1995 BMW M3 E36

It had been a daunting task to follow the success of the E30 M3, but BMW had done so by surpassing its predecessor in every measurable way with the new generation M3, introduced in November 1992 and based on the E36 platform. BMW introduced the E30 M3 in 1985 in an effort to remain competitive with Mercedes-Benz which had just released the 190E 2.3-16 Cosworth. The E30 M3 soon became a real contender on racetracks in Touring Car Championships around the globe, as well as a benchmark for BMW Performance. The M3 has won at world-renowned races such as the 24 Hours of Nurburgring, World Touring Car Championship Drivers Title in 1987, and countless wins across the globe on both tarmac circuits and rally settings.

The North American market had to wait until 1988 before the U.S. spec examples of the M3 became available, and both factory and privateer teams immediately put them to work on the track. The motorsports-inspired E36 M3 that followed was powered for the first time by an inline-six, which pumped out 282 HP, had a multilink rear suspension set-up that improved handling characteristics dramatically, and was eventually available in three body styles, the coupe, convertible, and a sedan. Power was significantly boosted over the old four-cylinder model, with a zero-to-sixty mph time of six seconds on the way to a limited top speed of 250 km/h. Period road tests raved about the BMW's value when compared against cars with similar performance, such as the Porsche 993 and Ferrari F355. Exterior changes were limited to revised lower bodywork, with side skirts and front air dam, along with unique 15-inch alloys. Initially launched as a coupe only, the M3 range was expanded in 1994 to include both four-door sedan and convertible models. BMW further improved the M3 in 1995 by increasing the engine's capacity to 3.2-litres and raising the compression ratio to 11.3:1, which significantly upped the power output to 318 bhp at 7400 rpm. A six-speed gearbox was introduced, with the option of a sequential DSG transmission. Other changes included a new Cornering Brake Control system and 17-inch wheels, with fatter 225/45 ZR17 (front) and 245/40 ZR17 (rear) tires.

Introduced in the American market for the 1995 model year, the US-specification M3 was powered by the new S50 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 24 valve technology, twin overhead camshafts along with the variable valve timing system, controlled by the latest Bosch Motronic fuel injection. The engine delivered 240 horsepower and was paired with a five-speed manual gearbox, and disc brakes could be found at all four corners. A 5-speed ZF 5HP torque-converter automatic transmission was optional. Zero-to-sixty took just 6.2 seconds. Along with the less powerful S50B30US engine in the U.S.-based M3 compared to the 'European Specification,' additional differences included changes to the suspension and single-piece brake rotors instead of the floating rotors in the Euro-Specs. With a factory base price of $36,800 and a total of 5,806 U.S.-based coupe examples were produced that first year. A lightweight version was also available, selling for $47,900, and BMW promised to build approximately 100 cars, although it never released official production numbers. It is estimated that 125 were built.

In November of 1996, the North American models received an upgraded 3.2-liter BMW S52 engine that produced the same output of 240 horsepower (179 kW) but with torque increased to 236 lb-ft (320 Nm).

The M3 Lightweight was built to satisfy homologation requirements to compete in sports-car racing. The cars were devoid of a radio, tool kit, sunroof, air conditioning, or leather seats. Even though there was no radio, the and wiring remained. Additional 'non-essential' elements were removed including the underbonnet insulation blanket. Much of the carpeting was removed or replaced with a special, lower-weight version, and the underbody insulation was thinner. The 17-inch wheels measured 7.5 inches in width at the front and 8.5 inches at the rear and were wrapped with 235/40ZR17 tires. Compared to the regular M3, the lightweight version weighed approximately 200 lbs (91 kg) less.

Mechanical improvements made to the lightweight M3 included a shorter differential ratio of 3.23 (compared to 3.15 of the standard M3) and shorter springs from the European-specification M3. The most distinguishable feature was the 'Alpine White' exterior color, a fixed-wing on the bootlid, and the front and rear Motorsport flag decals. The unique interior was further distinguished by some carbon fiber interior trim elements and badges on the side moulding and dash stating 'BMW Motorsport International'.

Each Lightweight M3 received a 'trunk kit', and each original owner had to sign a one-page legal document acknowledging that any installation of any items from the kid voided the new car warranty. The items included in the kit were front strut bars, a lower cross-brace, an adjustable front splitter, spacer blocks to raise the rear wing, and a dual-pickup oil pump from the Euro-Spec M3.

Production of the E36 M3 began in September 1992 and continued through August 1999. Most examples were constructed at the BMW Regensburg factory in Germany, and a few at BMW's plant in Rosslyn, South Africa. During its production lifespan, a total of 12,114 convertibles, 12,603 sedans, and 46,525 coupes were built. Production of the sedans ended in December of 1997, the coupe production in late 1998, and the convertible ceased production in December of 1999.

US sales figures include a total of 18,961 coupés, 7,760 sedans and 6,211 convertibles.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2011