Prices, Specifications & 360° Interactive
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:
The E36 M3’s US version had 240hp—but Europeans got the full 321hp thanks to no emissions rules!
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