BMW M3 BMW M3 (E36)
BMW M3 (BMW M3 (E36)) was built from 1992 to 1999, as a 2-door 2+2 coupé; 2-door convertible; 4-door saloon. Powertrain: 3.0 L S50 I6 (pre-facelift); 3.0 L S50B30US I6 (pre-facelift US market); 3.2 L S50 I6 (post-facelift); 3.2 L S52 I6 (post-facelift US marke…. Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive. Size: 4,430 x 1,710 x 1,370 mm (L x W x H). Weight: 3180 lb.
Composed from the specifications below, so it states nothing the specs do not. Photograph: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons), from this generation's own encyclopedia entry.
Overview
The M3 model of the E36 3 Series was released in November 1992 and was initially available as a coupé only, with a convertible version added in 1994. A saloon version was also added in December 1994, to fill in the gap caused by the lack of the M5 saloon model between the end of E34 M5 production in 1995 and the launch of the E39 M5 in 1998. In September 1995, a facelift version of the coupé was introduced. Changes included the engine displacement increasing to 3.2 L, the manual transmission upgrading from a 5-speed to a 6-speed, different wheels and clear indicator lenses. The facelift changes were applied to the saloon model in November 1995 and the convertible model in February 1996.
Engine
The E36 M3 is powered by the BMW S50 straight-six engine. It was the first M3 to use a six-cylinder engine, which has since been used in the majority of M3 models (albeit in turbocharged form since 2014).
North American models
Despite being released in other countries in 1992, the E36 M3 was not sold in the United States until 1995. A key difference between the "European specification" M3 (sold in the rest of the world) and the US M3 is the less powerful S50B30US engine used in the US M3, which was rated at 240 hp and 305 Nm. Other notable differences included an optional 5-speed ZF 5HP torque-converter automatic transmission, suspension changes, and single piece brake discs (instead of floating discs).
Motorsport
The introduction of the E36 M3 coincided with BMW's withdrawal from the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM), resulting in BMW focussing instead on the 318i and 320i models in the Super Tourenwagen Cup. Nonetheless, the E36 M3 competed in many motorsport events. In 1993, the E36 M3 GTR won the German ADAC GT Cup, driven by Johnny Cecotto. The M3 GT competed in the European FIA GT Championship.
Source: the English Wikipedia article on this model, CC BY-SA 4.0. Text may be shortened; read the full article for the complete text.
Not yet sourced for this model. Used prices swing with year, mileage, grade and country, so we publish a market range only when it comes with a named source and a date, and never an estimate. For a live figure, use the landed-cost tool with the price on the auction sheet.
Against the other convertible models in this database (48 with this body type). Computed from the dimensions in the specifications, so it changes as the database grows.
- 156 mm below the median of 4,586 mm, and shorter than 97% of the 29 other convertible models in this database.
- 224 mm below the median of 1,934 mm, and narrower than 97% of the 32 other convertible models in this database.
- 92 mm above the median of 1,278 mm, and taller than 79% of the 28 other convertible models in this database.
- about the same as the median of 2,668 mm, and longer than 65% of the 34 other convertible models in this database.
- Fuel use (combined)20 mpg = 11.8 L/100 kmEPA fueleconomy.gov, model year 1999, median of 3 listed variants (18 to 20 mpg)
- Fuel cost per 100 km17.7011.8 L x your fuel price
- Fuel cost per 10,000 km1770consumption x distance x your fuel price
Costs are in your own currency: they use the prices you enter above.
Who it suits
- Drivers buying for enjoyment rather than space: coupes and roadsters trade rear space for style and handling.
- Executive and chauffeur use: the saloon body prioritises rear-seat comfort and a quiet cabin.
Check before you buy
- Inspect for corrosion at sills, floor, subframes and suspension mounts, and replace perishable rubber (hoses, bushes, boots) at import.
- Read the auction sheet grade and notes, and verify the odometer against service and inspection records. How to read an auction sheet
- Run a history check (accidents, flood, mileage) before you bid. History check guide
- Import age rules: this generation already qualifies in United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia. Confirm the rule for your exact vehicle with customs before buying. Landed-cost calculator
General guidance for this type of vehicle, worked out from its body, powertrain and age. It is not a finding about this particular model; use an inspection and the auction sheet for the car you are actually buying.
Worked out from this generation's production years and each country's age rule. Rules also depend on vehicle type and the month of manufacture, so confirm with customs before you buy.
Other generations of the M3
- BMW M3 (E30) · 1986 - 1991
- BMW M3 (E46) · 2000 - 2006
- E90/92/93 M3 · 2007 - 2013
- F80 M3 · 2014 - 2018
- G80 M3 · 2020-present
More from BMW · all BMW models
Can I import a BMW M3 (BMW M3 (E36)) from Japan?
By production year alone, BMW M3 (BMW M3 (E36)) is inside the age window for United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia. Rules depend on vehicle type and the month of manufacture, so confirm with customs before you buy.
What powers the BMW M3 (BMW M3 (E36))?
Per its encyclopedia infobox, engine: 3.0 L S50 I6 (pre-facelift); 3.0 L S50B30US I6 (pre-facelift US market); 3.2 L S50 I6 (post-facelift); 3.2 L S52 I6 (post-facelift US market).
How big is the BMW M3 (BMW M3 (E36))?
4,430 mm long and 1,710 mm wide and 1,370 mm tall, on a 2,700 mm wheelbase (2-door 2+2 coupé; 2-door convertible; 4-door saloon). For container loading, use the container packer.
How much fuel does the BMW M3 (BMW M3 (E36)) use?
The US EPA lists a combined 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km) for model year 1999, the median of 3 listed variants. Your own figure depends on driving and condition.
Answered from this page's own data, not from outside claims. See the sources below.
- en.wikipedia.org (retrieved 2026-10-19)
- fueleconomy.gov (EPA) (1999)
Confidence: single-source (Wikipedia infobox). Specifications differ by market, trim and model year; the auction sheet or the vehicle's registration document is the final word on a particular car.
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