BMW Heaven - The Knowledge Base 2.0

The 3 series version 3.0

Introduced in 1990 BMW completely redesigned the old 3 series (the e30) and came with the new and refreshing e36.
The e36 had a long development period of 9 years (started july 1981) and when first entering the market they released 4 different models,
the 316i, 318i (both with M40 4cylinder engines), 320i and 325i (both with M50 6cylinder engines). All as 4 door sedan versions.
The 6 cylinder versions all had a new 24-valve 6-cylinder engine (M50/M51/M52), at that time available in the e34 5 series.
In 1991 the 325td was introduced, and had a 6 cylinder engine with 115HP,
later, in 1993, an intercooler was added to the engine and the 325tds was born.


The coupés were added from 1992, these sporty new 3 series blew away the competition with their smooth design and powerfull engines.
The 318is, 320i and 325i coupé were available first. The 318is with it's M42 engine was a real high-rev sporty car and has 140HP,
and had a nice sports-package available, preparing the audience for the M3. Later the 316i (1992), 323i (1995) and 328i (1994) were added.

The M40 engines (<1993) had one real problem. The cooling system gasket ("timing case profile gasket") fails between 65.000km and 130.000km
and can cause serious overheating and damage to your engine if not noticed.
From 1993 these older 4 cylinder engines (M40) were replaced by the newly developed M43 engine.
The cooling system gasket should last longer (200.000+ km).
Later in 1993 the first e36 convertible was introduced, the 325i, and from 1994 the 318i, 320i and 328i were added to the convertible series!

The newest small car from BMW came in 1994, when the 3 series compact was introduced.
This car has never been a big succes, but did have some pretty impressive power under the bonnet.
The 316i and 318ti were introduced first, and afterwards the 318tds (1995), the top-model 323ti (1997) and a new version of the 316i (1999) were added.
The 323ti had a 6 cylinder (M52) engine, which gave your right foot access to a stunning 170HP and a topspeed of 230km/h, not bad for a small car...
The 316i compact introduced in 1990 got the new M44 engine and has 3HP more then the old 316i. The 318tds received a small facelift from BMW.


From 1995 the new 3 series touring was available. It has the same distinct small taillights, which you can also find on the 3 compact.
In my opinion this is why the compact and touring were never really popular cars, they weren't agressive enough.
At the introduction they were available as a 318i, 320i, 328i, 318tds and 325tds. The 328i has an M50 engine with 193HP, and has a topspeed of 230km/h.
As of 1996 the 323i was added to the model-line, and in 1997 the 316i was added as well. The 323i has the new M52 engine, which is also available in the 523i (e39).

The e36 sedan went out of production when the new 3 series e46 was introduced in 1998. The touring and coupé were built until 1999.
In 2000 the last e36 convertible rolled out of the factory and one year later the production of the compact stopped as well.
All to be replaced by the e46.

Specifications for BMW 3 series e36 cabrio

Specifications for BMW 3 series e36 compact

Specifications for BMW 3 series e36 coupe

Specifications for BMW 3 series e36 sedan

Specifications for BMW 3 series e36 touring