The engine is an inline 6-cylinder unit with the engine code S50B30, designed for high-performance driving. It runs on petrol and utilizes a Bosch DME fuel system for precise fuel delivery. The engine features a wet sump lubrication system and is cooled by water. Positioned longitudinally at the front of the vehicle, it has a displacement of 2990 cm³ (182.5 cu-in) and a bore and stroke of 86 mm x 85.8 mm (3.39 x 3.38 inches). The engine is equipped with 24 valves, and the compression ratio is set at 10.8:1.
The engine produces a maximum power output of 286 PS (282 HP / 210 kW) at 7000 rpm, with a peak torque of 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) at 3600 rpm, providing an impressive balance of performance and responsiveness. Power is sent to the rear wheels (RWD) through a 5-speed manual transmission, offering a driver-focused, engaging experience on the road. The combination of these specifications highlights the engine’s performance potential, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts seeking precision and power.
BMW E36 3 Series Sedan M3 Engine Technical Data
| Engine type – Number of cylinders | Inline 6 |
| Engine Code | S50B30 |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Fuel System | Bosch DME |
| Lubrication | Wet sump |
| Engine Cooling | Water |
| Engine Alignment | Longitudinal |
| Engine Position | Front |
| Engine size – Displacement – Engine capacity | 2990 cm3 / 182.5 cu-in |
| Bore x Stroke | 86 x 85.8 mm 3.39 x 3.38 inches |
| Number of valves | 24 Valves |
| Aspiration | N/A |
| Compression Ratio | 10.8 |
| Maximum power – Output – Horsepower | 286 PS / 282 HP / 210 kW @ 7000 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 320 Nm / 236 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm |
| Drive wheels – Traction – Drivetrain | RWD |
| Transmission Gearbox – Number of speeds | 5 speed Manual |
BMW E36 3 Series Sedan M3 Fuel Consumption (Economy), Emissions and Range
The vehicle offers a range of fuel efficiency figures depending on driving conditions. Its combined fuel consumption is 9.1 L/100 km (31 MPG UK / 26 MPG US), making it reasonably efficient for everyday driving. On the open road, fuel consumption improves to 6.5 L/100 km (43 MPG UK / 36 MPG US), while highway driving yields 7.9 L/100 km (36 MPG UK / 30 MPG US), reflecting better fuel economy on longer trips.
In city driving conditions, fuel consumption increases to 13 L/100 km (22 MPG UK / 18 MPG US), which is typical for urban environments with frequent stop-and-go traffic. The vehicle has a fuel tank capacity of 65 liters (17.2 US gallons or 14.3 UK gallons), providing a total range of approximately 714 km (444 miles) on a full tank under optimal conditions.
The estimated CO2 emissions are 217 g/km, indicating the environmental impact of the vehicle’s fuel consumption.
| Fuel Consumption – Economy – Combined | 9.1 L/100 Km 31 MPG UK 26 MPG US |
| Fuel Consumption – Economy – Open road | 6.5 L/100 Km 43 MPG UK 36 MPG US |
| Fuel Consumption – Economy – Highway | 7.9 L/100 Km 36 MPG UK 30 MPG US |
| Fuel Consumption – Economy – City | 13 L/100 Km 22 MPG UK 18 MPG US |
| Range | 714 Km / 444 miles |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L 17.2 US gallons 14.3 UK gallons |
| CO2 emissions | 217 g/Km (estimate) |
BMW E36 3 Series Sedan M3 Performance
The vehicle is capable of impressive performance, with a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph), making it well-suited for high-speed driving. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 96 km/h) in just 5.4 seconds, and from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 6.0 seconds. For a quarter-mile drag or a 1000-meter run, the car completes the distance in 25.4 seconds, showcasing its strong acceleration and performance potential. These figures reflect a well-balanced engine with responsive power delivery, making the vehicle a thrilling choice for driving enthusiasts.
| Top Speed | 250 Km/h / 155 Mph |
| Acceleration 0 to 60 mph (0 to 96 Km/h) | 5.40 s |
| Acceleration 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) | 6.0 s |
| Acceleration 0 to 1000m | 25.4 s |
BMW E36 3 Series Sedan M3 Size, Dimensions, Aerodynamics and Weight
This sedan offers a well-balanced and sporty design, with a sleek body that combines practicality with performance. It features four doors and a spacious interior with seating for five passengers. The vehicle’s dimensions include a wheelbase of 270 cm (106.3 inches), a length of 443.3 cm (174.53 inches), a width of 171 cm (67.32 inches), and a height of 133.5 cm (52.56 inches), giving it a compact yet comfortable size. The front axle measures 142.2 cm (55.98 inches), while the rear axle is slightly longer at 144.4 cm (56.85 inches).
Aerodynamically, the car is efficient with a drag coefficient (Cx) of 0.32, which helps reduce air resistance and improve fuel efficiency at higher speeds. The braking system features vented disc brakes, with the front discs measuring 315 mm (12.4 inches) and the rear discs at 312 mm (12.28 inches), offering strong stopping power.
Both the front and rear tires are sized 235/40 R17, mounted on 7½-inch wide rims, ensuring balanced grip and handling performance. The vehicle’s curb weight is 1460 kg (3219 lbs), and its weight-to-power ratio stands at 5.1 kg/hp, reflecting its sporty nature and performance potential.
For cargo, the sedan offers a generous trunk/boot capacity of 435 liters (15.4 cu-ft), providing ample space for luggage or gear. Steering is managed by a rack-and-pinion setup with power-assisted steering (PAS), providing responsive and precise handling.
The front suspension utilizes McPherson struts, while the rear suspension is a multi-link Z-axle, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride, enhancing both comfort and handling on various road conditions. This combination of specifications contributes to the vehicle’s agile performance and practical usability.
| BodyBodyBody | Sedan |
| Num. of Doors | 4 |
| Wheelbase | 270 cm / 106.3 in |
| Length | 443.3 cm / 174.53 in |
| Width | 171 cm / 67.32 in |
| Height | 133.5 cm / 52.56 in |
| Front Axle | 142.2 cm / 55.98 in |
| Rear Axle | 144.4 cm / 56.85 in |
| Num. of Seats | 5 |
| Aerodynamic drag coefficient – Cx | 0.32 |
| Front Brakes – Disc dimensions | Vented Discs (315 mm / 12.4 in) |
| Rear Brakes – Dics dimensions | Vented Discs (312 mm / 12.28 in) |
| Front Tyres – Rims dimensions | 235/40 R17 |
| Rear Tyres – Rims dimensions | 235/40 R17 |
| Front Wheels Width | 7½” |
| Rear Wheels Width | 7½” |
| Curb Weight | 1460 Kg / 3219 lbs |
| Weight-Power Output Ratio | 5.1 kg/hp |
| Trunk / Boot capacity | 435 L / 15.4 cu-ft |
| Steering | Rack and pinion. PAS |
| Front Suspension | McPherson struts |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-Link Z-Axle |
