| Standard E36 M3 Specifications. |
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| Overview Comfort/Features Safety/Security Performance Exterior The sports oriented M3 model is now available with an optional Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG). All other features and specifications are unchanged. The new SMG has been developed directly from race technology where in-line one movement sequential gear changes are made. With its introduction, the traditional manual gear change H-pattern is made redundant. The electronically controlled SMG has two modes, a self shifting E (economy) mode and a manually operated S (sport) mode. Although this transmission operates as a manual transmission, it does not have a clutch pedal (nor does it have a torque convertor). The E mode caters for three different driving conditions: Economy, Sport and Winter where the SMG locks the car into driving away in second gear. The electronic control unit (MSS50) is dedicated to the transmission and allows manual gear changes to be made even when the vehicle is being driven at full throttle. The control mechanism incorporates a sensing potentiometer, several micro switches, a series of magnetic valves that operate the hydraulic clutch master cylinder and the gear selection levers. Incorporated in this unit are a number of electronically controlled safety features. The braking torque is limited when slowing on slippery surfaces to help maintain vehicle stability. The SMG M3 model will also select the correct gear ratio whenever the vehicle is subject to severe braking conditions, leaving the vehicle in an immediately driveable state. When in manual mode, the SMG selects first gear whenever the vehicle comes to a halt. It is also impossible to change down when the engine speed is inappropriately too high. There is also a foot on the brake take off safety interlock. The SMG will also prevent take off if the vehicle is left at standstill, with the driverĘs door open while idling and without accelerator or brake pedal pressure for more than five seconds. As part of the SMG package, there is a transmission selector mode indicator positioned in the lower portion of the tachometer. The dash also has an orange coloured indicator light to signal when the engine reaches its maximum speed. This only operates with the S setting. Gear changes in the E mode are induced by momentarily lifting foot pressure off the accelerator pedal. The car will respond by shifting into a higher gear, providing the engine speed is suitable. Alternatively, for maximum acceleration, the accelerator pedal can be pressed down to its full extension. In this case, during the manual change up to the next gear, the ECU will either retard the timing or shut down one of the cylinders to prevent overrevving during the 250 milliseconds long gear change operation. A further feature of this SMG unit is that the control unit briefly increases engine speed between gear changes. From January 1998 Standard specification for the M3 is improved to include Nappa leather trim, a front armrest, front side airbags, automatic dipping interior mirror, a boot-mounted CD-stacker and an illuminated shift pattern on the gear lever. An auto dipping mirror function is now introduced as standard on all 3-Series six cylinder models and optional for the four cylinder models. High gloss trim is a new option for $2460. |
| Specifications Make: Model: Badge: Series: Body: Engine Capacity: Production Start: Production End: Class: Segment: Original List Price: |
BMW M3 SMG E36 Coupe 3201 01/07/1997 13/01/2000 PASSENGER Luxury $138250 +ORC |
