Car Model History

Third generation · E36 · 1992–1998

1992BMW 3 Series

A larger, more modern 3 Series with multilink rear suspension. The first offered as sedan, coupe, convertible, Touring wagon, and the hatchback Compact; the E36 M3 brought six-cylinder M power.

Third generation · E36

1992 BMW 320i E36 sedan, front three-quarter view

Photo: “1992 BMW 320i (15538594776).jpg” by Charlie from United Kingdom / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0. Cropped to 16:9.

Quick facts

Engines
3offered1.8L M42 DOHC inline-four → 2.5L M20 SOHC inline-six
Top output
189hp2.5L M50 DOHC inline-six

Body stylesFour-door E36 sedan · Two-door E36 coupe · Two-door E30 convertible

Start here

What do you need to know?

This page covers the whole 1992 BMW 3 Series model year. Choose your task first; exact trims and engines are separated where the factory offered different versions.

Complete, source-verified lineup

Find your exact 1992 3 Series

Start with a family, body style, or engine. Every card opens the facts and maintenance information for that factory version.

5factory configurations
Verified complete for the U.S.-marketHow this lineup was verified

We checked this U.S.-market lineup against period sources for BMW's complete 1992 U.S. factory E30/E36 transition service roster by model, body, chassis, and engine. Every version shown below has its own detail page.

Verified 2026-09-01 from BMW — 1992 U.S. factory service-manual model, chassis, and engine roster (Operation CHARM mirror).

5versions shown
Four-door rear-wheel-drive E36 sedan

BMW 318i E36 Sedan

Body
Four-door rear-wheel-drive E36 sedan
Engine
1.8-liter M42 DOHC inline-four (134 hp)
Gearbox
5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E30 convertible

BMW 318i E30 Convertible

Body
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E30 convertible
Engine
1.8-liter M42 DOHC inline-four (134 hp)
Gearbox
5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Four-door rear-wheel-drive E36 sedan

BMW 325i E36 Sedan

Body
Four-door rear-wheel-drive E36 sedan
Engine
2.5-liter M50 DOHC inline-six (189 hp)
Gearbox
5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E36 coupe

BMW 325is E36 Coupe

Body
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E36 coupe
Engine
2.5-liter M50 DOHC inline-six (189 hp)
Gearbox
5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E30 convertible

BMW 325i E30 Convertible

Body
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E30 convertible
Engine
2.5-liter M20 SOHC inline-six (168 hp / 164 lb-ft)
Gearbox
5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version

The 1992 model year

Overview

BMW's 1992 U.S. 3 Series was a two-generation overlap rather than a single generic E36. The new E36 arrived as the four-door 318i and 325i sedans plus the two-door 325is coupe. At the same time BMW retained the E30 318i and 325i Convertibles. The factory roster therefore pairs M42 and M50 engines with the new chassis while preserving the M42- and M20-powered E30 convertibles as separate fitment identities.

Specifications

Engines
  • 1.8L M42 DOHC inline-four134 hp
  • 2.5L M50 DOHC inline-six189 hp
  • 2.5L M20 SOHC inline-six168 hp
Body styles
Four-door E36 sedan, Two-door E36 coupe, Two-door E30 convertible

Year over year

What changed

  • The E36 318i and 325i four-door sedans launched in the U.S. alongside the E36 325is coupe.
  • E30 318i and 325i Convertibles carried over; an E36 U.S. convertible was not part of this model-year roster.
  • The 325i sedan and 325is coupe moved to the 189-hp M50 DOHC six, while the 325i Convertible retained the 168-hp M20 SOHC six.

Worth knowing

Notable

  • The exact five-model roster captures a genuine E30/E36 transition year.
  • No U.S. M3, Touring wagon, Compact hatchback, or E36 convertible is assigned to 1992.

Living with it

Reliability & ownership notes

  • Confirm E30 versus E36 before ordering any body, glass, interior, suspension, steering, brake, cooling, or driveline part.
  • Within the E36 range, distinguish the M42 318i from the M50 325i/325is; the E30 325i Convertible retains the earlier M20 engine family.

Maintenance & service parts

Keep your 1992 3 Series on the road

Start with the service interval, then match the engine or exact version you own. Order links appear only when a catalog-backed part number is available, and every listing still needs a fitment check.

Service desk

What this car needs & when

Use this as a service-planning checklist for 1992 BMW 3 Series. Start with the interval, confirm which engine or configuration you have, then use an exact ordering reference when one is verified.

Service topics
9
Factory intervals
8
Fitment-scoped
9
Exact references
2

Before orderingIdentify your engine, options and build date.Part numbers and sizes can change within one model year. Shopping links appear only for catalog-backed references; still verify the listing against your vehicle before ordering.

  • Engine oil and filter

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1992 · M50 2.5L inline-six · 325i (E36) · United States · Exact 1992 325i sedan record; 318i, body-style variants, M3, and other E36 configurations are not claimed.

    Published interval: 7,500 mi / 12,000 km / 6 months · Maximum guideline; service sooner when the on-board indicator calls for it.

    Source: BMW — 1992 325i (E36) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Service Intervals/Equivalent Mileage — Oil Service maximum; Indicated Engine Oil Service · checked

  • Inspection I

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1992 · M50 2.5L inline-six · 325i (E36) · United States · Exact 1992 325i sedan record; 318i, body-style variants, M3, and other E36 configurations are not claimed.

    Published interval: 15,000 mi / 24,000 km / 12 months · Maximum guideline; alternate with Oil Service and Inspection II as indicated.

    Source: BMW — 1992 325i (E36) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Service Intervals/Equivalent Mileage — Inspection I maximum · checked

    Inspection II

    Applies to: 1992 · M50 2.5L inline-six · 325i (E36) · United States · Exact 1992 325i sedan record; 318i, body-style variants, M3, and other E36 configurations are not claimed.

    Published interval: 30,000 mi / 48,000 km / 24 months · Maximum guideline; includes Inspection I plus the additional published tasks.

    Source: BMW — 1992 325i (E36) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Service Intervals/Equivalent Mileage — Inspection II maximum · checked

  • Brake fluid

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1992 · M50 2.5L inline-six · 325i (E36) · United States · Exact 1992 325i sedan record; 318i, body-style variants, M3, and other E36 configurations are not claimed.

    Published interval: 24 months · Replacement interval from vehicle production.

    Source: BMW — 1992 325i (E36) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Indicated Inspection Service I — brake-fluid replacement note · checked

  • Automatic-transmission fluid, strainer, and gasket

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1992 · M50 2.5L inline-six · automatic · 325i (E36) · United States · Exact 1992 325i sedan record; 318i, body-style variants, M3, and other E36 configurations are not claimed.

    Published interval: 15,000 mi / 24,000 km / 12 months · At Inspection I; maximum guideline and indicator may call sooner.

    Source: BMW — 1992 325i (E36) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Indicated Inspection Service I — automatic-transmission fluid/strainer/gasket · checked

    Manual-transmission fluid

    Applies to: 1992 · M50 2.5L inline-six · manual · 325i (E36) · United States · Exact 1992 325i sedan record; 318i, body-style variants, M3, and other E36 configurations are not claimed.

    Published interval: 30,000 mi / 48,000 km / 24 months · At Inspection II; maximum guideline and indicator may call sooner.

    Source: BMW — 1992 325i (E36) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Indicated Inspection Service II — manual-transmission fluid · checked

  • Main fuel filter

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1992 · M50 2.5L inline-six · 325i (E36) · United States · Exact 1992 325i sedan record; 318i, body-style variants, M3, and other E36 configurations are not claimed.

    Published interval: 30,000 mi / 48,000 km / 24 months · At Inspection II; maximum guideline and indicator may call sooner.

    Source: BMW — 1992 325i (E36) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Indicated Inspection Service II — main fuel-filter replacement · checked

  • Engine air filter

    Exact reference available

    Applies to: 1992 · M50 2.5L inline-six · 325i (E36) · United States · Exact 1992 325i sedan record; 318i, body-style variants, M3, and other E36 configurations are not claimed.

    Published interval: 30,000 mi / 48,000 km / 24 months · At Inspection II; maximum guideline and indicator may call sooner.

    Source: BMW — 1992 325i (E36) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Indicated Inspection Service II — air-filter replacement · checked

    1.8-liter M42 DOHC inline-four (134 hp) — K&N 33-2059

    K&N 33-2059

    Manufacturer-catalog replacement-part fitment only; it does not establish a BMW service interval. Confirm the VIN, production date, engine, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 1992 · 1.8-liter M42 DOHC inline-four (134 hp) · 318i · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW 318i replacement air-filter catalog · 1992 BMW 318i/318is 1.8L gasoline, U.S. models — 33-2059 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    1.8-liter M42 DOHC inline-four (134 hp) — K&N 33-2059

    K&N 33-2059

    Manufacturer-catalog replacement-part fitment only; it does not establish a BMW service interval. Confirm the VIN, production date, engine, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 1992 · 1.8-liter M42 DOHC inline-four (134 hp) · 318i Convertible · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW 318i replacement air-filter catalog · 1992 BMW 318i/318is 1.8L gasoline, U.S. models — 33-2059 · checked

    Verified ordering references

  • Spark plugs

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1992 · M50 2.5L inline-six · 325i (E36) · United States · Exact 1992 325i sedan record; 318i, body-style variants, M3, and other E36 configurations are not claimed.

    Published interval: 30,000 mi / 48,000 km / 24 months · At Inspection II; maximum guideline and indicator may call sooner.

    Source: BMW — 1992 325i (E36) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Indicated Inspection Service II — spark-plug replacement · checked

  • Engine coolant

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1992 · M50 2.5L inline-six · 325i (E36) · United States · Exact 1992 325i sedan record; 318i, body-style variants, M3, and other E36 configurations are not claimed.

    Published interval: 24 months · BMW replacement recommendation in the Inspection II schedule.

    Source: BMW — 1992 325i (E36) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Indicated Inspection Service II — coolant replacement note · checked

  • Engine oil filter — catalog fitment

    Exact reference available

    Applies to: 1992 · United States

    2.5-liter M50 DOHC inline-six (189 hp) — K&N HP-2009

    K&N HP-2009

    Manufacturer-catalog replacement-part fitment only; it does not establish a BMW service interval. Confirm the VIN, production date, engine, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 1992 · 2.5-liter M50 DOHC inline-six (189 hp) · 325i · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW 325i replacement oil-filter catalog · 1992 BMW 325i/325is 2.5L gasoline — HP-2009 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    2.5-liter M50 DOHC inline-six (189 hp) — K&N HP-2009

    K&N HP-2009

    Manufacturer-catalog replacement-part fitment only; it does not establish a BMW service interval. Confirm the VIN, production date, engine, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 1992 · 2.5-liter M50 DOHC inline-six (189 hp) · 325is · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW 325i replacement oil-filter catalog · 1992 BMW 325i/325is 2.5L gasoline — HP-2009 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    2.5-liter M20 SOHC inline-six (168 hp / 164 lb-ft) — K&N HP-2009

    K&N HP-2009

    Manufacturer-catalog replacement-part fitment only; it does not establish a BMW service interval. Confirm the VIN, production date, engine, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 1992 · 2.5-liter M20 SOHC inline-six (168 hp / 164 lb-ft) · 325i Convertible · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW 325i replacement oil-filter catalog · 1992 BMW 325i/325is 2.5L gasoline — HP-2009 · checked

    Verified ordering references

Collect

Bring this model year home

Find a scale model using the exact year, make, and model—not a generic generation search.

Sources

  1. BMW — 1992 U.S. factory service-manual model, chassis, and engine roster (Operation CHARM mirror)
  2. BMW of North America — 1991 U.S. 318i reintroduction, engine output, and pricing history

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