BMW 3 Series (E36)
From BMW Tech
 |
|
| Manufacturer | BMW |
|---|---|
| Production | 1990–2000 |
| Predecessor | BMW E30 |
| Successor | BMW E46 |
| Class | Entry-level luxury car / Compact executive car |
| Body style(s) | 2-door coupé 2-door convertible 3-door hatchback 4-door sedan 5-door station wagon |
| Platform | FR layout |
| Engine(s) | Otto 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(s) | 5-speed manual 4-speed automatic 5-speed automatic |
| Related | BMW M3 BMW Z3 |
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.
Contents |
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 | 1.6 L (1596 cc, 97 cu in) | 4cyl | SOHC 8V | Petrol | 100 PS (99 hp/74 kW) @5500 rpm | 141 N·m (104 lb·ft) @4250 rpm | M40B16 | 13.1 | 191 km/h (119 mph) | 1990–1993 |
| 316i | 1.6 L (1596 cc, 97 cu in) | 4cyl | SOHC 8V | Petrol | 102 PS (101 hp/75 kW) @5500 rpm | 150 N·m (111 lb·ft) @3900 rpm | M43B16 | 12.7 | 195 km/h (121 mph) | 1993–1998 |
| 318i | 1.8 L (1796 cc, 110 cu in) | 4cyl | SOHC 8V | Petrol | 113 PS (111 hp/83 kW) @5500 rpm | 162 N·m (119 lb·ft) @4250 rpm | M40B18 | 11.5 | 198 km/h (123 mph) | 1990–1993 |
| 318i | 1.8 L (1796 cc, 110 cu in) | 4cyl | SOHC 8V | Petrol | 115 PS (113 hp/85 kW) @5500 rpm | 168 N·m (124 lb·ft) @3900 rpm | M43B18 | 11.3 | 201 km/h (125 mph) | 1993–1998 |
| 318is | 1.8 L (1796 cc, 110 cu in) | 4cyl | DOHC 16V | Petrol | 140 PS (138 hp/103 kW) @6000 rpm | 175 N·m (129 lb·ft) @4500 rpm | M42B18 | 10.2 | 213 km/h (132 mph) | 1992–1996 |
| 318is | 1.9 L (1895 cc, 116 cu in) | 4cyl | DOHC 16V | Petrol | 140 PS (138 hp/103 kW) @6000 rpm | 180 N·m (133 lb·ft) @4300 rpm | M44B19 | 10.2 | 213 km/h (132 mph) | 1996–1998 |
| 320i | 2 L (1991 cc, 121 cu in) | 6cyl | DOHC 24V | Petrol | 150 PS (148 hp/110 kW) @5900 rpm | 190 N·m (140 lb·ft) @4700 rpm | M50B20 | 10.0 | 214 km/h (133 mph) | 1991–1994 |
| 320i | 2 L (1991 cc, 121 cu in) | 6cyl | DOHC 24V | Petrol | 150 PS (148 hp/110 kW) @5900 rpm | 190 N·m (140 lb·ft) @4200 rpm | M52B20 | 9.9 | 214 km/h (133 mph) | 1994–1998 |
| 323i | 2.5 L (2494 cc, 152 cu in) | 6cyl | DOHC 24V | Petrol | 170 PS (168 hp/125 kW) @5500 rpm | 245 N·m (181 lb·ft) @3950 rpm | M52B25 | 8.0 | 231 km/h (144 mph) | 1995–1998 |
| 325i | 2.5 L (2494 cc, 152 cu in) | 6cyl | DOHC 24V | Petrol | 192 PS (189 hp/141 kW) @5900 rpm | 245 N·m (181 lb·ft) @4700 rpm | M50B25 | 8.0 | 233 km/h (145 mph) | 1991–1993 |
| 325i | 2.5 L (2494 cc, 152 cu in) | 6cyl | DOHC 24V | Petrol | 192 PS (189 hp/141 kW) @5900 rpm | 245 N·m (181 lb·ft) @4200 rpm | M50B25 | 8.0 | 233 km/h (145 mph) | 1993–1995 |
| 328i | 2.8 L (2793 cc, 170 cu in) | 6cyl | DOHC 24V | Petrol | 193 PS (190 hp/142 kW) @5300 rpm | 280 N·m (207 lb·ft) @3950 rpm | M52B28 | 7.0 | 240 km/h (149 mph) | 1994–1998 |
| M3 | 3 L (2990 cc, 182 cu in) | 6cyl | DOHC 24V | Petrol | 286 PS (282 hp/210 kW) @7000 rpm | 320 N·m (236 lb·ft) @2600 rpm | S50B30 | 6.0 | 250 km/h (155 mph) | 1992–1998 |
| M3 | 3.2 L (3201 cc, 195 cu in) | 6cyl | DOHC 24V | Petrol | 321 PS (317 hp/236 kW) @7400 rpm | 350 N·m (258 lb·ft) @3250 rpm | S50B32 | 5.5 | 250 km/h (155 mph) | 1995–1998 |
| 318tds | 1.7 L (1665 cc, 102 cu in) | 4cyl | SOHC 8V | Diesel | 90 PS (89 hp/66 kW) @4400 rpm | 190 N·m (140 lb·ft) @2000 rpm | M41D17 | 14.4 | 182 km/h (113 mph) | 1994–1998 |
| 325td | 2.5 L (2498 cc, 152 cu in) | 6cyl | SOHC 12V | Diesel | 115 PS (113 hp/85 kW) @4800 rpm | 222 N·m (164 lb·ft) @1900 rpm | M51D25 | 12.0 | 198 km/h (123 mph) | 1991–1996 |
| 325td | 2.5 L (2498 cc, 152 cu in) | 6cyl | SOHC 12V | Diesel | 115 PS (113 hp/85 kW) @4800 rpm | 230 N·m (170 lb·ft) @1900 rpm | M51D25 | 12.0 | 198 km/h (123 mph) | 1996–1998 |
| 325tds | 2.5 L (2498 cc, 152 cu in) | 6cyl | SOHC 12V | Diesel | 143 PS (141 hp/105 kW) @4800 rpm | 260 N·m (192 lb·ft) @2200 rpm | M51D25 | 10.4 | 214 km/h (133 mph) | 1993–1996 |
| 325tds | 2.5 L (2498 cc, 152 cu in) | 6cyl | SOHC 12V | Diesel | 143 PS (141 hp/105 kW) @4600 rpm | 280 N·m (207 lb·ft) @2200 rpm | M51D25 | 10.4 | 214 km/h (133 mph) | 1996–1998 |
Coupes
| Name | Volume | Engine | Valvetrain | Fuel | Output | Torque | Engine code | 0-100 km/h,s | Top speed | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 316i | 1.6 L (1596 cc, 97 cu in) | 4cyl | SOHC 8V | Petrol | 102 PS (101 hp/75 kW) @5500 rpm | 150 N·m (111 lb·ft) @3900 rpm | M43B16 | 11.3 | 201 km/h (125 mph) | 1993–1998 |
| 318is | 1.8 L (1796 cc, 110 cu in) | 4cyl | DOHC 16V | Petrol | 140 PS (138 hp/103 kW) @6000 rpm | 175 N·m (129 lb·ft) @4500 rpm | M42B18 | 10.2 | 213 km/h (132 mph) | 1992–1996 |
| 318is | 1.9 L (1895 cc, 116 cu in) | 4cyl | DOHC 16V | Petrol | 140 PS (138 hp/103 kW) @6000 rpm | 180 N·m (133 lb·ft) @4300 rpm | M44B19 | 10.2 | 213 km/h (132 mph) | 1996–1999 |
| 320i | 2 L (1991 cc, 121 cu in) | 6cyl | DOHC 24V | Petrol | 150 PS (148 hp/110 kW) @5900 rpm | 190 N·m (140 lb·ft) @4700 rpm | M50B20 | 10.0 | 214 km/h (133 mph) | 1992–1993 |
| 320i | 2 L (1991 cc, 121 cu in) | 6cyl | DOHC 24V | Petrol | 150 PS (148 hp/110 kW) @5900 rpm | 190 N·m (140 lb·ft) @4700 rpm | M52B20 | 9.9 | 214 km/h (133 mph) | 1993–1999 |
| 323i | 2.5 L (2494 cc, 152 cu in) | 6cyl | DOHC 24V | Petrol | 170 PS (168 hp/125 kW) @5500 rpm | 245 N·m (181 lb·ft) @3950 rpm | M52B25 | 8.0 | 227 km/h (141 mph) | 1995–1999 |
| 325is | 2.5 L (2494 cc, 152 cu in) | 6cyl | DOHC 24V | Petrol | 192 PS (189 hp/141 kW) @5900 rpm | 245 N·m (181 lb·ft) @4200 rpm | M50B25 | 6.9 | 233 km/h (145 mph) | 1992–1995 |
| 328is | 2.8 L (2793 cc, 170 cu in) | 6cyl | DOHC 24V | Petrol | 193 PS (190 hp/142 kW) @5300 rpm | 280 N·m (207 lb·ft) @3950 rpm | M52B28 | 6.7 | 236 km/h (147 mph) | 1995–1999 |
| M3 | 3 L (2990 cc, 182 cu in) | 6cyl | DOHC 24V | Petrol | 295 PS (291 hp/217 kW) @7000 rpm | 323 N·m (238 lb·ft) @3900 rpm | S50B30 | 6.0 | 250 km/h (155 mph) | 1993–1995 |
| M3 | 3.2 L (3201 cc, 195 cu in) | 6cyl | DOHC 24V | Petrol | 321 PS (317 hp/236 kW) @7400 rpm | 350 N·m (258 lb·ft) @3250 rpm | S50B32 | 5.5 | 250 km/h (155 mph) | 1995–1998 |
Convertibles (Cabriolets)
| Name | Volume | Engine | Valvetrain | Fuel | Output | Torque | Engine code | 0-100 km/h,s | Top speed | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 318i | 1.8 L (1796 cc, 110 cu in) | 4cyl | SOHC 8V | Petrol | 115 PS (113 hp/85 kW) @5500 rpm | 168 N·m (124 lb·ft) @3900 rpm | M43B18 | 10.5 | 194 km/h (121 mph) | 1994–1998 |
| 320i | 2 L (1991 cc, 121 cu in) | 6cyl | DOHC 24V | Petrol | 150 PS (148 hp/110 kW) @5900 rpm | 190 N·m (140 lb·ft) @4700 rpm | M50B20 | 10.6 | 211 km/h (131 mph) | 1993–1994 |
| 320i | 2 L (1991 cc, 121 cu in) | 6cyl | DOHC 24V | Petrol | 150 PS (148 hp/110 kW) @5900 rpm | 190 N·m (140 lb·ft) @4200 rpm | M52B20 | 10.6 | 211 km/h (131 mph) | 1994–1998 |
| 325is | 2.5 L (2494 cc, 152 cu in) | 6cyl | DOHC 24V | Petrol | 192 PS (189 hp/141 kW) @5900 rpm | 245 N·m (181 lb·ft) @4200 rpm | M50B25 | 8.6 | 229 km/h (142 mph) | 1993–1995 |
| 328is | 2.8 L (2793 cc, 170 cu in) | 6cyl | DOHC 24V | Petrol | 193 PS (190 hp/142 kW) @5300 rpm | 280 N·m (207 lb·ft) @3950 rpm | M52B28 | 7.7 | 230 km/h (143 mph) | 1995–1999 |
| M3 | 3.2 L (3201 cc, 195 cu in) | 6cyl | DOHC 24V | Petrol | 321 PS (317 hp/236 kW) @7400 rpm | 350 N·m (258 lb·ft) @3250 rpm | S50B32 | 5.6 | 250 km/h (155 mph) | 1996–1998 |
Touring (Wagons)
| Name | Volume | Engine | Valvetrain | Fuel | Output | Torque | Engine code | 0-100 km/h,s | Top speed | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 316i | 1.6 L (1596 cc, 97 cu in) | 4cyl | SOHC 8V | Petrol | 102 PS (101 hp/75 kW) @5500 rpm | 150 N·m (111 lb·ft) @3900 rpm | M43B16 | 13.2 | 191 km/h (119 mph) | 1997–1999 |
| 318i | 1.8 L (1796 cc, 110 cu in) | 4cyl | SOHC 8V | Petrol | 115 PS (113 hp/85 kW) @5500 rpm | 168 N·m (124 lb·ft) @3900 rpm | M43B18 | 11.7 | 197 km/h (122 mph) | 1995–1999 |
| 320i | 2 L (1991 cc, 121 cu in) | 6cyl | DOHC 24V | Petrol | 150 PS (148 hp/110 kW) @5900 rpm | 190 N·m (140 lb·ft) @4200 rpm | M52B20 | 10.2 | 212 km/h (132 mph) | 1995–1999 |
| 323i | 2.5 L (2494 cc, 152 cu in) | 6cyl | DOHC 24V | Petrol | 170 PS (168 hp/125 kW) @5500 rpm | 245 N·m (181 lb·ft) @3950 rpm | M52B25 | 8.3 | 223 km/h (139 mph) | 1996–1999 |
| 328i | 2.8 L (2793 cc, 170 cu in) | 6cyl | DOHC 24V | Petrol | 193 PS (190 hp/142 kW) @5300 rpm | 280 N·m (207 lb·ft) @3950 rpm | M52B28 | 7.4 | 230 km/h (143 mph) | 1995–1999 |
| 318tds | 1.7 L (1665 cc, 102 cu in) | 4cyl | SOHC 8V | Diesel | 90 PS (89 hp/66 kW) @4400 rpm | 190 N·m (140 lb·ft) @2000 rpm | M41D17 | 14.5 | 179 km/h (111 mph) | 1995–1999 |
| 325tds | 2.5 L (2498 cc, 152 cu in) | 6cyl | SOHC 12V | Diesel | 143 PS (141 hp/105 kW) @4800 rpm | 260 N·m (192 lb·ft) @2200 rpm | M51D25 | 10.5 | 206 km/h (128 mph) | 1995–1996 |
| 325tds | 2.5 L (2498 cc, 152 cu in) | 6cyl | SOHC 12V | Diesel | 143 PS (141 hp/105 kW) @4600 rpm | 280 N·m (207 lb·ft) @2200 rpm | M51D25 | 10.5 | 206 km/h (128 mph) | 1996–1999 |
Compact
| Name | Volume | Engine | Valvetrain | Fuel | Output | Torque | Engine code | 0-100 km/h,s | Top speed | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 316i | 1.6 L (1596 cc, 97 cu in) | 4cyl | SOHC 8V | Petrol | 102 PS (101 hp/75 kW) @5500 rpm | 150 N·m (111 lb·ft) @3900 rpm | M43B16 | 12.3 | 188 km/h (117 mph) | 1994–1999 |
| 316i | 1.9 L (1895 cc, 116 cu in) | 4cyl | SOHC 8V | Petrol | 105 PS (104 hp/77 kW) @5300 rpm | 165 N·m (122 lb·ft) @2500 rpm | M43B19 | 11.9 | 190 km/h (118 mph) | 1999–2000 |
| 318ti | 1.8 L (1796 cc, 110 cu in) | 4cyl | DOHC 16V | Petrol | 140 PS (138 hp/103 kW) @6000 rpm | 175 N·m (129 lb·ft) @4500 rpm | M42B18 | 9.9 | 209 km/h (130 mph) | 1994–1995 |
| 318ti | 1.9 L (1895 cc, 116 cu in) | 4cyl | DOHC 16V | Petrol | 140 PS (138 hp/103 kW) @6000 rpm | 180 N·m (133 lb·ft) @4300 rpm | M44B19 | 9.9 | 209 km/h (130 mph) | 1995–1998 |
| 323ti | 2.5 L (2494 cc, 152 cu in) | 6cyl | DOHC 24V | Petrol | 170 PS (168 hp/125 kW) @5500 rpm | 245 N·m (181 lb·ft) @3950 rpm | M52B25 | 7.8 | 230 km/h (143 mph) | 1997–2000 |
| 318tds | 1.7 L (1665 cc, 102 cu in) | 4cyl | SOHC 8V | Diesel | 90 PS (89 hp/66 kW) @4400 rpm | 190 N·m (140 lb·ft) @2000 rpm | M41D17 | 13.9 | 175 km/h (109 mph) | 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 Template:Convert/ft.lbf 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
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Series | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s | 2010s | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||
| Small family | 3 Compact | E36/5 | E46/5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1 Series | E81 / E82 / E87 / E88 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compact exec | 3 Series | E21 | E30 | E36 | E46 | E90 / E91 / E92 / E93 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Executive | 5 Series | E12 | E28 | E34 | E39 | E60 / E61 | F10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Luxury Coupé | 6 Series | E24 | E63 / E64 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Luxury | 7 Series | E23 | E32 | E38 | E65 / E66 / E67 / E68 | F01 / F02 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Roadster | Z Series | E30 (Z1) | E36/7 & E36/8 (Z3) | E85 / E86 (Z4) | E89 (Z4) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Supercar/GT | E26 (M1) | E31 (8 series) | E52 (Z8) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sports Activity | X3 | E83 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| X5 | E53 | E70 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| X6 | E71 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Progressive Activity | PAC | V3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PAS | V5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||