| BMW 3 Series (E36) | |
|---|---|
_sedan_(2011-04-02)_01.jpg) BMW 318i sedan (Australia) | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | BMW |
| Model code | E36 |
| Production | 1990–2000 |
| Model years | 1992–1999 (North America) |
| Assembly |
|
| Designer | Claus Luthe,Pinky Lai, Boyke Boyer |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact executive car (D) |
| Body style |
|
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
| Related | |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,700 mm (106.3 in) |
| Length | 4,433 mm (174.5 in)[4] |
| Width | 1,710 mm (67.3 in)[4] |
| Height | 1,366–1,390 mm (53.8–54.7 in)[4] |
| Curb weight | 1,175–1,635 kg (2,590–3,605 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | BMW 3 Series (E30) |
| Successor | BMW 3 Series (E46) |
The third generation of theBMW 3 Series range ofcompact executive cars is designated under the model codeE36, and was produced by theGerman automakerBMW 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 ahatchback 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. Themulti-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 inCar and Driver magazine's10Best list for every year it was on sale.[5]
Following the introduction of its successor, theE46 3 Series in 1998, the E36 began to be phased out and was eventually replaced in 1999.
Development of the E36 began in 1981[6] and the exterior design was heavily influenced by aerodynamics, specifically the overall wedge shape, headlight covers and smaller wing mirrors.[7] The lead designers werePinky Lai[8] and Boyke Boyer.[9][10]
The production version of the E36 was launched in October 1990, with press release in November and market launch in early 1991.[11] 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.[12] 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.[12]
The body styles of the range are:
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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 1989BMW Z1, and designed with rear toe-in to minimize the oversteering characteristics of the preceding generation.[19] 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 olderE30 instead, in order to save space due to its truncated rear end.
The E36 was produced with the following transmissions:
Available safety equipment included a driver's airbag, passenger airbag (from 1993 production) and side impact airbags in later models,[20] ABS braking and stability control ("ASC +T").[21] The dashboard was designed to accommodate the passenger side airbag from the beginning, which limited the size of the glove compartment.[22] Available in the Saloon and Touring, a rear seat with two integrated children'sbooster seats was a first for BMW.[12]
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.
The four-cylinder petrol engines used in the E36 range were initially engines carried over from the previous generation 3 Series: theBMW M40 SOHC engine and theBMW M42 DOHC engine. In 1993, the M40 was replaced by theBMW M43 SOHC engine and the M42 was replaced in 1996 by theBMW 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.[23]
For the six-cylinder models, the E36 was launched with the then-newBMW M50 DOHC petrol engine. In late 1992 theM50TU versions addedsingle-VANOS (variable valve timing), which increased torque (peak power was unchanged). In 1995, theBMW 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 LBMW S50 engine debuted in the E36 M3. In 1995, its capacity was increased to 3.2 L.[24]
| 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/318ti | 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/318ti | 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/323ti | 1995–1998 | M52B25 6-cylinder | 2.5 L (2,494 cc) | 125 kW (170 hp) at 5,500 rpm[25] | 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 | |||
| 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-sixBMW 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-cylinderBMW 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.
The E36 M3 was launched in 1992 and was powered by theBMW S50 andBMW 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.
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E36-basedAlpina production began in 1991 with the release of the Alpina B6 2.8/2, with an upgraded M50-derived engine.[26] A Japanese market exclusive B6 2.8/2 wagon was produced between 1996 and 1998.[27]
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.[28]
In 1995, the B8 was released. The B8 4.6 was based on the 4 litre V8 from the E34 5-series, put into a 328i-based shell. BMW V8s had coated bores which meant new blocks had to be cast by BMW specifically for Alpina V8s.[29] 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.
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The3 Series Compact range of three-doorhatchback 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.
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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).
TheGeorgia State Patrol (GSP) took delivery of three BMW E36 sedans ahead of the1996 Summer Olympics, held in the state capitalAtlanta and with BMW being one of the games' sponsors. The three cars were initially used by the GSP as part of security arrangements for thetorch relay across the United States,[30][31] after which they were deployed onhighway patrol duties withinGeorgia; two of the three were later taken out of service after taking damage in traffic accidents, while one was retained and later restored by the GSP.[32]
The North American model range consisted of the models listed below. The 318i models were powered by theBMW M42 engine until 1995, and later theBMW 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] |
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 | |||
The E36 was produced inMunich, Germany;Regensburg, Germany;Rosslyn, South Africa; andSpartanburg County, South Carolina, United States.
Local assembly ofcomplete knock-down (CKD) kits was used for cars sold inUruguay[33] (until 1991), Egypt, Mexico, and Thailand.[34][35][36] The E36 was also built as CKD kits in the Philippines starting from 1994 up until 1997, where production halted due to the1997 Asian financial crisis.
Joachim Winkelhock competed in theBritish 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.[37] Cecotto won theSuper Tourenwagen Cup for BMW in 1994 and 1998, while Winkelhock won in 1995.Steve Soper won theJapanese Touring Car Championship in1995 with a works BMW 318i.
Geoff Brabham and his younger brotherDavid Brabham won the1997 AMP Bathurst 1000 at theMount Panorama Circuit inBathurst,Australia driving aSuper Touring BMW 320i forBMW Motorsport Australia.
The 199824 Hours Nürburgring was won by a diesel-engined car for the first time – a BMW E36 320d, aided by itsdiesel engine requiring fewer fuel stops than rivals.[38][39]
InIndonesia, the BMW E36, especially the 320i and 323i models, are popular choices for amateur youthdrifting, where they are notably favored for its low price, ease of modifications, and adequate engine performance. Its reputation for drifting also extends to the more professional competitions, alongside the newerE46.[40]
Three 328i BMWs painted in Georgia State Patrol colors were undergoing final maintenance checks and cleaning. Two of the cars will be in the relay at all times with at least one uniformed trooper in each.
