BMW 3 Series (E36)

Development process

Development began in July 1981, with the final design being frozen in 1988.

Design

The body styling is sometimes referred to as the "dolphin shape".

All E36 saloons, coupes, and estates employed the "Z-axle" multilink suspension in the rear which had been proven in the Z1. The hatchback body style (known as the "E36/5" or "BMW Compact") used a rear semi-trailing arm suspension based on the older E30 (also found in the Z3 and M Coupe), instead of the "Z-Axle" Multilink employed in all other E36's. This was done in order to save space due to its truncated rear end.

Four-cylinder petrol

Initially, the 4-cylinder engines from the E30 (M40 SOHC engine and M42 DOHC engine) were carried over. In 1993, the M40 was replaced by the M43 SOHC engine. In 1996, the M42 was replaced by the M44 DOHC engine.

Six-cylinder petrol

Initially, the M50 engines were used. In 1993 the M50TU added single VANOS, which increased torque (peak power was unchanged). In 1994, the M52 engine replaced the M50TU, resulting in the 328i model replacing the 325i and the addition of a new mid-range 323i model (powered by a 2.5 litre version of the M52).

The 1992 M3 introduced the 3.0 L S50 engine. In 1995, its capacity was increased to 3.2 L and VANOS was added to the exhaust camshaft.

* Electronic speed limiter

Diesel

Initially, the turbocharged straight-6 M51 was used in the E36 325td sedan. In 1993, the 325tds sedan was released, which added an intercooler to the M51. In 1994, the 318tds model was introduced, powered by the 4-cylinder M41 turbocharged and intercooled engine.

Diesel models were not sold in the USA.

E36/5 3 Series Compact

BMW made an entry level version of the E36 called the "3 Series 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 1.8L I4, 139 bhp (104 kW; 141 PS) M42B18 engine and was priced at USD23,000 in 1995. In 1996 the 1.8 liter engine was replaced with 1.9L M44B19 putting out 142 bhp (106 kW; 144 PS) and 133 ft·lbf (180 N·m) of torque. Ostensibly due to slow US sales of the E36/5 Compact, the E46 Compact was not sold in the United States.

E36/7 Z3 Roadster and E36/8 Z3 Coupe

A modified version of the E36 platform designated as E36/7 was used for the Z3 roadster in 1996-2002. The modification for the Z3 Coupe was designed as E36/8.

Thailand

The BMW E36 3-series was imported as a full CBU (Complete Built Up) car. Popular models included the 316i "Compact" 3-door and 318i saloon. During that time, BMW advertised that the full BMW lineup was available with ABS brakes and driver side airbags. Between 1995 and 1999, the Thai market lineup included an exclusive 2.4L version of the M52 engine with 184 hp (135 Kw).

Indonesia

In Indonesia, only the 318i, 320i, and 323i models were available, also with 323i and 320i limited edition. These models are packed with wooden panel on each door trim, in between 1995-1998 single tuning colours models are introduced, the area were covered with single colour ornament, such as carpet, seat and door trim leather, airbag available on highest model And other safety equipment.

Malaysia

In Malaysia, only the 318i, 325i and 328i models were available.

U.S./Canada

316i South African Edition

Released between 1994-1998, the South Africa version of the 316i featured an 1796cc engine, although it had a 316i badge. Apart from being a right-hand driven vehicle, all other aspects of the vehicle was identical to its international 316i equivalent/counterpart.

318is Mtechnic

A sport version of the 318i in coupe form was considered as a cheaper more economical alternative to the m3. This model offered a higher power engine, an Mtech bumper, skirt, 16 inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, and a sportier interior. It also had the option of a limited slip differential.

325is Mtechnic

In late 1993/early 1994 BMW Motorsports, in an effort to gauge the demand for its new E36 based M3 in the US, produced 150 highly modified 325is BMWs. Modifications included: M3 front spoiler, M3 Sport side skirts, M3 rear valence, M3 Mirrors, Motorsport door handles, and all were painted with BMW Alpine White III. Inside, the Motorsport Tri-Color Hurricane scheme suede and cloth seats and interior panels were accompanied with the M stitched steering wheel, M logo shift knob, the OBC, heated seats, and 200 watt premium sound system. Other Motorsport tweaks included 17" 2 piece BBS Motorsport wheels, M Tech suspension, and a limited slip differential. Some models optionally included the M3 rear spoiler and stainless steel exhaust tips. The end result was a car that looked just like the 1995 M3 that was eventually released, yet lacked the larger Motorsport 3.0L powerplant.

Motorsports

Geoff Brabham and his younger brother David Brabham won the 1997 AMP Bathurst 1000 at the Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst, Australia driving a Super Touring BMW 320i for BMW Motorsport Australia.

The 1998 24 Hours Nürburgring was won by a diesel for the first time - a BMW E36 320d, aided by its diesel engine requiring fewer fuel stops than rivals.