BMW E36

This was the third generation of BMW 3 series produced from 1992 until the end of 1998. It was the successor to the BMW E30 and was eventually superseded by the BMW E46 starting in the year 1999 for saloon cars and 2000 for coupes, cabriolets and convertibles. The E36 experienced enormous success in the market and provided a solid footing for the success of the E46 which the BMW enjoyed in subsequent years.

The BMW E36 2.5L M50B25 used in the 325 models was replaced in 1996 with the 2.8 L M52B28, creating the 328i range of cars. Another 2.5L engine coded by the alpha numerical digits M52B25 which was reintroduced into the 1998 range of cars that were sold rather as 323i models rather than 325i although they were all fitted with 2.5L engines.

The E36 was sold from 1990 until the end of the year 2000 in various body styles. It took on the the "Z-axle" multilink suspension configuration for the rear suspension arms which had been proven in the BMW Z1 cars. The all new VANOS, variable cam and valve timing was introduced to the DOHC L6 engines in back in the beginning of the year 1993.

The four door E36 was initially only destined to be for sale in Europe, and was introduced to worldwide markets one year later. The Cabriolet version of the E36 followed in 1992 and then saw the introduction of the 3-door hatchback or commonly called the "Compact" which was released in 1994.

The BMW Compact was almost identical to the E36 saloon. BMW made an entry level version of the E36 called the BMW Compact car, often referred to as the E36/5, which is a three door hatchback model. In 1996 the 1800cc engine was replaced with 1900cc M44B19 coded engine, that made 142 bhp or 106 kW and 180 N·m of torque. Everything else was uniquely its own like its rear semi-trailing arm suspension, based on the old E30, instead of the Z-Axle Multilink employed in all the other BMW E36 cars sold with the Z3 and M Coupe which share similar rear suspension setups.

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