🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: M3 Generation: E36 Codes Model Codes: E36 M3 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: High-performance compact executive car Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Mercedes-Benz C36 AMG, Audi S4 (B5), Alfa Romeo 155 Q4, Lotus Carlton Key Features Vehicle Focus: Driver-centric performance, handling, and motorsport-derived engineering Manual Value Proposition: Enables DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics to maintain, diagnose, and repair the E36 M3 with factory-level accuracy. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Workshop Service and Repair Secondary Coverage: Maintenance, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Component Overhaul Page Count Total Pages: 759 Manual Type Type: Workshop Service Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: S50B30, S50B32 (3.0L and 3.2L variants), Engine Mechanical, Engine Electrical, Fuel System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Emission Controls Transmission: Getrag 420G (5-speed manual), Automatic Transmission (optional variants), Clutch, Driveline Chassis: Suspension (Front and Rear), Steering System, Brakes (Front and Rear Disc, ABS) Electrical: 12V Electrical System, Battery, Alternator, Starter, Lighting System, Instrument Cluster, Body Control Modules, DME (Digital Motor Electronics), EWS (Electronic Immobilizer System) Body: Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Interior Trim, Glass, Convertible Top Mechanism (if applicable) Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Coolant Flushes, Brake Fluid Bleeding, Inspection Procedures Diagnostics: Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Component Testing, Wiring Diagrams Repair: Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repairs, Electrical Component Repair, Bodywork Repairs Installation: Component Installation and Removal Procedures Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical diagnostics, and chassis overhauls) 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Quality: High-resolution scanned PDF, generally searchable text (OCR dependent) Print Quality Printability: Printable, allowing for hard copy reference Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital PDF) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital PDF) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Codes: S50B30 (North American spec: S50B30US), S50B32 (European spec) Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 Cylinder Performance Horsepower Us Spec: 240 hp @ 6000 rpm (S50B30US) Torque Us Spec: 225 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm (S50B30US) Horsepower Eu Spec: 286 hp @ 7000 rpm (S50B30), 321 hp @ 7400 rpm (S50B32) Torque Eu Spec: 236 lb-ft @ 4750 rpm (S50B30), 258 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm (S50B32) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic DME) Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane) Engine Mechanics Bore X Stroke Us: 86 mm x 85.8 mm (S50B30US) Bore X Stroke Eu 3.0: 86 mm x 85.8 mm (S50B30) Bore X Stroke Eu 3.2: 86.4 mm x 91 mm (S50B32) Compression Ratio Us: 10.5:1 (S50B30US) Compression Ratio Eu: 10.8:1 (S50B30), 11.3:1 (S50B32) Valvetrain: Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 Valves per Cylinder, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: Getrag 420G 5-speed Manual Transmission Optional Type: ZF 5HP18 5-speed Automatic Transmission (less common) Features Differential: Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) standard on most models Clutch Type: Hydraulically Actuated Single Dry Plate Clutch 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: approx. 106.2 inches (2698 mm) Length: approx. 174.5 inches (4432 mm) Width: approx. 69.1 inches (1755 mm) Height: approx. 53.7 inches (1364 mm) Weights Curb Weight Manual: approx. 3260 - 3350 lbs (1480 - 1520 kg), varies by year and options Weight Distribution: Near 50/50 front/rear Wheels Tires Wheel Size: 17 inch alloy wheels standard (e.g., 7.5Jx17 front, 8.5Jx17 rear) Tire Size Front: 235/40ZR17 Tire Size Rear: 245/40ZR17 Bolt Pattern: 5x120 mm 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Rating: Not directly rated under modern NHTSA standards, but generally considered robust for its era. Active Features Traction Control: ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction) available on later models, standard on some EU variants ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Passive Features Airbags: Driver and Passenger Airbags standard Seatbelts: 3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners Chassis Construction: Reinforced unibody construction with integrated safety cage elements. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Head Unit: BMW Bavaria C Business/Professional cassette or CD radios, often with optional CD changer integration. Speakers: Basic speaker systems, optional Hi-Fi system with amplifier. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard electronic cruise control. Connectivity Telematics: Limited by era; no modern Bluetooth or smartphone integration. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months (refer to manual for specific conditions) Spark Plug Replacement: Typically around 60,000 miles (refer to manual for exact spec and type) Coolant Flush: Every 2-3 years or as per manual recommendation Fluid Specifications Engine Oil: BMW Longlife-01 (e.g., 5W-30, 0W-40) - consult manual for exact viscosity and specifications Coolant: BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (Glysantin G48 equivalent) mixed 50/50 with distilled water Brake Fluid: DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 (refer to manual for exact specification) Transmission Fluid Manual: MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Castrol TAF-X or Red Line MTL) Differential Fluid: BMW Hypoid Gear Oil (SAF-XJ or similar) or equivalent (e.g., Red Line 75W-90 GL-5) Known Issues Cooling System: Plastic water pump impeller failure, radiator leaks, expansion tank...