The BMW E36 M3 a modern classic.

The BMW E36 M3 a modern classic.

The E36 M3 is and underrated modern classic by virtue of not been as legendary as the E30 M3 or as amazing as the it's successor the E46 M3, which leaves it in  limbo of being the middle child in the family where your two siblings stand out in every aspect for varying reasons.

The E36 M3 debuted in February 1992, the replacement for the original M3 E30 BMW M3. And was the first M3 powered by a S50 2,990 cc straight-six engine with a peak power of 210kw (282 hp). It had six speed gearbox and the M5's larger brakes. The new SMG gearbox was also offered as an option. Initially it was only available as a coupe, BMW introduced M3 convertible and saloon versions in 1994.

Later in 1994 BMW produced the limited-edition M3 GT as a racing homologation special. All M3 GT's were British racing green. It featured an upgraded 217 kW (291 hp) 3.0-litre engine. 356 GT's were built.

Late in 1995 the M3 coupe and saloon, respectively, were upgraded to the S50B32 3.2-litre engine with a peak power of 239kws (321.0 hp). Other new features clear indicator lenses and a new 6 speed gearbox. The M3 convertible
only received these changes until 1996 February.

At the time the BMW E36 M3 was loved and was the best handling M3 of the time. Known for its balance and great handling and was a firm favourite for track days and racers alike.

BMW is well known for special edition models the E36 M3 has six models that where created. The first being the M3 Euro-Spec (Canadian Edition) was created

in 1995 with numerous changes over the standard car which included the removal
of the leather seats, air conditioning, sun roof or tool kit.

The further weight saving measures were to aluminium skins and under-bonnet blanket and boot was left with only the carpet floor. All these measures helped dropped 91kgs (200Ib) in weight. The changes cosmetically for the BMW M3 Lightweight only came in Alpine white and motorsports flag decals.

Most of the E46 M3's were produced at the Regensburg factory in Bavaria. A small number of low compression right hand drive M3's were produced at BMW's Rosslyn plant in Pretoria South Africa. In total 46,525 coupes, 12,114 convertibles and 12,603 saloons were produced.

There is no such thing as "German Spec" M3. This is a made up term in South Africa otherwise it would've been made official from BMW themselves. There is the standard spec, the European-spec version and American built version with the 3.0 litre S50B30US engine with 240 HP (179 kW; 243 PS) and 305 N·m (225 lb·ft), a different suspension setup and a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) time in about six seconds.

The 1996–1999 model years had displacement bumped up to 3.2 litres, still with 240 HP (179 kW; 243 PS), but torque increases to 320 N·m (240 lb·ft) This was because of restrictions largely due to excessive costs for the US market and the Euro spec engine not passing emission tests in United states.

The South African built M3's were identical to the German built counterparts with a few cosmetic, trim level and engine differences.

• The slightly modified S50 B30 engine to run on leaded fuel for South Africa
• Local paint colour options for our domestic market 
• Air-conditioning
• On-board computer
• HI-FI speakers
• A higher level of standard features and equipment
• A Power sunroof
• The forged M double spoke alloy wheels
• BMW sport seats either M-cloth/Amaretto or extended Nappa leather.

Given this the South African Built M3's seem to be better in many ways in terms of trim options and the minor differences engine wise are due to our climate and grade of fuel at the time.

The 6 speed gearbox and the German and Euro spec and US version of the M3 a five speed gearbox,which later was upgraded to the six speed gearbox in 1996. Another fun fact is the SMG gearbox was also offered as an option with the E36 M3.

The term “German spec M3” sounds great, but it adds no additional value to the car which most assume are Built in Germany, which are even rarer to find in our domestic market. So when you see an advertisement on for a German Spec BMW take that with pinch of salt.

The E36 BMW M3 was a simple car with very few electronics, modifying, upgrading and fixing them is very straightforward. As parts are mechanical they were easy to replace and made it a more reliable car because of this simplicity and is perfect for a project car.

The E36 M3 may not be as sort after as the E30 M3 which is ridiculously expensive and the E46 M3 aren't exactly cheap although in the domestic market the prices for the E36 M3 is steadily rising and immaculate examples are rivaling the E46 M3, which leaves a lot to be desired when the obvious choice would be the E46 M3 but that I'll cover in a later article.

There are many cheap examples to be found locally and in many cases these M3's have been well looked after and serviced regularly and then there is the other end of the scale of those unloved and in disrepair which should be avoided unless you have the time and money to restore and improve upon from the ground up.