1998 BMW E36 M3

The BMW M3 was birthed from the company's need for a suitable for Group A racing, with rules stipulating that 5,000 should be made in the first year of production. By the early 1980s, BMW's single-overhead-camshaft slant four-cylinder engine had become outclassed on the racetrack, but the addition of a 16-valve cylinder head breathed new life into the powerplant.

From a distance, the M3 was visually similar to a standard E30 3-Series, although it only shared its bonnet. Among the most visual distinctions were its wider front and rear wings, a more steeply raked rear window, and a raised boot spoiler which boosted aerodynamic efficiency.

BMW unveiled the M3 in September 1985 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, with deliveries of this exclusively left-hand drive model commencing a little over one year later. Its successor, the E36 M3, was introduced at the Paris Salon in 1992. Bigger in every dimension, its increase in weight was compensated by a larger and more potent engine. The existing 2.5-liter 24-valve M50 inline six-cylinder engine was enlarged to 2,990cc and produced 286bhp, with maximum torque available from a lowly 3,600 revs. 'VANOS' variable valve timing was a feature of this M50 engine, enabling it to maintain maximum torque up to 5,900 RPM. The gearbox remained a five-speed unit but with closer ratios, with power transmitted via a limited-slip differential. The top speed was limited to 155 mph (250 km/h), but without restrictions, 175 mph was obtainable.

The overall styling shed its masculine and aggressive motif, opting for a more restrained appearance, with the loss of its original flared wheel arches and prominent rear spoiler. Few changes were made to the interior, apart from new red-marked Motorsport instruments, 'M' logos, and adjustable seats. The extensive options list included air conditioning, leather trim, and cruise control.

The E36 was initially offered solely as a coupe, joined in 1994 by a convertible body style.

When BMW introduced an improved version of the M3 in October 1995, it raised the 'performance bar' even further with a potent 3.2-liter engine developed by the same team responsible for the V12 that went into the McLaren F1 supercar. It utilized a new VANOS system and the company's own advanced electronic engine management, which made it more powerful and economical than its predecessor. The naturally aspirated unit developed 321 bhp with a specific output of 100bhp/litre. Improvements to its fuel economy was partly attributed to the new six-speed gearbox with 'overdrive' top gear. The brakes, steering, and suspension received incremental improvements. Visually, the M3 remained virtually indistinguishable from its predecessor.

1998 BMW E36 M3
The 1998 BMW M3 was powered by a dual-overhead-cam six-cylinder engine that displaced 170 cubic inches and produced 240 horsepower. It had a five-speed manual gearbox or optional four-speed automatic. It could be purchased as a coupe, 4-door sedan, or a convertible. BMW produced 2661 examples of the coupe, 3225 sedans, and 2876 convertibles. Pricing ranged from $40,270 - $46,475.

The 1992 to 1999 BMW M3 rested on a 106.3-inch wheelbase platform with an overall length of 174.4 inches, a width of 67.3 inches, and a height of 53.9 inches.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2011

This 1998 BMW M3 Convertible is powered by a 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine and has 85,000 original miles on its odometer. It wears a bright red exterior paint scheme with black leather interior.
By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2024