- Flexible six cylinder engine delivers throughout the rev range
- Impressive dynamics
- Accurate steering provides excellent feedback
- Open-top appeal
- S50 engine susceptible to VANOS failure
- Cramped rear seat
- Chassis reinforcement adds weight and blunts agility
BMW E36 M3 Convertible 25th Anniversary Edition
Overview
Released in Australia in May 1999, the BMW E36 M3 Convertible was a four-seat convertible with a power-operated soft-top roof. Manufactured in Regensburg, Germany, the rear-wheel drive M3 Convertible was powered by a 3.2-litre inline six-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to a six-speed manual or semi-automatic transmission.
For Australia, deliveries of the M3 Convertible were limited to seventy (70) examples of the M3 25th Anniversary Edition.
S50B32 engines
The 3201 cc S50B32 engine had a cast iron block with 86.4 mm bores and a 91.0 mm stroke, an aluminium-alloy cylinder head (ported and polished), lightweight pistons, graphite-coated connecting rods, sequential fuel injection, individual throttle bodies for each cylinder, double overhead camshafts (chain-driven), variable intake and exhaust camshaft timing (double VANOS), four valves per cylinder with heavy-duty springs, a compression ratio of 11.3:1 and Siemens MSS50 engine management.
Other features of the S50B32 engine included a plastic inlet manifold, magnesium valve cover for the cylinder head, equal-length exhaust manifolds, a dual mass flywheel and coil-pack ignition.
Manual and SMG transmissions
The E36 M3 Convertible was available with six-speed Getrag and Sequential M Gearbox (SMG) transmissions. For the six-speed Getrag manual transmission, gear ratios were 4.23 (1st), 2.51 (2nd), 1.67 (3rd), 1.23 (4th), 1.00 (5th) and 0.83 (6th); the final drive ratio was 3.23:1.
The SMG had automatic and sequential shift modes. Although it had the same gearset as the manual Getrag transmission, the SMG used an electro-magnetically controlled clutch that was triggered by pulling or pushing on the gear lever. Two further valves operated a pair of hydraulic cylinders that would engage each gear, thus providing gearshifts as fast as 0.4 seconds.
Dimensions and body
The E36 M3 Convertible was 4473 mm long, 1710 mm wide, 1340 mm tall and had a 2710 mm long wheelbase; kerb weight was 1635 kg. Compared to the E36 3-Series Convertible, the M3 Convertible could be identified by its front airdam with body-coloured mesh, aerodynamic door mirrors, sculpted side valance panels, wider protective side rub strips and rear diffuser.
Suspension
The E36 M3 Convertible had a single-joint spring strut front axle and a central-arm rear axle with longitudinal control arms and double track control arms (also known as a ‘Z-axle’). Relative to the standard E36 3-Series Convertible , changes for the E36 M3 Convertible included:
- A lower ride height;
- Firmer shock absorbers and springs;
- Reinforced spring mounting plates;
- Thicker anti-roll bars; and,
- Revised suspension geometry.
Steering
The E36 M3 Convertible had a unique M-tuned steering rack with progressive ratios, while power assistance varied with engine speed.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M3 | 3.2-litre petrol I6 (S50 B32) | 6sp man., 6sp semi-auto |
236 kW at 7400 rpm | 350 Nm at 3250 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the M3 Convertible included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS and traction control. For rollover protection, the M3 Convertible had hoops behind the rear seats that would automatically deploy in the event that a rollover was anticipated by on-board sensors.
Features: M3 Convertible 25th Anniversary Edition
Standard features for the M3 Convertible included M forged double spoke 17 x 7.5J front alloy wheels with 225/45 ZR17 tyres and 17 x 8.5J rear alloy wheels with 245/40 ZR17 tyres, a ten speaker sound system with a six-disc CD changer, Nappa leather upholstery (in Black, Light Grey, Mulberry or Modena Natur), front sports seats with heating, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, remote central locking, power windows, power mirrors, interior wood trim (in Anthracite Birch or Mulberry in conjunction with the Modena Natur leather), a sterling silver ‘BMW M 25th anniversary’ plaque, a trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.
As extra-cost options, the M3 Convertible was available with a Harmon/Kardon sound system or rear parking sensors (BMW’s ‘Park Distance Control’).
The M3 Convertible 25th Anniversary Edition was available in Dakar Yellow II, Imola Red, Cosmos Black metallic, Estoril Blue metallic, Fern Green metallic, Titanium Silver metallic or Techno Violet metallic paint finishes.
The M3 Convertible was also fitted with a limited slip differential which had a 25 per cent locking action.
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