5 November 2018

More than an old car #87: BMW E36 M3





It is quite common for car manufacturers to crank out high-performance variants of their regular vehicles so as to attract a different class of driver--the track-loving, need-for-speed individual. It is not hard to imagine that these 1994/1995 BMW E36 M3s was catered for the owners who wanted to stand out from the crowd!

BMW M [M for 'Motorsport'] was first created in 1972 to facilitate BMW's successful racing program. It gradually moved towards production of specially modified higher-trim models, which included changes such as modified engines, exhaust systems and suspensions. It has stamped its mark on almost every BMW vehicle, except the 7-Series range, the Z1 sports car, and the X1 and X3 SUVs.

The E36 M3 was released in 1992 and was available in coupe, convertible and sedan versions. It quickly became well-loved by enthusiasts, who appreciated its raw power and the joy one could derive from it. Both the sedan and coupe were powered by a 2990 cc S50B30 i6 engine, allowing it to reach a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited), with an acceleration of 6 seconds [0-100km/h]. Both models were 4433 mm long and weighed 1460 kg.

Production ended in 1999 with around 71,000 made, out of which only 3,192 coupes (code BF92) and 415 sedans (code CB92) were in RHD. This unit (chassis number EW30350) is equipped with manual seatbelts and was made in the Regensburn plant in Germany. Per additional information I received from a follower, it is just 1 of 2 RHD export versions that was painted in Avusblau metallic and fitted with a 3rd brake light! 

In Singapore, it was unveiled in 1994 and was distributed by Performance Motors, our local BMW dealer. I believe both are the last units that exist here, though I am often thrown off by some units here that resemble the unique M3 external modifications eg the aerodynamic side mirrors. More often than not, I have to check the database and be left disappointed at being cheated again. Recently, the number plate has also changed to a newer one and it is evident that the owner plans to keep it for the long run.

If you have observed, there are quite a few newer M models on the roads, but how often do you get to see an older one? This was also a random find as I had been passing by the area. I wasn't too keen on E36s in general, but coming across an M3 was too hard to resist. It may not be eye-catching, but sometimes you need to go closer for a better look!



1 comment:

  1. Hi, is the model in the post a real M3 or modified to look like one? Also at the point of writing, and idea what E36 cost?

    ReplyDelete