is, 325ic (1993-1995) M50TUB25
• 328i, 328is, 328ic (1996-1998) M52B28
• M3 (1995-1999 coupe, 1997-1998 sedan, 1998-1999 convertible) S50B30US and S52 (1996-1999)

Other platform applications

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 1.8 L, 139 bhp M44B19 engine and was priced at USD23,000 in 1995. In 1996 the 1.8 liter engine was replaced with 1.9L putting out 138 bhp (103 kW) 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.

Success

Among BMW enthusiasts, the E36 platform is considered one of the best BMW designs of the past 20 years. Sales figures for 3 Series coupes, sedans, and convertibles were at all time highs in North America and Europe. BMW achieved a strong market identity and presence due to the E36's high quality and "really fun to drive" character. The car is however criticised by some for departing from the previous E30 model, which was lighter, smaller, and considered to be more of a pure-bred sports car by enthusiasts.

External links

• BMW E36 DIY
• Official BMW 3 Series
• Incredible tuning: BMW E36 318i with honda VTEC engine