The first E36 M3 to be imported to the United States was the 1995 model, which received a 3.0 L engine with 240 hp (179 kW) and 305 N•m (225 ft·lbf) (
S50B30US), a different suspension and a 0-60mph (0-96km/h) time in about 6 seconds. This coupe has a 3.0L 24-valve
DOHC straight six-cylinder engine, available in 5-speed
manual and
automatic transmissions.
BMW also produced at least 114 M3 Lightweights.
[5] Internal BMW designation documented it as a CSL however. These were reduced weight versions of the model intended to be used both on the road and on the track. It was 225 pounds lighter than a stock M3 with many of the car's features removed, such as sound deadening, radio, air conditioning, leather seats, and sunroof. Other extras that came with this version included an extendable front splitter, strut tower brace, x-brace, aluminum doors. It could also be fitted with a dual pickup oil pan however, BMW AG stipulated that fitting the dual pickup GT oil pan to the car would void the warranty.
The 1996-1999 model years had displacement bumped up to 3.2 L, still with 240 hp (179 kW), but torque increases to 320 N•m (236 ft·lbf) which is the same
S52B32US engine used in the early
M Roadster and
M Coupe. The manual gearbox remains a 5-speed despite the European versions being upgraded to 6-speed. The 1996+ model is known for being more difficult to tune for performance, due to slightly smaller intake manifold runners and more complicated electronics (
OBDII). It was also available as a
sedan starting in model year 1997, and as
convertible in 1998. Production of the sedan was halted in 1998, while the other models continued until 1999.
US sales figures include a total of 18,961 coupes, 7,760 sedans and 6,211 convertibles
[6].
[edit] Performance
VersionPower0-60 mph
[7]Top Speed3.0l-24v
I6Euro210 kW (286 PS/282 hp)5.4 s155 mph / 250 km/h (electronically limited)U.S.179 kW (243 PS/240 hp)5.6 s.137 mph / 220 km/h
[8] (electronically limited)3.2l-24v I6Euro236 kW (321 PS/316 hp)5.2 s155 mph / 250 km/h (electronically limited)U.S.179 kW (243 PS/240 hp)5.5 s.139 mph / 225 km/h (electronically limited)