10
8
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V
V
A
A
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S
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Q. How many US E36 M3s have been built?
A. According to the
3 Series Enthusiast's Companion
, in:
1994, 2953 (sold as MY 1995)
1995, 5806 (5763 coupes [1311 automatic], 43 lightweights)
1996, 3175 (3096 coupes [299 automatic], 79 lightweights)
1997, 7940 (4535 sedans, 3405 coupes)
1998, 8762 (3225 sedans, 2876 convertibles, 2661 coupes)
1999, 6557 (3222 coupes, 3335 convertibles)
Q. What colors and body styles were available?
A. In 1995 and 1996 a coupe (two door) was the only model available. The sedan (four door) came out in 1997 and was followed by the convertible
in 1998. Colors available for 1995 were Alpine White, Arctic Silver, Avus Blue, Boston Green, Bright Red, Cosmos Black, Dakar Yellow, and Daytona
Violet and colors for 1996-1999 were Alpine White, Arctic Silver (up to March 1998), Boston Green (up to March 1998), Bright Red, Byzanz (1997
sedan only), Cosmos Black, Dakar Yellow II, Estoril Blue, Fern Green (after March 1998), Techno Violet, and Titanium Silver (after March 1998).
Q. What is a Euro M3?
A. The European specification M3 was introduced in 1993 and included several parts (S50 B30 & S50 B32 engine, lighting, rotor discs, powered rear
windows (coupe), sequential transmission option, and more) which were deleted from or modified for the US M3 (introduced in 1995). The Euro
M3, with an engine more adept to high speed (top end horsepower) than off-the-line acceleration (low end torque), is quite different from the
cheaper US M3. For more information, visit Die Inoffizielle BMW M3 home page
http://bcw3design.com/m3/homepage.htm.
Q. What is a lightweight M3?
A. Detailed information on the M3 Lightweight can be found at
http://www.m3ltw.com/
. See below for a brief description from BMW NA (edited):
The 1995 M3 Lightweight (BMW NA model code 9520) was produced between 8/95 through 10/95. A small quantity (approx. 100
units) of M3 were produced, aimed at the performance purist and/or active competitor. This street-legal model (as delivered to the
dealership) eliminated several comfort and convenience items for weight reduction purposes which were normally found on
standard M3 models. The M3 lightweight came with several performance upgrades based on the European M3 GT homologation
series for worldwide GT racing.
Q. What is a luxury model M3?
A. From 1995 through 1997, BMW offered a luxury package to compliment the M3 line. The model included 8-way electrically adjustable seats,
extended leather on the door panels, chrome interior door handles, wood trim throughout the cabin, cruise control, on-board computer, M-Technic
side sills, M-Technic front spoiler, and M-Contour wheels. The additions (mainly the seats) increased the weight of the M3 by about 125 lbs.
Q. Why do the 1995 and 1996-1999 M3s have different engines?
A. The 1995 M3 (engine code S50US B30) was equipped with a Bosch DME (M3.3.1) with OBD I, whereas the 1996-1999 M3s (engine code S50US
B32) were equipped with a Siemens DME (MS41.2) with OBD II. Also see below for a dated, yet informative, response from Jim Conforti (edited):
There will be 1995 M3s until December. There will be no 1996 M3s since the S50US B30 engine would have to be emasculated to
meet the 1996 emissions regulations. At that time it was presumed that there would be a 3.2L version of the new 328i 2.8L alloy
L6 for the 1997 M3. The 1997 M3 was supposed to hit the shores in the summer of 1996. However, a slight glitch has hit. The
2.8L was to be made of Nikasil alloy, the same used in the M60 V8 blocks. This material was found incompatible with a lot of US
fuels due to sulfur content, so for the M60 they are going to sleeve the blocks in the 3.x and 4.x liter V8s. There is not enough
meat in the 2.8 block to sleeve, so they are changing the alloy to Alusil (same as the M70 V12) which is immune to sulfur but more
expensive. This is requires reengineering the 2.8L and presumably 3.2L M3 blocks.
9
9
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O
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T
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H
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M
M
A
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Q. How much does the stock M3 coupe or sedan weigh?
A. Average curb weight without driver is close to 3175 lb. Individual vehicle weights will vary based on options, e.g., the luxury package.
