Verdict
A
BHP
321 bhp
0–60
5.5 s
Top speed
155 mph
MPG
20 mpg (US)
Used
$19,000-$51,000
Strengths
- Pure NA inline-six
- Coupé, Saloon, Convertible
- Iconic M3 design
Weaknesses
- Subframe cracks
- VANOS rattle
- SMG slow shifts
Notable tech
- E36 platform
- S50 / S52 / S54 inline-six NA
- Coupé, Saloon, Convertible
- 5MT, 6MT, SMG sequential
Common issues
- VANOS rattle
- Cooling system plastic
- Subframe cracks (track use)
Engine derivatives
US-spec trims and engines offered across E36's life. Click any two rows to compare them side-by-side.
M3 3.0 (S50)
BHP286
Torque320 Nm
0–605.9 s
Top155 mph
MPG (US)20 mpg
DriveRWD
Gearbox5MT
M3 3.2 (S50B32)
BHP321
Torque350 Nm
0–605.5 s
Top155 mph
MPG (US)20 mpg
DriveRWD
Gearbox6MT / SMG
M3 Evo 3.2 (US-spec)
BHP240
Torque320 Nm
0–605.5 s
Top155 mph
MPG (US)20 mpg
DriveRWD
Gearbox5MT