BMW E36
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| BMW E36 | |
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| Manufacturer | BMW |
| Production | 1991–1999 |
| Predecessor | BMW E30 |
| Successor | BMW E46 |
| Class | Entry-level luxury car / Compact executive car |
| Body style(s) | 2-door coupé 2-door convertible 3-door hatchback 4-door sedan 5-door station wagon |
| Platform | FR layout |
| Engine(s) | Otto engines: I4 1.6-1.9 L, 73-103 kW I6 2.0-3.2 L, 110-236 kW Diesel engines: I4 1.7 L, 66 kW I6 2.5 L, 85 and 105 kW |
| Related | BMW M3 BMW Z3 |
The E36 automobile platform was the basis for the 1991-1999 BMW 3 Series entry-level luxury car / compact executive car. It was the successor to the BMW E30 and was eventually replaced by the BMW E46 in 1998. However, because the E46 series 2-door coupes and convertibles were still being developed at the outset of its introduction, BMW continued to produce these models as E36 versions through the 1999 model year. The M3 was produced as an E36 from 1995-1999 in the US, and 1993-1999 in the European market.
The E36 was introduced in late 1990 (1991 model) for Europe and as a 1992 model for US and Canada.
E36 experienced enormous success in the market. It laid strong foundations for the success that the BMW E46 experienced in subsequent years.
Also known as the "Dolphin shape." The E36 was sold from 1991 through 1999. It employed the "Z-axle" multilink suspension in the rear which had been proven in the Z1. DOHC engines were used across the range, with VANOS variable valve timing introduced in 1993.
The four-door E36 was sold from Autumn, 1991, in the United States but the E30 coupes were retained until well into 1992. The E36 convertible was delayed until 1994. The hatchback 318ti Compact was introduced in 1995, was very popular in Europe, but it was not very successful in North America. The BMW Compact was identical to the regular E36 sedan from front bumper to A-Pillar. Everything else was unique, namely its rear semi-trailing arm suspension, based on the old E30, instead of the Z-Axle Multilink employed in all other E36's. The Z3 and M Coupe have similar rear suspension setups as well. The "Touring" station wagon was sold in Europe from 1995, but was not offered in the United States.
The 2.5 L M50B25 used in the 325 models was replaced in 1996 with the 2.8 L M52B28, creating the 328 line. Another 2.5 L engine, the M52B25, was reintroduced for 1998 but the cars were sold as 323 rather than 325.
The 4-door 3 Series models were replaced after 1998 in the US, while the 2-door models lasted through 1999.
Contents |
[edit] Non-US models
Each model is followed by its particular engine code.
[edit] Sedans
- 316i (1990-1993) M40B16
- 316i (1993-1998) M43B16
- 318i (1990-1993) M40B18
- 318i (1993-1998) M43B18
- 318iS (1992-1996) M42B18
- 318iS (1996-1998) M44B19
- 318tds (1994-1998) M41D17
- 320i (1991-1994) M50B20
- 320i (1994-1998) M52B20
- 323i (1995-1998) M52B25
- 325i (1991-1995) M50B25
- 325td (1991-1998) M51D25
- 325tds (1993-1998) M51S
- 328i (1994-1998) M52B28
- M3 Evo (1997-1998) S50B32
[edit] Coupes
- 316i (1993-1998) M43B16
- 318is (1992-1996) M42B18
- 318is (1996-1999) M44B19
- 320i (1992) M50B20
- 320i (1992-1998) M52B20
- 323is (1995-1999) M52B25
- 325is (1992-1995) M50B25
- 328i (1995-1998) M52B28
- 328is (1995-1999) M52B28
- M3 (1993-1995) S50B30
- M3 Evo (1996-1998) S50B32
[edit] Convertibles (Cabriolets)
- 318ic (1994-1998) M43B18
- 320ic (1993-1994) M50B20
- 320ic (1994-1998) M52B20
- 325ic (1993-1994) M50B25
- 328ic (1995-1999) M52B28
- M3 (1994-1996) S50B30
- M3 Evo (1996-1998) S50B32
[edit] Touring (Wagons)
- 316iT (1998) M43B16
- 318iT (1995-1998) M43B18
- 318tds (1995-1998) M41D17
- 320iT (1995-1998) M52B20
- 325iT (1996-1998) M52B25
- 325tds (1995-1998) M51S
- 328iT (1995-1998) M52B28
[edit] Compact
- 316i (1994-1998) M43B16
- 318tds (1995-1998) M41D17
- 318ti (1994-1996) M42B18
- 318ti (1996-1998) M44B19
- 323ti (1996-1998) M52B25
[edit] US/Canada models
- 318i, 318is, 318ic (1992-1995) M42B18
- 318ti (1994-1996) M42B18
- 318i, 318ti (1996-1998) M44B19
- 323i, 323is, 323ic (1996-1998) M52B25
- 325i, 325is, 325ic (1992) M50B25
- 325i, 325is, 325ic (1993-1995) M50TUB25
- 328i, 328is, 328ic (1996-1998) M52B28
- M3 (1995-1999 coupe, 1997-1998 sedan, 1998-1999 convertible) S50B30US and S52 (1996-1999)
[edit] Other platform applications
BMW made an entry level version of the E36 called the BMW Compact, a three-door hatchback. This platform is often referred to as the E36/5. In the United States/Canada market the car was sold as the 318ti and was equipped with a 1.8 L, 139 bhp M44B19 engine and was priced at USD23,000 in 1995. In 1996 the 1.8 liter engine was replaced with 1.9L putting out 138 bhp (103 kW) and 133 ft·lbf (180 N·m) of torque. Ostensibly due to slow US sales of the E36/5 Compact, the E46 Compact was not sold in the United States.
A modified version of the E36 platform designated as E36/7 was used for the BMW Z3 roadster in 1996-2002. The modification for the BMW Z3 Coupe was designated as E36/8.
Even though the BMW factory was producing its own E36 convertibles, the Baur "Top Cabriolet" conversion was still available, possibly out of respect for the long association of the two firms.
[edit] Success
Among BMW enthusiasts, the E36 platform is considered one of the best BMW designs of the past 20 years. Sales figures for 3 Series coupes, sedans, and convertibles were at all time highs in North America and Europe. The E36 repeatedly beat its competitors[citation needed] and won many awards from major car magazines. BMW achieved a strong market identity and presence due to the E36's high quality and "really fun to drive" character. The car is however criticised by some for departing from the previous E30 model, which was lighter, smaller, and considered to be more of a pure-bred sports car by enthusiasts.
[edit] External links
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| Type | Series | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s | 2010s | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||
| Small family | 1 Series | E36/5 | E46/5 | E81 / E82 / E87 / E88 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compact exec | 3 Series | E21 | E30 | E36 | E46 | E90 / E91 / E92 / E93 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Executive | 5 Series | E12 | E28 | E34 | E39 | E60 / E61 | F10 / F11 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Luxury | 7 Series | E23 | E32 | E38 | E65 / E66 | F01 / F02 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Coupé | 6 Series | E24 | E63 / E64 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Roadster | Z Series | Z1 (E30) | Z3 (E36) | Z4 (E85) | Z2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Supercar/GT | M1 | E31 | Z8 (E52) | Z10 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SUV | X3 | E83 | F25 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| X5 | E53 | E70 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| X6 | E71 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
