Description
By: Brooklands Books .
By the time these E36 3 series BMWs were released in 1990, the 3 series name was already widely respected around the world. The first 3-series cars had been the E21s, introduced in 1975. Their replacements were the E30s in 1983, and these in turn gave way to the third generation E36 models. Not content with improving on the already excellent dynamic qualities of previous 3 series models, BMW expanded the scope of the range within the production lifetime of these cars. In the beginning, there were just four-door saloons, offered with a range of engines from the 1.6-litre four-cylinder up to the 2.5-litre six-cylinder.
The expected estate car and cabriolet derivatives arrived later, but new to this third generation range were the two-door Coupe (on which the M3 was initially based) and the Compact, the latter intended to extend the range downwards to compete with hot hatches such as the VW Golf. In Germany, there was even a four-door cabriolet conversion by Baur, though this intriguing derivative was not seen elsewhere. By the time production ended, a 2.8 litre six cylinder engine topped the standard range (below the M3, by this stage available also as a cabriolet), and a 1.8 litre four cylinder diesel had been introduced alongside the delightful 2.5 litre six cylinder diesel.
As the articles collected in this Brooklands book show, the E36 BMWs made a massive impact when they were new. There is no doubt in my mind that they will go on to be remembered as standard-setters in the early 1990s, and that their beautifully balanced styling will be remembered as a classic of its time.
This book of contemporary articles includes road and comparison tests, driving impressions, model introductions, buying used and specification data.
Models covered are:
316, 318, 320, 325, 328 & M3 with the saloon, coupe, touring & compact bodies.
