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BMW 3 Series (E36)

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BMW E36
328i Coupé
Overview
ManufacturerBMW
Production1990–2000
Body and chassis
ClassEntry-level luxury car / Compact executive car
Body style2-door coupé
2-door convertible
3-door hatchback
4-door sedan
5-door station wagon
PlatformFR layout
RelatedBMW M3
BMW Z3
Powertrain
EnginePetrol 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
Transmission5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
5-speed automatic
Chronology
PredecessorBMW E30
SuccessorBMW 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.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to BMW E36.
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