Introduced in 1992 with a completely new body style and engine, the E36 chassis continued BMW's successful 3-series line with coupe and sedan choices in either 1.8 liter, 4 cylinder or 2.5 liter, 6 cylinder engines. Transmission choices were 5 speed manual or four speed automatic.

With early E36 production BMW experimented with molded plastic and other cost-saving measures, and introduced complex new electrical systems. By late production most quality issues had been resolved, leaving BMW with a solid, classy 3 series for the ages.

This list shows highpoints and is not meant to be comprehensive.

• VANOS (variable intake valve timing) introduced on 6 cylinder engines for extra torque.
• R-134a, CFC-free refrigerant in a/c system instead of R-12 "Freon".
• Paint-matched front and rear bumper.

• New airbag system with passenger side airbag.
• Convertible introduced.
• Simplified body electronics: door locks, sunroof, and windows now controlled centrally. Coupe window "convenience" feature improved. Auto-close of windows/sunroof with key.
• Side marker turn signals phased-in late '94.
• Updated front spoiler design.
• New amplifier for audio system.

• M3 introduced: 3.0 liter, 240 hp engine with Motorsport tuned suspension, 17" wheels, aggresive new bodywork, sport seats, and chrome exhaust tips. 5-speed auto tranny available.
• Airbag system changed for all cars except M3. New steering wheel with roundel logo on airbag.
• 318ti hatchback introduced.
• Sport package introduced: sport suspension, sport seats, and 16" five spoke wheels.
• Driveaway Protection introduced: microchip encoded keys.
• Improved interior quality.

• Compensating for new emission laws, all engine sizes increased: 6 cyl from 2.5 to 2.8 liters, M3 from 3.0 to 3.2 liters, 4 cyl from 1.8 to 1.9 liters. Slight torque gains; horsepower unchanged.
• New ECM (Engine Control Module) uses flash memory instead of removable microprocessor chips. Extensive fault code readouts now available (as legally mandated).
• 328 model introduced, replacing 325.
• New radio with speed-sensitive volume and more AM/FM presets. New I-bus CD changers.
• New fully electronic climate control with simplified wiring.
• Fully paint-matched body panels.
• Auto tranny option for M3 coupe discontinued.

• Newly styled hood "kidney" grilles.
• Side impact airbags optional.

• 323 model introduced: less powerful 6 cylinder than 328. Coupe and convertible only.
• Side-impact airbags standard.

• Sedan discontinued and replaced by new E46 3-series.
• M-Technic sport package available: M3 body panels and 16" wheels.
• Manual transmission upgraded.
• Reinforced rear suspension mounts.
• Minor change to radio: WB (Weather Band) deleted, RDS and PTY function added.

Frank Henderson
Austin, TX