The U.S. E36 is the M3 to have, even without a real M engine | Jason Cammisa Revelations | Ep. 20

Within BMW circles, it's a commonly held belief that the U.S.-spec M3 wasn't a "real M3" because it didn't have a real M engine.

The 1995 M3 used a 3.0-liter version of the regular 325i's straight-six — whereas European cars used a special 3.0-liter straight-six with a Independent-throttle-body cylinder head taken from the McLaren F1. The horsepower difference was 240 hp (US) versus 286 PS (DIN.)

To make matters worse, the 1996 and later U.S. M3 used a 3.2-liter that also made 240 hp, whereas the Euro car got a 3.2-liter with 321 PS.

The primary reason for the US engine was financial — the E30 M3 was a sales failure in North America, and BMW NA didn't want to risk another one. The E36 M3 was a bargain — unlike the E30 M3, which was a buzzy, four-cylinder homologation-special race car, the six-cylinder M3 did everything better than the 325i. And instead of an $8000 price premium over the base car, the M3 cost just $3000 more.

The US car was a huge sales success, selling three times the number of cars BMW anticipated. And BMW NA then convinced Germany to add a 4-door sedan, and it outsold even the coupe. The reason - it was a handling high watermark for BMW, a perfectly balanced sports car with a real back seat and daily usability.

The Euro M3 engines were fizzier than the US — the S50B30 revved to 7280 rpm; the S50B32 3.2-liter revved to 7600 rpm. They made amazing noises — but also suffer from some big maintenance issues that the lower-stress U.S. engines don't: spun bearings being the biggest.

Most importantly, in a drag race between the U.S. and Euro cars in this video (both 3.2-liters), they were dead even to 60 mph — and stayed that way through third gear, leaving Cammisa to conclude that the more reliable U.S. car, especially in sedan form, is the E36 to own.

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[jesseboyer]

This is genuinely one of the best car shows on YouTube. Jason is a fantastic host.

[albonfilms]

Jason, you are an absolute gem. And Anthony behind the camera too! You guys truly are the best on YouTube!!

[EstebanDonJuanCarlos]

Subtle but major: as an earbuds listener, I HIGHLY appreciate that the sound of each car came thru separately.

[Joshua_N-A]

That ending lol. Laughter is contagious. It seems like to me the 90's was the era of pinnacle of car designs. E36, even with bone stock look still looks better yet somehow look timeless to look at. Credit goes to the designer where it dues.

[thomasxl]

As someone who has seriously considered a Euro-spec E36 M3, I can confirm that I now have a photo of Jason Cammisa hanging on the cross in my room.

[HRenovation]

Prices for these are already ridiculous. Thank you, Jason.

[sidefx]

Grew up with American muscle cars and finally got to drive my friend's '95. He gets a new 911 every 3 years but the M3 is a keeper (he's owned it since new). He threw me the keys and I just drove. Nowhere in particular. An hour went by and I was just driving. The hype is real. An absolutely magical car. Couldn't remember the last time I just lost track of time and just drove for fun with no particular place to go. Nicest driving car I've ever been in.

[chrisgeorgiou]

As a E36 Owner and E36 Enthusiast, this is the best video ever produced about the car, hands down!

[sdfswords]

He's absolutely right, had one and only did routine, simple maintenance. Dead reliable and bulletproof, drove it like I stole it for years.

[Mclovin]

The E36 design has aged surprisingly well. Never liked how they looked until recently but they look great now, especially with those gorgeous wheels

[bjsmithart]

I remember sitting in a marketing class in college in the mid 90s and flipping open a car magazine. The silhouette of a silver E36 M3 was featured in a tire ad. It was so powerful, I remember that moment almost 30 years later. I’ve been in love with that car ever since. I still hope to have one some day.

[mrkeopele]

i'm 67, after years and hundreds of cars, of lots of hp and dollars, i'm riding ebikes now, but, i got a $600 1992 325is and i am in love and awe of BMW again, this car is crazy fun to drive and great to work on. thanks for the right on video i smile in mine too!! someone else modded the glovebox already for me!!

[baloonia]

The self opening glovebox is an Entertainment Feature, come on now Cammisa you know this.

[moneeb]

Every single episode has me opening new craigslist tabs. That's good writing. Great work Cammisa and Hagerty.

[Tooob]

I purchased a 1997 M3 Sedan for $42k brand new in '97 and I still drive it today. After installing a lifetime water pump from FCP Euro and Mishimoto full aluminum radiator I've had no cooling issues for over a decade.

[SupraSav]

The E36's design was the perfect marriage of simplicity and elegance.
Canada really owes Tom for keeping the M badge alive.. it's sad they are so ridiculously priced now. I would love an M2. Maybe I need to give Mr. Tom a call since Canada no longer gets RWD variants....

[optimoose]

Jason is an incredible host, and anyone who writes off the E36 M3 solely because of the S52 is missing out. Such a great and accessible driving experience - there's a reason you see so many at track days and other motorsports events

[aakars]

The longer driving segment is highly approved, especially without music.

[ericmlcoch]

What a cool take on the US spec e36 M3. I've owned a few and currently have a 3/4/5. Super fun cars to drive and that glovebox skit at the end had me rolling. Yes e36 drivers have an 'extra step' between shifting gears.

[kurtofer]

I love every Jason Cammisa video. The entertainment. The knowledge. The sophistication. And then, after watching him drive the car at the end of the videos, I usually can't resist jumping in my car just to go for a drive.