I have a question about my BMW M3 E36 ?

Question

When I look to buy aftermarket parts, the year range is 92-98. They never state specificaly the 99 M3 (which of course I have) Will these parts fit my car?

Answer 1

the short answer is.... it depends.

one thing you've probably already noticed is that in 1997 BMW introduced a 4 door sedan version of the M3. So for certain things like lights, etc, you need to make sure there is a difference between 2D and 4D parts. This is usually for the 'ebay' shopping.

As for performance modifications, there will be a big difference between the 94/95 OBD-I and the 96+ OBD-II systems. For example, chips vs "shark injectors" to re-code the engine management. Also, in 96 the engine changed from 3 liters to 3.2 liters, so other things that fit on 94/95 dont fit the 96+ years engine.

There are also some nuances in the exhaust system and suspension between 94/95 and 96+ years. Things like control arms and rear shock mounts changed in 96.

However, there is limited differences between the 98 and 99 model years, as this was effectively the end of the run for the e36. There were no M3s produced in 2000, and the e46 M3 debuted in 2001 as a new animal.

I'm not sure why you see parts designated as 92-98, as this is pretty odd (as evidenced by the major differences across those model years). Not all aftermarket parts would fit all years between 92-98, though many would (e36 M3 is still mostly the same across those years). I suppose it depends on which 'market' we're talking about - cosmetic, performance, etc. I especially don't know why they don't include 99 in the description, but it makes me feel like the quality of the seller is not very knowledgeable about their product. This type of vendor strikes me as probably offering lower grade parts.

If you're in doubt, go to realoem.com and look up the original part for your car in 99, and also the same part in another year. If they have the same part number, then obviously it will fit both those years (and all the years in between)... some parts are upgraded though, which doesn't mean that it won't fit, simply that the old part was superseded, so any replacement uses the newer one. Then also, some parts will be different - for example, the steering wheel between 97 and 99. The 99 wheel will fit a 96 application, but the 99 3-spoke wheel came standard in 99, while the 4-spoke came standard in 96: different part numbers, but they interchange. Lastly, some parts are completely different, and do not interchange. For example, the digital climate control system in 97 does not easily retrofit into a 95.  

Answer 2

Specific 3.2L engine parts won't fit, as well as M suspention parts. These would be specific for your '99 M3

Answer 3

some of the parrts from the m3 may not fit with other 3series in the e36. so it depends what kind of parts. many toys under the hood for example will not