The BMW M3 E36 is a high-performance sports car that has gained immense popularity among car enthusiasts for its blend of performance, practicality, and everyday usability. It boasts an inline-6 cylinder naturally aspirated engine that produces 321 horsepower. It is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission and comes with a rear-wheel drivetrain. The BMW E36 holds a special place in the hearts of BMW enthusiasts and is still cherished as a classic sports car.
BMW M3 E36 Summary
Engine
3.2-Litre, inline-6 cylinder, DOHC
Maximum Power
321 hp @ 7,400 rpm
Maximum Torque
350 Nm @ 3,250 rpm
Mileage
7-10 km/l
Gearbox
6-Speed, manual
Kerb Weight
1,535 kg
BMW M3 E36 Price in India & Variants
Variant
Expected Price
BMW E36 Coupe
Rs 42.15 Lakh
BMW E36 Cabrio
Rs 46.38 Lakh
BMW M3 E36 Images
BMW M3 E36 Colours
Dakar Yellow
Arctic Silver Metallic
Blue
Pros & Cons
Pros
The inline-6-cylinder engine delivers impressive performance & acceleration
Excellent handling characteristics due to its independent suspension & rear-wheel drive
Offers a spacious cabin and a decent storage capacity making it quite practical
Timeless classic design that still turns heads
Cons
Lower fuel economy due to its powerful engine
Misses out on basic safety features like traction control and electronic stability control
MotoTech India Expert Ratings
Design & Styling
4.2/5
Performance
4.5/5
Mileage
3.8/5
Safety
3.8/5
Features
3.8/5
Overall Ratings
4/5
Our Take on the BMW M3 E36
The M3 E36 features a timeless and attractive design, combining BMW’s elegant styling with sporty enhancements. This high-performance sports car with a powerful inline-six engine and rear-wheel-drive layout, provides an exhilarating driving experience. Its excellent acceleration, sharp handling, and precise steering still delight driving enthusiasts. Despite its performance-oriented nature, the M3 E36 maintains a practical side, offering a four-seat layout and adequate trunk space. The BMW M3 E36 holds a special place in the hearts of all BMW enthusiasts around the world, making it one of the most iconic performance cars ever made.
The BMW M3 E36 has a sleek and understated design, with subtle aerodynamic enhancements to improve its performance. It features the iconic quad headlights setup with clear lenses, giving it a distinctive and recognizable appearance. Its chassis uses a combination of high-strength steel and aluminium components to reduce weight and improve rigidity. The E36 is equipped with an independent suspension setup at both ends that offers a good balance between sportiness and comfort. It gets an independent semi-trailing arm suspension with coil springs at the front and an independent “Z-axle” multi-link suspension at the rear. The BMW M3 E36 is equipped with disc brakes with ABS on all four wheels. It has a kerb weight of 1,535 kg and offers a boot space of 405 litres.
The BMW M3 E36 is powered by a 3.2-litre, inline-6 cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine. Its engine has a dual camshaft layout and uses the VANOS variable valve timing system. It is equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, providing direct and engaging gear changes. The E36 makes 321 hp of peak power at 7,400 rpm and 350 Nm of peak torque at 3,250 rpm. Being a performance-oriented car, it has a very poor fuel economy that ranges between 7-9 km/l. It is capable of accelerating to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds, making it one of the quickest cars of its time. The BMW M3 E36 has an impressive top speed of 250 km/h, which is electronically limited.
BMW M3 E36 Price in India
The BMW M3 E36 was sold in limited countries only, mostly in North America and Europe. This sports car was never officially launched in the Indian market. The BMW M3 E6 price in India would have ranged between Rs 42.15 to 46.38 Lakh if it was launched here.
BMW M3 E36 Competitors
During its production years from 1992 to 1999, the BMW M3 E36 faced competition from various other high-performance sports cars and sports sedans. Some of its key competitors are Mercedes-Benz C36 AMG, Acura NSX, Audi S4, and Subaru Impreza WRX.
Verdict: Is the BMW M3 E36 a Good Car?
The E36 features a classic and timeless design that has aged gracefully. Its inline-six engine delivers substantial power and torque, resulting in exhilarating acceleration and high-speed capabilities. It has a balanced weight distribution and rear-wheel-drive layout, which contributes to its exceptional handling characteristics. BMW E36 has a proven track record of performance and durability, ensuring its continued popularity over the years. The BMW M3 E36’s blend of performance, handling, practicality, and classic design makes it a true driver’s car.
BMW M3 E36 Top Features
Naturally aspirated inline-6 cylinder engine
VANOS variable valve timing system
6-Speed manual transmission
Real-wheel drive system
Double overhead camshaft with 24 valves
Independent semi-trailing arm front suspension
Independent “Z-axle” multi-link rear suspension
Front and Rear Disc Brakes
Anti-lock braking system
Central locking system
Driver and front passenger airbags
Front power windows
BMW M3 E36 Specifications
Engine & Gearbox
Engine Type
Inline-6 cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC, 24-valves
Displacement
3,201cc
No. of Cylinders
6
Valves Per Cylinder
4
Fuel Supply
Indirect Induction
Cooling System
Liquid cooling
Ignition
Electronic
Gearbox
6-Speed, manual
Drive Type
Rear-wheel drive
Emission Compliance
Euro 2
Performance, Mileage, & Top Speed
Maximum Power
321 hp @ 7,400 rpm
Maximum Torque
350 Nm @ 3,250 rpm
Mileage
7-10 km/l
Top Speed
BMW E36 top speed is 250 km/h
0-100 km/h
5.5 s
Suspension, Brakes, & Wheels
Steering
Electric power-assisted steering
Front Suspension
Independent semi-trailing arm, coil springs with anti-roll bar
Rear Suspension
Independent Z-axle multi-link, coil springs with anti-roll bar
Front Brakes
Disc
Rear Brakes
Disc
ABS
Yes
Wheels Type
Alloy wheels
Front Wheel Size
17 Inch
Rear Wheel Size
17 Inch
Tyre Type
Tube
Front Tyre Size
225/45R17ZR
Rear Tyre Size
245/40R17ZR
Dimensions & Capacities
Kerb Weight
1,535 kg
Gross Weight
1,950 kg
Payload
415 kg
Roof Load
75 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity
65 litres
Seating Capacity
4
No. of Doors
2
Cargo Space
405 litres
Wheelbase
2,700 mm
Overall Length
4,433 mm
Overall Width
1,710 mm
Overall Height
1,335 mm
Exterior Features
Headlamps
Halogen
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
No
Fog Lamps
Yes
Taillamps
Halogen
Turn Indicators
Halogen
Sunroof
No
Moonroof
No
ORVMs
Body Coloured
Windshield Wipers
Yes
Roof Rails
No
Front Grille
Blacked out with chrome inserts
Trunk Opener
Manual
Interior Features
Instrument Cluster
Analogue instrument cluster
Seat Type
Sports seat
Air Conditioner
Yes
Automatic Climate Control
No
Power Windows
Front power windows
Cup Holders
Yes
Glove Compartments
Yes
Cabin Lamps
Yes
Infotainment System
Radio system
Connectivity
USB
Speakers
Yes
Safety Features
Airbags
Driver and front passenger airbags
ABS
Yes
Brake Assist
Yes
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
No
Traction Control System
No
Electronic Stability Control
No
Seat Belt Warning
No
Central Locking
Yes
Engine Immobilizer
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
No
Rear Vision Camera
No
Parking Sensor
Optional
Comfort & Convenience Features
Power Steering
Yes
Adjustable Steering
Manual
Adjustable Driver’s Seat
Manual
Adjustable Passenger Seat
Manual
Heated Seats
No
Ventilated Seats
No
Keyless Entry
No
Push Button Start
No
Cruise Control
No
Power Tailgate
No
BMW M3 E36 FAQs
What is the horsepower of the BMW E36?
The E36 with a 3.2-litre, 6-cylinder engine makes 321 horsepower.
What is the top speed of the BMW M3 E36?
The top speed of the BMW M3 E36 is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).
