E36 Chassis: What you need to know

General Overview

The BMW E36 is the third generation of the 3 Series range of compact executive cars. It was produced from 1990-2000, with the initial models being 4-door sedan style. More styles eventually followed, such as the wagon, coupe, convertible, and hatchback. The E36 was the first 3 Series that was offered in a hatchback body style (known as the 318Ti), and also the first 3 Series to be offered with a 6-speed manual transmission (‘96 M3), 5-speed automatic, 4 cylinder diesel engine, and multi-link rear suspension. Unfortunately, all-wheel drive was not offered on the E36, unlike its predecessor (E30) and successor (E46). The performance E36 offering, the M3, is powered by the S50/S52 in-line 6-cylinder motor (dependent on year).