🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: M3 Year: 1992 Codes Chassis Code: E36 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Class: Compact Executive Sports Coupe/Convertible Performance Segment: High-performance variant of the 3 Series Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Porsche 911 Carrera (964), Chevrolet Corvette (C4), Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (Mk3) Key Features Aerodynamics: M-specific body kit, front splitter, rear spoiler, aerodynamic mirrors Suspension Tuning: Stiffer springs, firmer dampers, thicker anti-roll bars, revised kinematics Braking System: Upgraded M-specific brakes (larger rotors, performance calipers) Interior Appointments: M sport seats, M steering wheel, M gear knob 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Full Service Repair Manual Language: English Page Count Estimated Page Count: 1000+ Format Format Type: Digital (PDF) Searchable Text: Yes Printable: Yes 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Complete overhaul, timing, valvetrain, lubrication, cooling system Engine Management: ECU diagnostics, fuel injection, ignition system, sensors, actuators Transmission Manual: Clutch, gearbox overhaul, shifter linkage, fluid service Transmission Automatic: Service, fluid changes, torque converter diagnostics (if applicable to M3 variants) Drivetrain: Driveshaft, differential, axles, wheel bearings Suspension: Front/rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, alignment procedures Steering: Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, pump, fluid service Brakes: Brake system components, ABS diagnostics, hydraulic lines, caliper service, rotor replacement, pad replacement, bleeding procedures Electrical System: Battery, alternator, starter, wiring diagrams, lighting, fuses, relays, switches Climate Control: HVAC system, A/C compressor, refrigerant, heater core, blower motor, controls Body And Interior: Body panels, doors, windows, seats, trim, convertible top (if applicable) Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement Diagnostics Troubleshooting: Systematic fault finding for engine, electrical, and mechanical issues Component Replacement: Detailed guides for replacing major and minor components Rebuilds: Engine and transmission rebuild procedures Calibration Adjustment: Valve adjustments, idle speed control, sensor calibration Specifications Data: Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical schematics Technical Depth Depth Level: Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine rebuilds) Diagnostic Coverage: Includes detailed diagnostic procedures for all major systems and fault codes 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Extension: PDF Print Quality Image Resolution: High-resolution for clear diagrams and text Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: S50B30 Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 (I6) Displacement: 2990 cc (3.0 Liters) Bore X Stroke: 86.0 mm x 85.8 mm Compression Ratio: 10.5:1 Performance Horsepower Hp: 286 hp @ 6000 rpm (Euro-spec) Torque Lb Ft: 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) @ 4750 rpm (Euro-spec) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Bosch Motronic M3.3 Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (95 RON or higher) Engine Internals Valvetrain: Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder, Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) on later 1992 models/variants, potentially S50B30US for US models Lubrication Oil Capacity Quarts: 6.7 quarts (6.3 liters) Recommended Oil Type: Synthetic SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: Getrag 265 5-speed Manual Transmission Optional Transmission Type: ZF 4HP24 4-speed Automatic Transmission (less common for M3) Features Clutch Type: Hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch Differential: Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) with variable locking action (e.g., 25%) Fluid Specifications Manual Transmission Fluid: BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Red Line MTL) Fluid Capacity Manual Transmission Capacity: 1.6 liters 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 4433 mm (174.5 inches) Width: 1710 mm (67.3 inches) Height: 1355 mm (53.3 inches) Wheelbase: 2700 mm (106.3 inches) Weights Curb Weight Lbs: 3240 lbs (approx.) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Lbs: 4475 lbs (approx.) Cargo Trunk Volume Cu Ft: 14.0 cu ft (approx.) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Rating: Not comprehensively rated by modern standards Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Traction Control: Optional ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction) on some models Passive Features Airbags: Driver-side airbag standard, passenger airbag optional/later models Seatbelts: 3-point inertia reel seatbelts front and rear 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: BMW Bavaria C Business or Professional RDS cassette player, optional CD changer Display: Dot-matrix display for radio presets, climate control, and onboard computer (if equipped) Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard or optional Onboard Computer: Optional (check control system) Connectivity Connectivity Features: Limited to basic radio and accessory power; no modern connectivity like Bluetooth or USB. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions) Spark Plug Replacement: Every 30,000 miles Coolant Flush: Every 2 years or 30,000 miles Brake Fluid Flush: Every 2 years or 24,000 miles Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Specification: API SJ or higher, ACEA A3/B3, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 Synthetic Coolant Specification: BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent G48 ethylene glycol based Brake Fluid Specification: DOT 4 Known Issues Subframe Mounts: Cracking or separation of rear subframe mounting points due to chassis stress. Water Pump: Plastic impeller failure leading to coolant leaks and overheating. Head Gasket: Potential for failure, especially...
Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder, Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) on later 1992 models/variants, potentially S50B30US for US models
Lubrication
Oil Capacity Quarts:
6.7 quarts (6.3 liters)
Recommended Oil Type:
Synthetic SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
Getrag 265 5-speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Transmission Type:
ZF 4HP24 4-speed Automatic Transmission (less common for M3)
Features
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch
Differential:
Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) with variable locking action (e.g., 25%)
Fluid Specifications
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Red Line MTL)
Fluid Capacity
Manual Transmission Capacity:
1.6 liters
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
4433 mm (174.5 inches)
Width:
1710 mm (67.3 inches)
Height:
1355 mm (53.3 inches)
Wheelbase:
2700 mm (106.3 inches)
Weights
Curb Weight Lbs:
3240 lbs (approx.)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Lbs:
4475 lbs (approx.)
Cargo
Trunk Volume Cu Ft:
14.0 cu ft (approx.)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Rating:
Not comprehensively rated by modern standards
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction) on some models