W L RETRO
: BMW E36 M3 by Aidan Fitzsimmons
In this months edition of Retro vehicles we have the superb BMW E36 M3 . The M3 was a huge hit in the early 90 ’ s as a vehicle which was known more for the yuppies and the high class sales executive . You would often see an M3 with the driver having a big moustache and holding his cordless car phone but don ’ t be fooled as under the bonnet you have 282bhp at your feet with slick aerodynamic styling that really made this M3 grip the roads ahead . Of a day this was your typical family vehicle with Mum & Dad sitting up front whilst of a night Dad would slip his shell suit on and really see what this machine could do .
The E36 M3 was launched at the Paris Motor Show in October 1992 and proved a massive commercial success . Whereas the E30-based M3 had been a hardcore homologation special of limited appeal to mainstream buyers , the E36 M3 offered BMW ’ s renowned German refinement with supercar levels of performance . Between 1992 and 1995 , nearly 29,000 E36 M3s were delivered compared to nearly 18,000 E30 M3s over the duration of its five-year production run .
However , by 1995 the E36 M3 was still in its infancy and , in September of that year , an improved Evolution variant was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show . At its heart was an advanced new engine enlarged from three to 3.2-litres . Additionally , a six-speed Getrag gearbox replaced the outgoing five-speed ZF unit . The uprated drivetrain resulted in notable performance gains but cosmetically , the Evolution was little changed .
Like its predecessors , these Evolution variants were assembled on the regular 3-series production line at Regensburg near Munich ; the BMW Motorsport plant in Garching was simply unable to cope with the vast number of orders that flowed in .
As before , Coupe , Convertible and Saloon body styles would ultimately be offered . The Coupe arrived first followed by the Convertible and Saloon two months later .
Performance & Interior The M3 E36 was designed with the engine in mind . With its debut , a 6-cylinder in-line engine made its debut in a 3-Series top model . From the outset , the characteristic and BMW-typical S50B30 naturally aspirated engine combined the best of both worlds . It ’ s true of any ’ 90s performance car that time takes its toll , and automotive technology progresses quickly . The E36 M3 is a perfect example of this . While the E36 M3 might not be able to keep up with today ’ s crop of fast sedans , it ’ s still an excellent performance car in its own right and a true icon of ’ 90s motoring . E36s were a good deal quieter inside than E30s due to better aerodynamics and more effective sound deadening . The first time I drove a Coupe after being used to my E30 I couldn ’ t get over how close the sun visors were to my head due to the lower roof line and more raked windscreen . They felt far more modern inside and were a very comfortable place to be on a long drive . Controls fell easily to hand and the ergonomics were excellent . Air conditioning was very rare on early UK cars as it was exceedingly expensive . The control panel is totally different to the
later cars with their digital display ( which failed a lot ). Cars with the digital display also had dual heater control valves to allow driver and passenger to set their own temperature preferences . BMW had traditionally used three sliders for top , mid and foot level vent control but the E36 saw the end of that with a rotary knob replacing them .
Most E36s had a metal sunroof which could be tilted or fully opened . I believe they were all electrically operated as I ’ ve never seen a manual one . They tend to be very reliable but by now some grease in the runners wouldn ’ t hurt , be careful though the mechanism has very sharp edges below the cover . In the final year or two a higher numbers of cars were given aircon instead of a sunroof . Manufacturers don ’ t like sunroofs as they ’ re time consuming to fit on the production line . I believe the cost was £ 850 as they were always officially an option .
What to look for ... BODY : The E36 is known for a susceptibility to rust . Common problem areas include the front wings , boot floor , jacking points and rear suspension mounts . If there ’ s no BMW roundel on the front windscreen , it has been replaced at some point , so check for the telltale signs of a poor seal , which will cause the bulkhead to corrode .
ENGINE : The Vanos variable valve timing system can fail . A loud rattling noise , lumpy idle and loss of low-end power are the key warning signs . The exhaust is prone to cracking and can be expensive to repair , and water pump bearings often fail but the whole unit is easily replaced .
SUSPENSION , STEERING : Rear damper mounts weaken over time , resulting in a wallowy ride through corners . Some cars have had reinforcements welded in . Check all rubber bushings have been replaced , paying particular attention to the rear trailing arm bushes , removal of which need a special tool .
BRAKES : Brake pipe corrosion is an E36 M3 owner ’ s worst nightmare . The exhaust system and fuel tank need to be removed to install new pipes , and even independent garages can charge up to £ 600 for this job . Calipers can seize but refurbished OEM parts are readily available and relatively affordable .
In summary : This BMW ( E36 ) M3 is a very well-maintained , low-mileage example of the impressive sports coupe , boasting an appealing factory specification and an upgraded exhaust . Having been driven sparingly throughout its life , it is now ready to entertain its next enthusiast owner on their favourite B-roads for many years to come , or could equally be pressed into use as an exciting yet refined daily driver .
This vehicle is availble at Woods of Wirral Motor Company based in Hoylake Wirral . For all information please contact myself Aidan Fitzsimmons on 07841 633219 or email aidan @ woodsofwirral . co . uk
Price £ 10,000 - £ 40,000
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