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BMW M3 (E36) - Price, Specs and 360° Interactive

BMW M3 E36 - 360° Interactive

BMW M3 E36 - Key Specifications

BMW M3 E36 Specifications

Specification	Details
Type	Performance Coupe/Sedan
Released At	1992 Model Year
Built At	Regensburg, Germany
Engine	3.0L / 3.2L Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 (S50/S52)
Position	Front-Engine, Longitudinal
Aspiration	Natural
Block Material	Aluminum Alloy
Valvetrain	DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder
Fuel Feed	Electronic Fuel Injection
Displacement	2990 cc / 3201 cc
Bore	86 mm / 87 mm
Stroke	85.8 mm / 91 mm
Compression	10.5:1 - 11.3:1
Power	286 - 321 hp / 210 - 236 kW @ 7000 rpm
Specific Output	93.6 - 100.3 hp per liter
BHP/Weight	Varies
Torque	320 - 350 Nm / 236 - 258 lb-ft @ 3250-6000 rpm
Top Speed	250 km/h / 155 mph (Limited)
0 – 60 mph	5.2 - 5.5 seconds
0 – 100 km/h	5.4 - 5.7 seconds
Body / Frame	Steel Monocoque
Driven Wheels	RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive)
Wheel Type	Forged Aluminum Alloy Wheels
Front Tires	235/40ZR17
Rear Tires	245/40ZR17
Front Brakes	Ventilated Disc Brakes with 4-Piston Calipers
Rear Brakes	Ventilated Disc Brakes with 2-Piston Calipers
Front Wheels	17 x 7.5 in
Rear Wheels	17 x 8.5 in
Front Suspension	MacPherson Strut with Coil Springs
Rear Suspension	Multi-Link with Coil Springs
Curb Weight	1460 - 1510 kg / 3219 - 3329 lbs
Weight Distribution	50 % Front / 50 % Rear
Wheelbase	2700 mm / 106.3 in
Length	4433 mm / 174.6 in
Width	1710 mm / 67.3 in
Height	1335 mm / 52.6 in
Transmission	5-Speed / 6-Speed Manual
Fuel Economy (Combined)	10.2 - 11.5 L/100 km or 21 - 23 mpg-US
Fuel Capacity	62 liters / 16.4 gallons

Some Interesting BMW M3 E36 Facts

The First M3 with a Six-Cylinder Engine Unlike its predecessor, the E30 M3, which had a four-cylinder engine, the E36 M3 introduced a 3.0L inline-six (S50B30) in early models and a 3.2L inline-six (S50B32) in later models, delivering a more refined and powerful driving experience.

First M3 Available as a Sedan The E36 was the first M3 to be offered in three body styles—Coupe, Convertible, and Sedan—making it more versatile than the E30.

Euro and U.S. Versions Had Different Engines The European E36 M3 had a 286 hp (later 321 hp) inline-six with individual throttle bodies, while the U.S. version had a less aggressive 3.0L (later 3.2L) inline-six producing 240 hp, with a simpler intake and valvetrain.

Introduced the First Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) The E36 M3 Evolution (Euro-Spec) was the first BMW to offer an SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox) transmission, a precursor to the advanced dual-clutch systems used today.

M3 Lightweight – The Ultimate U.S. E36 M3 In 1995, BMW introduced the M3 Lightweight (LTW) in the U.S., featuring weight-saving measures like an aluminum door panel, no air conditioning, and a stripped-down interior, making it a track-focused version.

The E36 M3 GT – A Rare and Special Edition The M3 GT was a limited-edition, track-oriented version produced in 1995, featuring a 295 hp 3.0L engine, lightweight panels, and special British Racing Green paint. Only 356 units were built, all for Europe.

Balanced 50:50 Weight Distribution The E36 M3 maintained BMW’s signature 50:50 weight distribution, contributing to its legendary handling and making it a favorite for driving enthusiasts.

Considered One of the Most Affordable M3s For years, the E36 M3 was one of the most affordable ways to own an M car, but due to its growing popularity among collectors and enthusiasts, prices have been rising.

Won Multiple Car of the Year Awards The E36 M3 was praised for its balance of performance, comfort, and daily usability, winning multiple "Car of the Year" awards from automotive magazines in the 1990s.

A Popular Choice for Tuning and Motorsports Thanks to its strong chassis, tunable engine, and rear-wheel-drive layout, the E36 M3 remains a favorite in motorsports, drifting, and aftermarket modifications.

BMW M3 (E36) Price

The E36 M3 is the "everyday supercar" of the 90s—a 3.0L/3.2L straight-six (286–321hp) with perfect 50/50 weight balance.

Less raw than the E30, but now a modern classic with rising values.

1. Price Ranges (EUR, Mid-2024)

Standard Coupe (Non-LTW, Non-GT)

Project Car (Non-Runner/Rusty): €8,000 – €15,000(Check subframe mounts—cracked? €3k+ repair.)

Drivable but Worn (150,000+ km): €18,000 – €28,000(Expect worn VANOS, torn seats, and faded trim.)

Well-Maintained (80,000–150,000 km): €30,000 – €45,000(Full history, recent suspension refresh, no rust.)

Collector-Grade (<50,000 km): €50,000 – €80,000+(Unmodified, garage-kept, with original toolkit.)

Special Versions

M3 GT (EU-only, 1994): €120,000 – €180,000(Only 356 made—verify "GT" plaque on console.)

M3 LTW (Lightweight, US-Spec): €90,000 – €130,000(Rare in EU—check import papers.)

2. Key Factors Affecting Value

✅ Provenance & Rarity

Original paint (Estoril Blue, Dakar Yellow): +€10k–€15k.

BMW Classic Certificate: +€5k (proves factory specs).

✅ Desirable Options

Vader Seats: +€3k (if unripped).

Harmon Kardon Sound: +€1k (rare working units).

Factory AC Schnitzer Parts: +€5k (with docs).

⚠️ Critical Watch-Outs

Rust: Check jack points, wheel arches, and sunroof tray.

VANOS Rattle: €2k rebuild if neglected.

SMG Gearbox (Late Models): Avoid—manual swaps cost €5k.

3. Where to Buy in the EU?

Specialist Dealers

Classic BMW Dealers (Germany/Netherlands).

Hexagon Classics (UK) for concours-ready examples.

Private Sales

German eBay Kleinanzeigen (best for honest projects).

BMW M3 Forum Classifieds (enthusiast-owned gems).

Pro Tip: Swiss cars often have less rust but higher asking prices.

4. Market Trends

📈 90s Nostalgia Boom

+10% yearly since 2020 for clean examples.

GT/LTW models now 2x 2019 prices.

⚠️ Trap Warning

"M3 Replicas": Fake VINs—check engine stamp (S50B30/32).

Metric Mechanic Engines: Non-original? –30% value.

5. Must-Do Checks

🔧 Mechanical

Subframe Inspection: Cracks mean €3k weld repair.

Cooling System: Plastic impellers fail—€1k preemptive upgrade.

📄 Paperwork

Matching Numbers: Engine/trans/VIN must align.

Service Book: Look for VANOS/rod bearing services.

Fun Fact: