Cars with history: BMW M3 e36

The second generation of the legendary M, the most powerful letter in the world, arrived under the name BMW M3 e36. This model went on sale in 1992 with the aim of replacing the great BMW M3 e30. It is important to highlight the enormous evolution the model underwent: it grew in length and width, although it lost its characteristic flares.

The performance version of the 3 Series e36 differs little from its road-going siblings, and the BMW M3 e36 has no large flares or spoilers, with the exception of the special versions called BMW M3 e36 GT and BMW M3 e36 Lightweight.

It is important to note that the BMW M3 e36 was the first to fit a heart with a six-cylinder inline engine. This gave the model a strong GT character and less of a racing-car feel. In this way, the Bavarian brand wanted to reach a larger number of drivers.

The first version to reach the market was the 3.0-litre, 286 CV one, which cost close to eight million pesetas. Converted to today’s money, that would be around 90,000 euros. This engine had a 24-valve cylinder head, delivered its maximum power of 286 CV at 7,000 rpm, and came very, very close to 100 CV/litre; specifically 95.2 CV/litre.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJDnTHfZWQs

The BMW M3 e36 of 286 CV could go from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and had a top speed of 250 km/h. This figure was electronically limited. As for torque, it produced 320 Nm at 3,600 rpm.

S50B30, a six-cylinder engine with VANOS system

This inline six-cylinder engine featured the system called VANOS. This technology had already been introduced on the BMW 5 Series e34 and consists of a variable valve timing system that modifies the opening and closing timing of the intake valves in relation to piston position according to engine speed.

Along with the mechanics, the BMW M3 e36 featured a limited-slip differential on the rear axle, floating brake calipers on both axles, and a body three centimetres lower than a standard 3 Series e36. Another feature that distinguishes it from normal e36s is its wing mirrors, which have two arms.

The BMW M3 e36 was to reach the market with more than one body style: coupé, saloon and convertible. It is worth mentioning, however, that only one unit of the Compact version was built.

In 1996 the 3.2-litre version called the BMW M3 e36 Evo arrived. It offered 321 CV at 7,400 rpm and finally achieved the coveted 100 CV/litre. It featured the double VANOS system, which also controlled the exhaust valves, and had a six-speed manual gearbox instead of the five-speed of its smaller sibling. In addition to the gearbox, the new Evo had tyres in double size. In 1997, before the generation was renewed, an automatic gearbox option arrived. It was an SMG gearbox, a sequential gearbox with electro-hydraulic clutch, the same one later fitted to the BMW M3 e46.

The BMW M3 e36 offered very good performance for its time, although it has always been criticised for having weak brakes. The suspension remains somewhat firm, and in terms of consumption, it is around ten litres per 100 km, as long as it is driven under normal conditions. Production of this genuine sports car ended in 1999, with more than 70,000 units sold worldwide.

BMW M3 e36 and its special versions

As we have mentioned, this second generation of the BMW M3 had several special versions. The BMW M3 e36 GT reached the roads only in green (British Racing). It was limited to 350 units and offered 295 CV. Its chassis was lightened by 30 kilograms and it featured a rear spoiler.

We must not forget the BMW M3 e36 Lightweight. This special version can be compared to the CSL of its predecessor, the BMW M3 e46. 125 units were sold in the United States. It offered 240 CV, its styling practically begged to be taken to the track, and its weight was reduced by 100 kg.