BMW has released the second video in its four-part series on the M3, this one covering the ubiquitous E36 M3.
The video provides insights into the design parameters of the E36 M3 and its formidable engine. Keep in mind that the version discussed in this video is the European one. The U.S. market was not supposed to get the E36 M3 at all, but after a letter-writing campaign by BMW CCA members gave BMW of North America M Brand Manager Erik Wensburg the ammunition he needed, BMW relented and gave us the M3. Well, it gave us a U.S. version of the M3 with a different, less-expensive M50-based version of the inline six-cylinder engine, a slightly softer suspension, no floating rotors, and a less-robust differential. Even so, it was fast and handled like an M car should.
The E36 M3 could do everything well, from taking the kids to school to spending the weekend at the track. It was probably the biggest factor in the resurgence of BMW CCA high-performance driving schools in the mid-1990s, as well as boosting participation in the BMW CCA Club Racing Program at the time. It still dominates many of the more popular Club Racing classes.
The U.S. version also came with a much lower price than the European M3s, and the car sold very well. A total of 18,961 M3 Coupes, 7,760 M3 Sedans, and 6,211 M3 Convertibles were delivered to U.S. buyers. The E36 M3 remains popular with BMW enthusiasts to this day.—Scott Blazey
[Photo and video courtesy of BMW.]
