BMW M3 II (E36) photos

1992 — 1999 · sedan, coupe, convertible

photos

specifications

240–316

5.5 s

best 0–100

Photos

M3 GTR Coupe (E36)

M3 IMSA GT USA E36 (1995)

M3 GT Coupe E36 (1995)

M3 GT Coupe E36 (1995)

M3 Sedan E36 (1994-97)

M3 Sedan E36 (1994-97)

M3 Sedan E36 (1994-97)

M3 Sedan E36 (1994-97)

BMW S50 B32

M3 Coupe E36 (1992-99)

M3 Coupe E36 (1992-99)

M3 Coupe E36 (1992-99)

M3 Coupe E36 (1992-99)

M3 Coupe E36 (1992-99)

M3 Coupe E36 (1992-99)

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About this generation

The smooth six-cylinder successor that expanded the M3 legacy into sedan and convertible body styles with daily usability.

Launching in 1992, the E36 M3 adopted a sleeker, more understated visual approach compared to its flared predecessor. Underneath its subtle body kit lay a glorious 3.0-liter (later 3.2-liter) naturally aspirated inline-six that delivered effortless, silky power across the rev band.

The E36 expanded the M3's appeal dramatically by introducing sedan and convertible variants alongside the coupe, paired with innovative chassis engineering like the Z-axle multi-link rear suspension. It set the template for daily-drivable high-performance cars.

Specifications

18 in 3 body styles

Coupe E36/2 8 specifications

4433 mm174.5 in

Length

1710 mm67.3 in

Width

1335 mm52.6 in

Height

2700 mm106.3 in

Wheelbase

405 l14.3 cu ft

Trunk

110 mm4.3 in

Ground clearance

Petrol

3.0 (US)

240hp(179 kW)

3.0 l 5-speed manual RWD

1994–1995

Torque: 305 Nm (225 lb-ft)
Top speed: 220 km/h (137 mph)
Displacement: 2990 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: S50B30US
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1438 kg (3170 lb)
Fuel tank: 62 l (16.4 gal US)

3.0 (US)

240hp(179 kW)

3.0 l 5-speed automatic RWD

1994–1995

Torque: 305 Nm (225 lb-ft)
Top speed: 220 km/h (137 mph)
Displacement: 2990 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: S50B30US
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1475 kg (3252 lb)
Fuel tank: 62 l (16.4 gal US)

3.2 (US)

240hp(179 kW)

3.2 l 5-speed manual RWD

1996–1999

Torque: 320 Nm (236 lb-ft)
Top speed: 220 km/h (137 mph)
Displacement: 3152 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: S52B32
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1438 kg (3170 lb)
Fuel tank: 62 l (16.4 gal US)

3.2 (US)

240hp(179 kW)

3.2 l 5-speed automatic RWD

1996–1999

Torque: 305 Nm (225 lb-ft)
Top speed: 220 km/h (137 mph)
Displacement: 3152 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: S52B32
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1460 kg (3219 lb)
Fuel tank: 62 l (16.4 gal US)

3.0

282hp(210 kW)

3.0 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 6.0 s

1992–1995

Torque: 320 Nm (236 lb-ft)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement: 2990 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: S50B30
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1460 kg (3219 lb)
Fuel tank: 62 l (16.4 gal US)

3.0 GT

291hp(217 kW)

3.0 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 5.9 s

1994–1995

Torque: 323 Nm (238 lb-ft)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement: 2990 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: S50B30
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1460 kg (3219 lb)
Fuel tank: 62 l (16.4 gal US)

3.2

316hp(236 kW)

3.2 l 6-speed manual RWD 0–100 5.5 s

1995–1999

Torque: 350 Nm (258 lb-ft)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement: 3201 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: S50B32
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1440 kg (3175 lb)
Fuel tank: 62 l (16.4 gal US)
Fuel consumption: 11.0 l/100 km (21 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂: 268 g/km (NEDC)

3.2 SMG

316hp(236 kW)

3.2 l automated manual RWD 0–100 5.5 s

1996–1999

Torque: 350 Nm (258 lb-ft)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement: 3201 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: S50B32
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1445 kg (3186 lb)
Fuel tank: 62 l (16.4 gal US)
Fuel consumption: 11.0 l/100 km (21 mpg US) NEDC

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Convertible E36/2C 5 specifications

4433 mm174.5 in

Length

1710 mm67.3 in

Width

1340 mm52.8 in

Height

2700 mm106.3 in

Wheelbase

230 l8.1 cu ft

Trunk

110 mm4.3 in

Ground clearance

Petrol

3.2 (US)

240hp(179 kW)

3.2 l 5-speed manual RWD

1998–1999

Torque: 320 Nm (236 lb-ft)
Top speed: 220 km/h (137 mph)
Displacement: 3152 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: S52B32
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1550 kg (3417 lb)
Fuel tank: 62 l (16.4 gal US)

3.2 (US)

240hp(179 kW)

3.2 l 5-speed automatic RWD

1998–1999

Torque: 305 Nm (225 lb-ft)
Top speed: 220 km/h (137 mph)
Displacement: 3152 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: S52B32
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1570 kg (3461 lb)
Fuel tank: 62 l (16.4 gal US)

3.0

282hp(210 kW)

3.0 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 6.2 s

1994–1995

Torque: 320 Nm (236 lb-ft)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement: 2990 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: S50B30
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1560 kg (3439 lb)
Fuel tank: 62 l (16.4 gal US)

3.2

316hp(236 kW)

3.2 l 6-speed manual RWD 0–100 5.6 s

1996–1999

Torque: 350 Nm (258 lb-ft)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement: 3201 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: S50B32
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1560 kg (3439 lb)
Fuel tank: 62 l (16.4 gal US)
Fuel consumption: 11.1 l/100 km (21 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂: 269 g/km (NEDC)

3.2 SMG

316hp(236 kW)

3.2 l automated manual RWD 0–100 5.6 s

1996–1999

Torque: 350 Nm (258 lb-ft)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement: 3201 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: S50B32
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1565 kg (3450 lb)
Fuel tank: 62 l (16.4 gal US)
Fuel consumption: 11.1 l/100 km (21 mpg US) NEDC

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Sedan E36/4 5 specifications

4433 mm174.5 in

Length

1710 mm67.3 in

Width

1365 mm53.7 in

Height

2700 mm106.3 in

Wheelbase

435 l15.4 cu ft

Trunk

110 mm4.3 in

Ground clearance

Petrol

3.2 (US)

240hp(179 kW)

3.2 l 5-speed manual RWD

1996–1998

Torque: 320 Nm (236 lb-ft)
Top speed: 220 km/h (137 mph)
Displacement: 3152 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: S52B32
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1438 kg (3170 lb)
Fuel tank: 62 l (16.4 gal US)

3.2 (US)

240hp(179 kW)

3.2 l 5-speed automatic RWD

1996–1998

Torque: 320 Nm (236 lb-ft)
Top speed: 220 km/h (137 mph)
Displacement: 3152 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: S52B32
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1465 kg (3230 lb)
Fuel tank: 62 l (16.4 gal US)

3.0

282hp(210 kW)

3.0 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 6.0 s

1994–1995

Torque: 320 Nm (236 lb-ft)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement: 2990 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: S50B30
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1460 kg (3219 lb)
Fuel tank: 62 l (16.4 gal US)

3.2

316hp(236 kW)

3.2 l 6-speed manual RWD 0–100 5.5 s

1995–1998

Torque: 350 Nm (258 lb-ft)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement: 3201 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: S50B32
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1470 kg (3241 lb)
Fuel tank: 62 l (16.4 gal US)
Fuel consumption: 11.0 l/100 km (21 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂: 268 g/km (NEDC)

3.2 SMG

316hp(236 kW)

3.2 l automated manual RWD 0–100 5.5 s

1996–1998

Torque: 350 Nm (258 lb-ft)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement: 3201 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: S50B32
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1475 kg (3252 lb)
Fuel tank: 62 l (16.4 gal US)
Fuel consumption: 11.0 l/100 km (21 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂: 264 g/km (NEDC)
Emissions standard: Euro 2

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