The BMW E36 is a range of compact executive cars produced by the German automaker BMW from 1990 to 1999. It was the successor to the E30 and was available in several body styles, including a four-door sedan, a two-door coupe, a two-door convertible, a five-door hatchback, and a three-door hatchback.

The E36 was known for its refined styling and driving dynamics, as well as its advanced engineering. It was the first BMW to feature multi-link rear suspension, which provided improved handling and ride comfort. The car also had several advanced safety features, including driver and passenger airbags and anti-lock brakes.

The E36 was available with a range of engines, including four-cylinder and six-cylinder petrol engines, as well as diesel engines. The most powerful engine available was the 3.2-liter inline-six found in the M3 model, which produced around 321 horsepower.

The BMW E36 was produced in large numbers and was popular with enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike. It was praised for its combination of performance and practicality, as well as its reliability and durability. Today, the E36 is considered a classic car and is a popular choice for restoration and modification projects.

If you are interested you should read about BMW History

BMW E36 interior

The BMW E36 interior was designed with a focus on driver comfort and ergonomics. The dashboard and center console were laid out in a logical and intuitive way, with all controls within easy reach of the driver. The interior was also spacious and offered ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers.

The E36 was available with several different interior trims, including cloth, leather, and vinyl. The seats were designed to provide excellent support and comfort, even during long drives. The driver’s seat was also adjustable in multiple ways, allowing the driver to find the perfect driving position.

The E36 also featured several advanced features for its time, including power windows, power door locks, and a premium sound system. Higher-end models were available with additional features such as heated seats, a sunroof, and climate control.

One of the most distinctive features of the E36 interior was the driver-oriented cockpit, which was designed to provide a sporty and engaging driving experience. The instrument cluster was placed directly in front of the driver and featured clear and easy-to-read gauges. The steering wheel was also designed to be sporty and responsive, with a thick rim and a smaller diameter than previous BMW models.

BMW E36 engine

The BMW E36 was available with a range of engines, including both petrol and diesel options. The petrol engines were all inline-four or inline-six cylinder units (M50 Engine), while the diesel engines were inline-four cylinder units.

The base engine in the E36 was a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder petrol engine, which produced around 100 horsepower. Other petrol engine options included a 1.8-liter, a 2.0-liter, a 2.5-liter, a 2.8-liter, and a 3.0-liter inline-six cylinder engine. The most powerful engine available in the E36 was the S50B32 engine found in the BMW M3, which was a 3.2-liter inline-six engine that produced around 321 horsepower.

The diesel engine options in the E36 included a 1.7-liter and a 1.8-liter inline-four engine, both of which were turbocharged and produced around 90 horsepower.

All engines in the E36 were paired with either a manual or automatic transmission. The manual transmission was a five-speed unit, while the automatic transmission was a four-speed or five-speed unit, depending on the engine and model.

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