01 · Überblick
The change of course
The second M3 broke with the E30’s racing recipe: no four-cylinder, no widened wings — instead the silky S50 straight-six, initially with 286 PS and, from late 1995, as a 3.2-litre with 321 PS, a six-speed gearbox and double VANOS. The M3 was also offered for the first time as a Sedan and Convertible.
The scene argued for a long time over this direction — today the E36 M3 is regarded as an undervalued driver’s car. Based on it came the M3 GT for FIA GT homologation and, in the US, the stripped-down S52 version.
02 · Historie
Einordnung
- 1992 Market launch as a Coupé with 286 PS — the first M with VANOS.
- 1994 Sedan and Convertible expand the range; the M3 becomes an everyday sports car.
- 1995 M3 GT in British Racing Green (356 units); in September the 3.2-litre with 321 PS arrives.
- 1999 End of production; the E46 M3 takes over the following year.
03 · Karosserievarianten
Karosserievarianten
Coupé
The core form and basis for the special editions.
Limousine
For the first time in M3 history — today the rare, sought-after sensible choice.
Cabrio
The open M3 — noticeably heavier, but usable all year round.
04 · Motoren
S50B30 / S50B32 geprüft
High-revving six-cylinder with VANOS (B30) or double VANOS (B32). US market: S50B30US/S52 with 240 hp — technically simpler.
Technische Daten anzeigen
| Hubraum | 2.990 cm³ / 3.201 cm³ |
| Leistung | 286 PS (210 kW) / 321 PS (236 kW) |
| Drehmoment | 320 Nm / 350 Nm (some sources cite 329 Nm for the S50B30) |
| Getriebe | 5-speed, 6-speed from 1995; SMG from 1996 |
Wikipedia DE/EN, BMW M3
05 · Technik
Technik
SMG I
06 · Sondermodelle
Sondermodelle
Based on the E36, an FIA GT homologation model and a class-racing derivative of the 318is were created.
07 · Kaufberatung
Buying advice in brief
VANOS condition, cooling system, rear spring mounts (repair panels!), and on SMG cars the hydraulics. Unmodified cars have become rare.
08 · Die Konkurrenz
Die Konkurrenz
Porsche 968 CS
The lightweight rival of the early years.
Mercedes C 36 AMG
The first AMG C-Class — automatic concept versus manual M3.
09 · Quellen