The replacement for the original M3 appeared at the 1992 Paris Auto Show. This E36 coupe model got the 3.0 L S50B30 straight-6 engine, which produced 286 hp (210 kW).
For the 1996 model year the M3 was upgraded to a new 3.2 L, 321 hp (236 kW) engine (S50B32),a six speed gearbox and the M5's larger brakes. The new SMG gearbox was also offered as an option. These models are often described as the "Euro" models to differentiate them from the models sold in the US which were quite different. The 3.2 Euro is also known as the M3 "Evolution" or "Evo".
The first E36 M3 to be imported to the United States was the 1995 model, which received a 3.0 L engine with 240 hp (176 kW) and 305 N•m (225 ft·lbf) (S50B30US) and a different suspension. The reasons for the less powerful motor were largely due to excessive costs for the US market with the original engine and possible difficulty in getting the Euro engine to pass emission tests. The 1996-1999 model years had displacement bumped up to 3.2 L, with 240 hp (176 kW) and 320 N•m (236 ft·lbf) which is the same engine used in the early M Roadster and M Coupe. The 1996+ model is known for being more difficult to performance tune, due to slightly smaller intake manifold runners and more complicated electronic parts. It was also available as a sedan starting in model year 1997, and as convertible in 1998. Production of the sedan was halted in 1998, while the other models continued until 1999.
Performance
(3.0l-24v I6) Euro Version - 210 kW/286 bhp 0-60 mph - 6.0 s. Top Speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)
(3.2l-24v I6) Euro Version - 240 kW/321 bhp 0-60 mph - 5.5 s. Top Speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)
(3.2l-24v I6) Euro Version - 240 kW/321 bhp 0-60 mph - 5.5 s. Top Speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)
