BMW M3 E36 Generation (1999 - 2006)

Custom-fit Add-ons
E36 of BMW M3 has been in production since 1999 by 2006.
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2006 BMW M3 Engines list
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2005 BMW M3 Engines list
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2004 BMW M3 Engines list
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2003 BMW M3 Engines list
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2002 BMW M3 Engines list
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2001 BMW M3 Engines list
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1999 BMW M3 Engines list
BMW M3 E36 dimensions and specs
Compare two BMW M3 generations
E36 | |
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Body style | Convertible, Coupe, Sedan |
Engine options | S54B32, 3.2L V-6, 338 HP, 269 lb/ft |
S52B32, 3.2L V-6, 240 HP, 236 lb/ft | |
Length | 174.5 - 176.8 in |
Width | 67.3 - 70.1 in |
Height | 52.6 - 54 in |
Wheelbase | 106.3 - 107.5 in |
Curb weight | 3175 - 3781 lbs |
Number of doors | 2 |
Seating capacity | 4 - 5 |
Front hip room | 57.80 in |
Rear hip room | 47.60 in |
Front Headroom | 37.5 - 38.4 in |
Rear Headroom | 36.3 - 36.9 in |
Front shoulder room | 53.2 - 54.5 in |
Rear shoulder room | 43.6 - 52.7 in |
Fuel tank capacity | 16.4 - 16.6 gal |
MPG (City/Highway) | 16 - 19/23 - 26 |
Payload capacity | 848 lb |
Towing capacity | 999 lbs |
0-60 mph / 0-100 kph | 5.2 - 6.2 sec |
¼ mile time | 13.7 - 15.4 sec |
BMW M3 Common Problems generations
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a perfect car. Each car has its own design flaws and problems that the user has to deal with. During the BMW M3 E36 Generation production period from 1999 to 2006 drivers have reported 167 complaints. The most common problems are AIR BAGS, POWER TRAIN, MANUAL TRANSMISSION.
Model Year | Complaints |
2006 M3 |
13
|
2005 M3 |
12
|
2004 M3 |
29
|
2003 M3 |
52
|
2002 M3 |
36
|
2001 M3 |
14
|
1999 M3 |
11
|
Problem Category | Number of Problems |
AIR BAGS this car has airbag recall and despite 2-3 phone calls to bmw dealership it is still not fixed. all i... |
43
~ 37475 miles |
POWER TRAIN the smg transmission intermittently comes out of gear in any situation and is very dangerous when in heavy traffic and/or... |
16
~ 73752 miles |
MANUAL TRANSMISSION > POWER TRAIN tl*the contact owns a 2006 bmw m3 with an smg transmission. he stated that when the vehicle was in either... |
11
~ 31319 miles |
SUSPENSION had my car inspected by a mechanic and he noticed a tear in the subframe near the rear drivers side.... |
10
~ 113007 miles |
ENGINE > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING car is well maintained everything run smooth except one day it starts sounding like a tractor. vanos bolts come loose.... |
10
~ 19792 miles |
VISIBILITY the auto-dimming rear view mirrors in 2001-2006 bmw 3 series and other models are defective. these mirrors leak out the... |
8
~ 64188 miles |
BODY > STRUCTURE had my car inspected by a mechanic and he noticed a tear in the subframe near the rear drivers side.... |
7
~ 116330 miles |
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION > POWER TRAIN while normal driving through town/highway the car will slip into neutral and cease to accelerate. which causes a high risk |
7
~ 52107 miles |
GASOLINE > ENGINE > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING as an owner of this vehicle i am concerned by the safety reliability and resale value issues raised by over |
7
|
ENGINE vehicle drops out of gear randomly. as i was taking a left turn the vehicle dropped into 0 gear and... |
6
~ 91472 miles |
EXTERIOR LIGHTING the rear lamps in my body panel that house the brake lamp turn signal and tail lamp stopped working and... |
6
~ 68108 miles |
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING my vehicle has 87 000 miles and i was just informed that the vanos had failed. this is the second... |
6
~ 55576 miles |
UNKNOWN OR OTHER evaporator core design flaw is conducive to mold and mildew buildup. overtime the bacteria can build up to the point... |
5
~ 83962 miles |
TIRES this letter is in reference to two michelin pilot sport a/s 3+ 255/35zr19 96y tires which both failed within 1... |
5
~ 191520 miles |
UNDERBODY SHIELDS > FRAME AND MEMBERS > STRUCTURE i inspected the trunk floorpan and noticed buckling cracking of the trunk floor and welded seams coming apart. the rear... |
5
~ 99472 miles |
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM bmw m3 e46 (2001-2005) do not respond to any standard obdii commands from various tool manufacturers. these vehicles do not |
5
~ 52471 miles |
REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES > VISIBILITY rearview mirror leaked electrochromic fluid all over console and seats badly damaging them. will need to replace mirror and damaged |
4
~ 49496 miles |
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL this is the second time this happened to my car the smg (sequential manual gear) light comes on and then... |
3
~ 54154 miles |
STRUCTURE i inspected the trunk floorpan and noticed buckling cracking of the trunk floor and welded seams coming apart. the rear... |
3
~ 82104 miles |
REAR > SUSPENSION rear vehicle subframe beginning to separate from chassis. sheet metal directly above subframe mounting point peeling away from rest of... |
3
~ 46000 miles |
SIDEWALL > TIRES this letter is in reference to two michelin pilot sport a/s 3+ 255/35zr19 96y tires which both failed within 1... |
2
~ 91301 miles |
WHEELS my 2003 bmw m3 has cracked wheel which causes tire to go flat which is a very bg safety hazard. |
2
~ 108199 miles |
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC tl*the contact owns a 2004 bmw m3. while driving 65-70 mph the calipers locked suddenly. the contact pulled off the... |
2
~ 38500 miles |
SIDE/WINDOW > AIR BAGS dt: drivers side door air bag deployed while driving for no reason. there was no accendent no pot hole and... |
2
~ 37500 miles |
CLUTCH ASSEMBLY > POWER TRAIN bmw m3 2003 with smg transmission surges badly in first gear occasionally with no apparent cause. this is quite disconcerting |
2
~ 13 miles |
DRIVESHAFT > DRIVELINE > POWER TRAIN my car exhibits a loud clunking in the rear of the car when shifting going on/off gas and from releasing... |
2
|
STEERING the material used on the bmw steering wheel melts at the touch of sunlight- doesn't have to be a hot... |
1
~ 95000 miles |
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES passenger door cannot be opened either from insider or outside. appears like the door is double locked. luckily both doors... |
1
~ 155000 miles |
RIM > WHEELS i was driving my car on lake shore drive and i hit a pot hole near lawrence ave. i ended... |
1
~ 60800 miles |
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM vehicle drops out of gear randomly. as i was taking a left turn the vehicle dropped into 0 gear and... |
1
~ 65000 miles |
VISIBILITY/WIPER got into my car in the afternoon and noticed the rear view mirror was distorted. after inspecting realized that... |
1
~ 83488 miles |
SEAT BELTS my car was in a collision where the driver of car 1 was making a turn into the main street... |
1
~ 99647 miles |
EXTERIOR > REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES > VISIBILITY 2004 bmw m3 auto dimming rearview mirror mirror leaked caustic/corrosive unknown liquid onto passenger seat and center console liquid was... |
1
~ 25340 miles |
INTERIOR > REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES > VISIBILITY tl*the contact owns a 2003 bmw m3. the contact stated that the rearview mirror contained a liquid used to tint... |
1
~ 29080 miles |
FRONTAL > AIR BAGS tl*the contact owns a 2003 bmw m3. while driving 65 mph the driver's side air bag deployed without a crash... |
1
~ 72000 miles |
FRAME AND MEMBERS > STRUCTURE after 2.5 years of ownership of vehicle a slight "clunk" coming from the rear of the vehicle is noticed when... |
1
~ 84000 miles |
LATCH > DOORS > LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES tl*the contact owns a 2003 bmw m3. the ignition was turned off. the contact attempted to exit the vehicle. however... |
1
~ 6000 miles |
PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS > TIRES months after the purchase of the vehicle the tire indicator light (to indicate a flat tire has been spontaneously coming... |
1
|
WINDSHIELD > VISIBILITY 2005 mini cooper s was purchased new at southbay mini torrence ca on 3/4/05. car is garaged at 547 oak... |
1
~ 495 miles |
LOCK > TRUNK LID > LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES 2004 bmw m3 convertible. i was on my way home and decided to put the top down. i have owned... |
1
~ 6430 miles |
REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK > WIRING > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2004 bmw m3 convertible. i was on my way home and decided to put the top down. i have owned... |
1
~ 6430 miles |
ANTI-THEFT DEVICE > COLUMN LOCKING > STEERING steering wheel locked up. consumer was unable to move the steering wheel. when this happened it tightened to the point... |
1
~ 23000 miles |
FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM > STORAGE > FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER the fuel gauge reads empty when tank is full. after investigating loud noises from the trunk area i discovered that... |
1
~ 3200 miles |
HOOD > BODY > STRUCTURE hood sensor will indicate that hood is close even though it is still open. consumer is able to drive away. |
1
|
BUMPERS > BODY > STRUCTURE while driving at 30 mph passenger's rear tire locked up and consumer heard a loud grinding noise when driving there... |
1
|
LINKAGE AND CABLE > MECHANICAL > CONVENTIONAL while driving at 30 mph passenger's rear tire locked up and consumer heard a loud grinding noise when driving there... |
1
|
TREAD/BELT > TIRES while driving 70mph the vehicle's left rear tire started to deflate due to puncture and the tread separating from the... |
1
|
ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP > SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC sept 00 abs dash light on took to dealer for repair parts ordered continued to drive with light on repaired... |
1
|
AIR CONDITIONER > APPLIANCE > EQUIPMENT consumer noticed fumes coming from air conditioner a/c vents while traveling from 65-70 mph. vehicle has been repaired five times |
1
|
INJECTORS > FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM > FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE consumer would like to know about recalls for a 2003 bmw. he states that he has tried to contact bmw... |
1
|
How to improve the appearance of your BMW M3 and to make it look younger?
Time goes on, and the automobile industry does not stand still. The cars that were trendy just a few years ago no longer make people look at you with such enthusiasm. However, you won't love your car any less because it's getting old. But if you want your BMW M3 to stand out from the crowd and still catch the eye, transform its appearance. Put on nice rims - it'll make it more noticeable right away. Install coilovers - lowered cars always look cooler. Add fender flares to the kit and you get a sportier look. Put decals on it and people passing by won't be able to take their eyes off of you.
However, you can not only change the appearance of your car beyond recognition, but also to rejuvenate it. If you want, you can make your car a couple of generations younger. To do this you should buy a body kit - a set of body elements that repeat the outlines of cars of later versions. It won't make the car go faster, but it will be extremely difficult to notice the differences externally.
Body kits
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GOOACC 240PCS Bumper Retainer Clips Car ...
- UNIVERSAL FIT KIT - Great Assortment Push Retainer Kit with 12 popular size, fitting for door trim, radiator shield yoke, fender, bumper and splash shield retainers replacement for Ford, GM, Chrysler, Toyota, Honda and more.
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Xotic Tech Front Bumper Lip Chin Spoiler...
- 【Material】Made of updated durable and sturdy ABS, no deformation in long-term use, physically strong firm and durable, anti-collision and scratch-resistant
- 【Special Design】DIY installation, different cool style reveal no matter you install the White spoiler or...
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Xotic Tech Universal Front Bumper Lip Ch...
- [Model] - Universal fitment for most vehicle front bumper lip.(Please measure and check the position you are going to install the spoiler, and make sure these splitters will fit your vehicle before purchase.)
- [Material] -...
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Bumper Trunk Quick Release Front Rear Bu...
- Need to attach and detach your bumper quickly? Quick release fasteners are great for front bumpers, rear bumpers, and hatch lids that need to be frequently removed. They are perfect for people who go to...
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Mega Racer Universal JDM Racing Style Gl...
- ? UNIVERSAL FIT: Our Hood Scoop Is Ultra Light Weight And Designed To Be A Universal Fit With Every Car With A Flat Hood Type. Upgrade The Look Of Your Vehicle With No Cutting Or...
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yonwait 10 PCS Diffuser Shark Fin Kit Co...
- ✅ Decoration: Fashion style, smooth and shinny surface give your car aggressive look and makes it stand out.
- ✅ Drag Reduction: Reduce air resistance and air noise, improve the stability of the vehicle during fast...
Fender flares
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EZ Flares – The Original Universal Fle...
- ENHANCE & PROTECT YOUR RIDE – The universal fender EZ Flares are a fast, easy, and low-cost way to give your car an aggressive, off-road look! Universal compatibility allows it to be installed on virtually...
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EZ Flares XL – The Original Universal ...
- MAXIMUM PROTECTION & TIRE COVERAGE – The universal EZ Flares XL are fast, easy way to give your truck an aggressive, off-road look and stay legal! Universal compatibility allows it to be installed on virtually...
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GOOACC Blind Rivet,Fender Flare & Rocker...
- 20 Pieces of Nylon Blind Rivets: Replaces GM: 10184895, 20452072 Ford: N803862-S, Chrysler: 6501559, 6506007-AA
- 20 Pieces of Fender Flare & Rocker Moulding Clip:Replaces Chrysler: 68039280-AA Jeep Wrangler JK & Wrangler Unlimited JK 2007 -
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Mean Mug Auto 23181-6133A 50x Fender Fla...
- Precision-engineered to push firmly into a 10 mm hole and lock into place.
- Ready to fit snuggly into your vehicle with the 14 mm stem length and the 38 mm head diameter.
- Compatible with Chrysler:...
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50PCS Fender Flare Clips, Push Door Trim...
- [High quality material]: Fender Flare Clips are made of high quality Nylon material, which is wear-resistant and corrosion resistant. It is equipped with black foam for better sealing, smaller swing, and is not easy to...
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30PCS Fender Flare Clips, Rocker Mouldin...
- Material: You can find from the photo that it is made of very high-quality material, made of black nylon material, push-on, quick-fastening, and won't break or break easily during use.
- Dimensions: Top Head Dimensions: 14...
Rims
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All-Fit Rim Trim Wheel Protection Strips...
- Car Wheel Rim Protection Strips Available In 7 Standout Colors ?
- 25 Feet of OEM Grade Wheel Rim Material That Won't Rip Or Tear
- Package Includes Enough Rim Trim Wheel Protection For Four 24 inch...
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Tallew 4 Pcs Push Through Wheel Center C...
- Quality Material Selection: made of quality stainless steel, the wheel center cap is sturdy and solid, reliable and long lasting, strong enough against breakage, deformation and abrasion, serving you for long
- Notable Size Details: the...
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VARGTR 4 Pcs Tire Valve Stem Caps,Lumino...
- [Material] The valve dust cap is made of high-quality and durable ABS plastic, which is dustproof and waterproof and can be used for a long time.
- [Fluorescent Design] The wheel tire valve absorbs light when...
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4 Pcs Wheel Cleaner Brush Wheel Barrel B...
- Practical Combination Set: you will receive a total of 4 pieces of wheel cleaning brushes, including 3 pieces of rim brushes for cleaning wheels in 3 different sizes, 1 piece of long soft bristle truck...
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Ouzorp Car Wheel Scratch Fix Rim Touch U...
- If you are parking sideways, your wheels are easily scratched, the kits help you repair scratches and slight dents.
- It has never been easier to repair your wheels quickly! No need to take your wheels...
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Ouzorp Car Wheel Scratch Fix Rim Touch U...
- If you are parking sideways, your wheels are easily scratched, the kits help you repair scratches and slight dents.
- It has never been easier to repair your wheels quickly! No need to take your wheels...
Coilovers
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Coilover Struts Spring Shocks Adjustable...
- APPLICABILITY: the coilover suspension struts fit for 2001-2005 for BMW 320i /2000 for BMW 323Ci /1998-2000 for BMW 323i /2001-2005 for BMW 325Ci /2001-2005 for BMW 325i /2000 for BMW 328Ci /1998-2000 for BMW 328i...
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Coilover Struts Spring Shocks Adjustable...
- APPLICABILITY: the coilover suspension struts fit for 2001-2005 BMW 320i /2000 BMW 323Ci /1998-2000 BMW 323i /2001-2005 BMW 325Ci /2001-2005 BMW 325i /2000 BMW 328Ci /1998-2000 BMW 328i /2001-2005 BMW 330Ci /2001-2005 BMW 330i (Sedan/Coupe...
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INEEDUP Complete Coilovers Struts Shocks...
- FITMENT - The Coilovers Struts Shocks Fit for 1998 for BMW 318i/ 1998-1999 for BMW 318ti 323is 328is/ 2000 for BMW 323Ci 328Ci/ 1998-2000 for BMW 323i 328i/ 2001-2005 for BMW 325Ci 325i 325xi 330i...
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ANGLEWIDE Adjustable Height Coilovers St...
- COMPAITLBE VEHICLES - Fit for 1998 for BMW 318i /1998-1999 for BMW 318ti /2000 for BMW 323Ci /1998-2000 for BMW 323i /1998-1999 for BMW 323is /2001-2005 for BMW 325Ci /2001-2005 for BMW 325i /2001-2005 for...
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ANPART Height Adjustable Coilovers Shock...
- FITMENT - This ignition coil is compatible with 1998 for BMW 318i /1998-1999 for BMW 318ti /2000 for BMW 323Ci /1998-2000 for BMW 323i /1998-1999 for BMW 323is /2001-2005 for BMW 325Ci /2001-2005 for BMW...
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cciyu Coilover Suspension Shock Absorber...
- COMPATIBILITY: The Coilover struts fir for 2001-2005 for BMW 320i /2000 for BMW 323Ci /1998-2000 for BMW 323i /2001-2005 for BMW 325Ci /2001-2005 for BMW 325i /2000 for BMW 328Ci /1998-2000 for BMW 328i /2001-2005...
Decals
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24 x 6.6 Inches Giant Car Bumper Sticker...
- What Will You Get: this package contains 2 pieces 24 x 6.6 inches of large size car stickers for easy replacement and sharing, this will be the ideal present option, and if you have a...
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Frienda 6 Pieces Small Flame Decals Stic...
- Adorn your cars: these transfer decals are the fastest and easiest way to customize your car, can add more shine and personality to your vehicles and win more compliments from others
- Easy to use: the...
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Arrow Reflective Stickers for Car, 24PCS...
- 【Safety Warning Stickers】: This car sticker is designed with a diamond-grade, high-brightness reflective prism structure, which can have a good reflective effect even in low light. It is not only a cool decorative item, but...
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7 inch Snow Mountain Tree Stickers for C...
- 【Works for A Long Time】: This forest snow mountain sticker is made of high quality PVC material, not only waterproof and anti-fading, but also not easy to fade very durable. We use a high level...
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4PCS Car Door Handle Sticker, Carbon Fib...
- 【Style and Protection】: The car door handle cup can get easily scratched by fingernails, rings or keys. The accumulation of scratches will make your car look dull and old. In addition, our car door handle...
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Claw Marks Decal, Car Sticker-Universal,...
- High-Quality Material No-fading and No Residue: Made of quality Reflective PVC, this car sticker and decal will can withstand different weather, without fading nor crack.
- Easy to Use: Come with adhesive on the back, just...

BMW M3 specs
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Performance
Engine |
0-60 times |
Horsepower |
Upgrades |
Exterior
Wheels |
Wheel Interchange |
Bulbs |
Dimensions |
Ground clearance |
Weight |
Upgrades |
Interior
Speakers size |
Upgrades |
Maintenance
Towing Capacity |
Oil Capacity |
Wipers size |
Gas tank size |
Battery size |
Cargo space |
Safety ratings |
Complaints |
Generations |
Upgrades |
Manuals |
Mpg |
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