BMW 3 Series (E36)

BMW 3 Series (E36)
Overview
ManufacturerBMW
Production1990–2000
Model years1992–1999 (North America)
Assembly
DesignerClaus Luthe, Pinky Lai, Boyke Boyer
Body and chassis
ClassCompact executive car (D)
Body style
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Related
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,700 mm (106.3 in)
Length4,433 mm (174.5 in)[3]
Width1,710 mm (67.3 in)[3]
Height1,366–1,390 mm (53.8–54.7 in)[3]
Curb weight1,175–1,635 kg (2,590–3,605 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorBMW 3 Series (E30)
SuccessorBMW 3 Series (E46)

The third generation of the BMW 3 Series range of compact executive cars is designated under the model code E36, and was produced by the German automaker BMW from 1990 to 2000. The initial models were of the four-door sedan body style, followed by the coupé, convertible, wagon ("Touring"), and eventually hatchback ("Compact").

The E36 was the first 3 Series to be offered in a hatchback body style. It was also the first 3 Series to be available with a six-speed manual transmission (in the 1996 M3), a five-speed automatic transmission, and a four-cylinder diesel engine. The multi-link rear suspension was also a significant upgrade as compared to the previous generations of the 3 Series. All-wheel drive was not available for the E36, unlike the previous (E30) and successive (E46) generations.

The E36 was named in Car and Driver magazine's 10Best list for every year it was on sale.[4]

Following the introduction of its successor, the E46 3 Series in 1998, the E36 began to be phased out and was eventually replaced in 1999.

  1. ^ Herdianto, Radityo (30 July 2019). "BMW Seri 3 di Indonesia, Mobil Ikonik yang Punya Masalah Mengerikan di Masa Lalu". GridOto (in Indonesian). Retrieved 21 September 2019.
  2. ^ Automology (28 June 2018). "Cars Made in the Philippines, Really?". Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  3. ^ a b c "The BMW 3 Series Coupés" (PDF). BMW. 1996. Retrieved 19 February 2019.
  4. ^ "1998 10Best Cars - 10Best Cars". January 1998. Retrieved 6 January 2017.