If the BMW M3 seems inseparable from the six-cylinder engine today, it was not until the second generation of the model that this combination was born. Laying the foundations of the versatile and civilized sports car that the M3 still is, the E36 was launched thirty years ago.
For many, BMW M3 rhymes with six-cylinder. This association dates back to 1992, when BMW launched the second M3 of the name on the basis of the 3 Series type E36 launched on the market two years earlier. The original M3 (E30) from 1986 was designed as a homologation model allowing the manufacturer to enter the DTM. It was rough cut and powered by a naturally aspirated 2.3 l 16-valve four-cylinder delivering 200 hp; a mechanism increased to 2.5 l and 238 hp on its ultimate version called Sport Evolution. Its commercial success exceeded BMW’s expectations. So the manufacturer decided to give the M3 a less wild but more accomplished replacement. This “more, everywhere” philosophy began with its engine. The typical M3 E36 was imagined from the start with a “six in line”. It celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2022, which means that the first examples can officially be considered (and registered) as collector cars.
TO HAVE. BMW M3. All generations of M3 in pictures since 1986
A sports car for every day
The Series 3 type E36 was larger, more opulent, more powerful and heavier than the E30; the M3 was no exception. At launch, its 3.0 l six-cylinder passed through the hands of BMW Motorsport, S50B30 of its nickname, sent 286 hp to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission.
The coupé displayed particularly high power at the time. Weighing 1,460 kg (160 kg more than the E30), it could reach 100 km/h in 5.9 s. Enough to chase the Porsche 911 Carrera type 964 and Ferrari 348 TB while being much more versatile than these on a daily basis, but also more discreet. The trained eye could just distinguish it from a more modest 3 Series with its ground clearance lowered by 3 cm, its specific shields, its wide side sills, its double-spoke mirrors and its exclusive 17-inch rims. The treatment of its cabin was equally subtle.
Like its predecessor, the M3 E36 was available as a convertible. And, for the first time, it was also available as a four-door sedan. The North American version of this M3 constituted a variant in its own right because it did not benefit from the same engine as the European model. It had to be content with the block of the 325i increased to 3.0 l of displacement to develop 243 hp.
Unknown limited series
In 1995, BMW launched the M3 GT, a coupé limited to 356 units including 5 pre-production units, in order to homologate in racing an M3 with similar characteristics. Thanks to revised air intakes (shortened collector, individual butterflies, Vanos variable intake, etc.), its engine offered 295 hp.
The aluminum doors lightened the vehicle, which also received specific spoilers at the front and rear. The cabin got black leather upholstery and carbon fiber veneers. The M3 GT was only offered in the German market and only in the British Green Racing green body color.
The United States was entitled to the M3 LTW (Lightweight). No increase in power for it but a greater reduction through the removal or unavailability of the radio, air conditioning, sunroof and alarm, as well as less soundproofing to achieve a weight of 1 350 kg empty. Its white color adorned with red and blue checkerboards evoked the racing M3 GT. One hundred and twenty-six copies were produced. Visibly conquered, the actor Paul Walker who died in 2013 had no less than five.
TO HAVE. 30 years of BMW M3: the prototypes never made
The M3 E36 collector before its 30th birthday
At the end of 1995, BMW restyled the 3 Series, including the M3. The sports car of the range received a new cubant 3.2 l engine called S50B32, which took up certain developments that appeared on the M3 GT. This block was associated with a six-speed gearbox and developed 321 hp, thus exceeding 100 hp/l. The 0 to 100 km / h only required 5.5 s to the coupe. Aesthetically, the changes were limited to now white indicators and a slightly redesigned grille. From 1996, BMW offered for the M3 a six-speed sequential transmission, which was more precisely an automated mechanical box. The same year, the manufacturer made a prototype of M3 Compact, but this project was abandoned.
The BMW M3 E36 bowed out in 1999 to make way for the E46, which pushed all the sliders further in the same direction with a legendary six-cylinder. BMW took another direction in 2007 with the V8-powered M3 E92, but returned to the six-cylinder, turbocharged this time, with the M3 F80 of 2014 and its two-door variant that became M4. The M3 G80 launched in 2020 remains faithful to this mechanism, and it will be the first of its line to be declined in station wagon. Like many youngtimers that have long been accessible or even neglected, the BMW M3 type E36 has seen its rating skyrocket in recent years. The prices in the advertisement vary greatly depending on the engine and the type of bodywork but range from around €18,000 to €35,000 for an example in good condition in France, excluding limited series.