🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: M3 Year: 1999 Codes Chassis Code: E36 Engine Code: S50B32 (US spec) / S50B30 (Euro spec) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Executive Sports Car / Performance Sedan Target Audience: Enthusiasts, performance-oriented drivers, owners seeking in-depth maintenance and repair knowledge Competitive Analysis Key Competitors 1999: Porsche 911 Carrera (996), Chevrolet Corvette C5, Audi S4, Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG, Lexus IS300 Key Features Performance Focus: Renowned for its balanced chassis, powerful inline-six engine, and precise handling. Driving Dynamics: Often praised as one of the best-driving cars of its era, a true driver's car. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Full Service, Repair, Maintenance, Rebuild, Refurbish, Restoration Diagnostic Coverage: Advanced Diagnostics Page Count Estimated Pages: Over 1000 Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (likely PDF, but can be printed) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, camshafts, valve train, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection system, exhaust system Engine Management: Engine Control Unit (ECU) functions, sensor diagnostics, ignition system, emission control systems (DME, VANOS) Transmission: Manual transmission (Getrag S6S 420G) and automatic transmission (optional, e.g., ZF 5HP18/5HP30), clutch system, driveshafts, differentials, axles Chassis And Suspension: Front suspension (MacPherson strut, control arms), rear suspension (multi-link), steering system, power steering, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, wheel bearings Brakes: Front and rear disc brakes, ABS system (Bosch ABS 5.0), brake caliper service, brake lines, parking brake Electrical System: Battery, charging system (alternator), starter motor, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), fuse box, relays, wiring diagrams, Body Control Module (BCM) Interior And Exterior: Body panels, doors, windows, mirrors, seats, dashboard, HVAC system, infotainment (radio, speakers), airbags Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes, belt replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement, coolant flush Troubleshooting: Diagnostic fault codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical system diagnostics Repair: Detailed step-by-step instructions for component replacement, sub-assembly repair, and major overhauls Rebuilding: Complete engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul instructions Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid services to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format: PDF Print Quality Resolution: High-resolution, suitable for printing Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital) / Spiral-bound or Perfect-bound (if printed) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital) / High-quality, durable paper (if printed) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated Inline-Six Cylinder Engine Displacement: 3.2 Liters (3201 cc) Engine Code Us: S50B32US Engine Code Euro: S50B30 Performance Horsepower Us Spec: 240 hp @ 6000 rpm Torque Us Spec: 225 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm Horsepower Euro Spec: 321 hp @ 7400 rpm Torque Euro Spec: 258 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic M5.2/M5.2.1) Recommended Fuel: Premium Unleaded (91+ Octane) Engine Internals Bore X Stroke Us: 86.0 mm x 89.6 mm Compression Ratio Us: 10.5:1 Bore X Stroke Euro: 86.4 mm x 87.0 mm Compression Ratio Euro: 10.8:1 Valve Train Valve Actuation: Double Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder Variable Valve Timing: Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing System) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type Standard: 5-Speed Manual (Getrag S6S 420G) Optional Type Optional: 4-Speed Automatic (ZF 5HP18) or 5-Speed Automatic (ZF 5HP30) - Less common for M3 Features Clutch Type: Hydraulically Operated Single Dry Plate Differential: Limited Slip Differential (LSD) - Standard on M3 Fluid Specifications Manual Transmission Fluid: BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Automatic Transmission Fluid: ZF TE-ML 11B or Dexron III (check specific ZF type) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: 2700 mm (106.3 in) Length: 4437 mm (174.7 in) Width: 1710 mm (67.3 in) Height: 1350 mm (53.1 in) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 1510 kg (3329 lbs) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approx. 1900 kg (4189 lbs) Wheels And Tires Front Tire Size: 225/45R17 Rear Tire Size: 245/40R17 Wheel Bolt Pattern: 5x120 mm Wheel Offset: ET41 (Front), ET77 (Rear) - OE Specs 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Crash Test: 4/5 Stars (for standard 3-series of the era) IIHS Side Impact Test: Acceptable (for standard 3-series of the era) Active Features Traction Control: Asc (Automatic Stability Control) - Standard ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (Bosch ABS 5.0) - Standard Passive Features Airbags: Driver and front passenger airbags Seatbelts: 3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners Body Structure: Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: BMW Business RDS or BMW Professional RDS stereo systems, optional CD changer. Speakers: Standard 6-speaker system, optional premium system with amplifier. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard electronic cruise control. Connectivity Diagnostic Interface: OBD-II connector, typically located under the dashboard. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions). Inspect Inspect Plus Service: BMW's condition-based service system (CBS) dictates when...
Front suspension (MacPherson strut, control arms), rear suspension (multi-link), steering system, power steering, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, wheel bearings
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS system (Bosch ABS 5.0), brake caliper service, brake lines, parking brake
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starter motor, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), fuse box, relays, wiring diagrams, Body Control Module (BCM)
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid services to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital Format:
PDF
Print Quality
Resolution:
High-resolution, suitable for printing
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital) / Spiral-bound or Perfect-bound (if printed)
Paper Type
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital) / High-quality, durable paper (if printed)
Double Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder
Variable Valve Timing:
Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing System)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type Standard:
5-Speed Manual (Getrag S6S 420G)
Optional
Type Optional:
4-Speed Automatic (ZF 5HP18) or 5-Speed Automatic (ZF 5HP30) - Less common for M3
Features
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically Operated Single Dry Plate
Differential:
Limited Slip Differential (LSD) - Standard on M3
Fluid Specifications
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent GL-4 SAE 75W-90
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ZF TE-ML 11B or Dexron III (check specific ZF type)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
2700 mm (106.3 in)
Length:
4437 mm (174.7 in)
Width:
1710 mm (67.3 in)
Height:
1350 mm (53.1 in)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1510 kg (3329 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 1900 kg (4189 lbs)
Wheels And Tires
Front Tire Size:
225/45R17
Rear Tire Size:
245/40R17
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x120 mm
Wheel Offset:
ET41 (Front), ET77 (Rear) - OE Specs
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
4/5 Stars (for standard 3-series of the era)
IIHS Side Impact Test:
Acceptable (for standard 3-series of the era)
Active Features
Traction Control:
Asc (Automatic Stability Control) - Standard
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (Bosch ABS 5.0) - Standard
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
BMW Business RDS or BMW Professional RDS stereo systems, optional CD changer.
Speakers:
Standard 6-speaker system, optional premium system with amplifier.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Connectivity
Diagnostic Interface:
OBD-II connector, typically located under the dashboard.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions).
Inspect Inspect Plus Service:
BMW's condition-based service system (CBS) dictates when services like Inspect I and Inspect II are due, typically around 15,000-30,000 miles intervals.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic (e.g., Castrol EDGE Professional OE BMW LL-01 or equivalent)
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts) with filter change
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (e.g., Pentosin DOT 4 LV or BMW DOT 4)
Known Issues
Rod Bearings:
A common concern for S50/S52 engines, especially under hard driving. Regular oil analysis is recommended.
Subframe Mounts:
Cracking or tearing of the subframe mounting points in the chassis due to stress.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack; water pump failures.
Window Regulators:
Plastic components within the window regulator mechanism can fail.
Vanos System:
Solenoid seals and O-rings can degrade, leading to camshaft timing issues and rough idle.
Dme Software:
Potential for software glitches or failure of the Engine Control Unit.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Performance Division:
BMW M GmbH (formerly BMW Motorsport GmbH) is responsible for creating high-performance variants of BMW's standard models.
Model Evolution
E36 M3 Introduction:
The E36 M3 was introduced in 1992 (Europe) and 1994 (North America), with significant updates leading into the 1999 model year.
Differences Us Vs Euro:
US models featured a detuned S50B32US engine for emissions compliance, while Euro models had the more powerful S50B30 engine.
Production
E36 M3 Production Years:
1992-1999
E36 M3 Body Styles:
Coupe, Convertible, Sedan (4-door)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
The E36 3-series platform, on which the M3 is based, was a consistent recipient of Car and Driver's 10Best awards during its production run.