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), a different suspension and a 0-60 time in about 6 seconds. This coupe has a 3.0L 24-valve DOHC straight six-cylinder engine, available in 5-speed manual and automatic transmissions.
BMW also produced somewhere between 200 and 320 M3 Lightweights also known as the M3 CSL (only 180 made it to the US). Some refer to it as the LTW as CSL stands for Coupe Sports Lightweight, and it was available as a sedan. Internal BMW designation documented it as a CSL however. These were reduced weight versions of the model intended to be used both on the road and on the track. It was about 100 to 200 pounds lighter than a stock M3 with many of the car's features removed, such as sound deadening, radio, air conditioning, leather seats, and sunroof. Other extras that came with this version included an extendable front splitter, strut tower brace, x-brace, aluminum Doors and hood. It could also be fitted with a dual pickup oil pan however, BMW AG stipulated that fitting the dual pickup GT oil pan to the car would void the warranty.
The 1996-1999 model years had displacement bumped up to 3.2 L, still with 240 hp (176 kW), but torque increases to 320 N•m (236 ft·lbf) which is the same S52B32US engine used in the early M Roadster and M Coupe. The manual gearbox remains a 5-speed despite the European versions being upgraded to 6-speed. The 1996+ model is known for being more difficult to tune for performance, due to slightly smaller intake manifold runners and more complicated electronics (OBDII). 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.
US sales figures include a total of 18,961 coupes (including 180 Lightweight versions), 7,760 sedans and 6,211 convertibles.
Performance
| Version |
Power |
0-60 mph |
Top Speed |
| 3.0l-24v I6 |
| Euro |
210 kW/286 bhp |
6.0 s |
155 mph / 250 km/h |
| U.S. |
177 kW/240 bhp |
6.1 s. |
137 mph / 220 km/h (electronically limited) |
| 3.2l-24v I6 |
| Euro |
236 kW/321 bhp |
5.5 s |
155 mph / 250 km/h (electronically limited) |
| U.S. |
177 kW/240 bhp |
6.1 s. |
139 mph / 225 km/h (electronically limited) |
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