Car Model History

Third generation · E36 · 1992–1998

1995BMW 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

1995 BMW 3 Series (E36, third generation) — 325i convertible, front three-quarter view

Photo: “1995 BMW 325i (E36) convertible” by Jeremy from Sydney, Australia / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0. Cropped to 16:9.

Quick facts

Engines
3offered1.8L M42 DOHC inline-four → 3.0L S50 DOHC inline-six
Top output
240hp3.0L S50 DOHC inline-six

Body stylesFour-door sedan · Two-door coupe · Two-door convertible · Three-door Compact hatchback

Start here

What do you need to know?

This page covers the whole 1995 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 1995 3 Series

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

8factory 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 1995 U.S. factory E36 sedan, coupe, convertible, Compact, and M3 service roster. Every version shown below has its own detail page.

Verified 2026-09-01 from BMW — 1995 U.S. factory service-manual model, chassis, and engine roster (Operation CHARM mirror), BMW of North America — U.S. M3 generation history and specifications.

8versions shown
Four-door rear-wheel-drive E36 sedan

BMW 318i Sedan

Body
Four-door rear-wheel-drive E36 sedan
Engine
1.8-liter M42 DOHC inline-four (138 hp)
Gearbox
5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E36 coupe

BMW 318is Coupe

Body
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E36 coupe
Engine
1.8-liter M42 DOHC inline-four (138 hp)
Gearbox
5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E36 convertible

BMW 318i Convertible

Body
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E36 convertible
Engine
1.8-liter M42 DOHC inline-four (138 hp)
Gearbox
5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Three-door rear-wheel-drive E36/5 hatchback

BMW 318ti Compact

Body
Three-door rear-wheel-drive E36/5 hatchback
Engine
1.8-liter M42 DOHC inline-four (138 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 Sedan

Body
Four-door rear-wheel-drive E36 sedan
Engine
2.5-liter M50TU 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 Coupe

Body
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E36 coupe
Engine
2.5-liter M50TU 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 convertible

BMW 325i Convertible

Body
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E36 convertible
Engine
2.5-liter M50TU 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 performance coupe

BMW M3 Coupe

Body
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E36 performance coupe
Engine
3.0-liter S50 DOHC inline-six (240 hp / 225 lb-ft)
Gearbox
5-speed manual or optional 5-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version

The 1995 model year

Overview

BMW expanded the 1995 U.S. 3 Series to eight exact configurations. The M42 four-cylinder range covered the 318i sedan, 318is coupe, 318i Convertible, and new 318ti Compact hatchback. The M50TU six powered the 325i sedan, 325is coupe, and 325i Convertible. Above them, the first U.S.-market E36 M3 arrived as a 240-hp 3.0-liter S50 coupe; M3 sedan and convertible bodies belonged to later model years.

Specifications

Engines
  • 1.8L M42 DOHC inline-four138 hp
  • 2.5L M50TU DOHC inline-six189 hp
  • 3.0L S50 DOHC inline-six240 hp
Body styles
Four-door sedan, Two-door coupe, Two-door convertible, Three-door Compact hatchback

Year over year

What changed

  • The 318i Convertible and 318ti Compact joined the U.S. four-cylinder range.
  • The E36 M3 debuted in the United States as a 240-hp S50-powered coupe.
  • The 325i/325is/325i Convertible M50TU trio continued below the M3.

Worth knowing

Notable

  • First U.S. model year for both the 318ti Compact and E36 M3.
  • The M3 is coupe-only in this roster; later sedan and convertible M3 bodies are not backdated.

Living with it

Reliability & ownership notes

  • Distinguish M42, M50TU, and S50 powertrains before ordering engine, cooling, ignition, exhaust, clutch, or transmission parts.
  • The 318ti's E36/5 hatchback body and rear chassis differ materially from the regular E36 sedan, coupe, and convertible.

Maintenance & service parts

Keep your 1995 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 1995 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
10
Factory intervals
3
Fitment-scoped
10
Exact references
1

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

    Fitment must be confirmed

    At each indicated Engine Oil Service, Inspection I, and Inspection II; no fixed mileage is claimed.

    Applies to: 1995 · M50TU 2.5L inline-six · 325i sedan (E36) · United States · Exact 1995 325i sedan record; four-cylinder, body-style variants, M3, and other E36 configurations are not claimed.

    Source: BMW — 1995 325i (E36) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Indicated Engine Oil Service and Inspection I/II · checked

  • Inspection I

    Fitment must be confirmed

    Perform when the service indicator calls for Inspection I.

    Applies to: 1995 · M50TU 2.5L inline-six · 325i sedan (E36) · United States · Exact 1995 325i sedan record; four-cylinder, body-style variants, M3, and other E36 configurations are not claimed.

    Source: BMW — 1995 325i (E36) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Indicated Inspection Service I · checked

    Inspection II

    Perform when the service indicator calls for Inspection II; includes Inspection I plus the additional published tasks.

    Applies to: 1995 · M50TU 2.5L inline-six · 325i sedan (E36) · United States · Exact 1995 325i sedan record; four-cylinder, body-style variants, M3, and other E36 configurations are not claimed.

    Source: BMW — 1995 325i (E36) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Indicated Inspection Service II · checked

  • Brake fluid

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1995 · M50TU 2.5L inline-six · 325i sedan (E36) · United States · Exact 1995 325i sedan record; four-cylinder, body-style variants, M3, and other E36 configurations are not claimed.

    Published interval: 24 months · From vehicle production date.

    Source: BMW — 1995 325i (E36) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Additional Services — Every Two Years · checked

  • Engine coolant

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1995 · M50TU 2.5L inline-six · 325i sedan (E36) · United States · Exact 1995 325i sedan record; four-cylinder, body-style variants, M3, and other E36 configurations are not claimed.

    Published interval: 36 months · From vehicle production date.

    Source: BMW — 1995 325i (E36) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Additional Services — Every Three Years · checked

  • Microfilters

    Fitment must be confirmed

    Replace at Inspection I; shorten in dusty operation.

    Applies to: 1995 · M50TU 2.5L inline-six · 325i sedan (E36) · United States · Exact 1995 325i sedan record; four-cylinder, body-style variants, M3, and other E36 configurations are not claimed.

    Source: BMW — 1995 325i (E36) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Indicated Inspection Service I — replace microfilters · checked

  • Spark plugs

    Fitment must be confirmed

    Replace at Inspection II.

    Applies to: 1995 · M50TU 2.5L inline-six · 325i sedan (E36) · United States · Exact 1995 325i sedan record; four-cylinder, body-style variants, M3, and other E36 configurations are not claimed.

    Source: BMW — 1995 325i (E36) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Indicated Inspection Service II — spark-plug replacement · checked

  • Engine air-cleaner element

    Exact reference available

    Replace at Inspection II; shorten in dusty operation.

    Applies to: 1995 · M50TU 2.5L inline-six · 325i sedan (E36) · United States · Exact 1995 325i sedan record; four-cylinder, body-style variants, M3, and other E36 configurations are not claimed.

    Source: BMW — 1995 325i (E36) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Indicated Inspection Service II — intake air-cleaner replacement · checked

    1.8-liter M42 DOHC inline-four (138 hp) — K&N 33-2733

    K&N 33-2733

    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: 1995 · 1.8-liter M42 DOHC inline-four (138 hp) · 318i · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW 318i/318ti replacement air-filter catalog · 1995 BMW 318i/318is/318ti 1.8L/1.9L gasoline — 33-2733 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    1.8-liter M42 DOHC inline-four (138 hp) — K&N 33-2733

    K&N 33-2733

    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: 1995 · 1.8-liter M42 DOHC inline-four (138 hp) · 318is · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW 318i/318ti replacement air-filter catalog · 1995 BMW 318i/318is/318ti 1.8L/1.9L gasoline — 33-2733 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    1.8-liter M42 DOHC inline-four (138 hp) — K&N 33-2733

    K&N 33-2733

    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: 1995 · 1.8-liter M42 DOHC inline-four (138 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/318ti replacement air-filter catalog · 1995 BMW 318i/318is/318ti 1.8L/1.9L gasoline — 33-2733 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    1.8-liter M42 DOHC inline-four (138 hp) — K&N 33-2733

    K&N 33-2733

    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: 1995 · 1.8-liter M42 DOHC inline-four (138 hp) · 318ti · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW 318i/318ti replacement air-filter catalog · 1995 BMW 318i/318is/318ti 1.8L/1.9L gasoline — 33-2733 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    2.5-liter M50TU DOHC inline-six (189 hp) — K&N 33-2070

    K&N 33-2070

    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: 1995 · 2.5-liter M50TU 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 E36 six-cylinder/M3 replacement air-filter listing · 1995 BMW E36 six-cylinder gasoline application — 33-2070 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    2.5-liter M50TU DOHC inline-six (189 hp) — K&N 33-2070

    K&N 33-2070

    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: 1995 · 2.5-liter M50TU 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 E36 six-cylinder/M3 replacement air-filter listing · 1995 BMW E36 six-cylinder gasoline application — 33-2070 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    2.5-liter M50TU DOHC inline-six (189 hp) — K&N 33-2070

    K&N 33-2070

    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: 1995 · 2.5-liter M50TU DOHC inline-six (189 hp) · 325i Convertible · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW E36 six-cylinder/M3 replacement air-filter listing · 1995 BMW E36 six-cylinder gasoline application — 33-2070 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    3.0-liter S50 DOHC inline-six (240 hp / 225 lb-ft) — K&N 33-2070

    K&N 33-2070

    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: 1995 · 3.0-liter S50 DOHC inline-six (240 hp / 225 lb-ft) · M3 · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW E36 six-cylinder/M3 replacement air-filter listing · 1995 BMW E36 six-cylinder gasoline application — 33-2070 · checked

    Verified ordering references

  • Automatic-transmission fluid

    Fitment must be confirmed

    Replace at Inspection II.

    Applies to: 1995 · M50TU 2.5L inline-six · automatic · 325i sedan (E36) · United States · Exact 1995 325i sedan record; four-cylinder, body-style variants, M3, and other E36 configurations are not claimed.

    Source: BMW — 1995 325i (E36) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Indicated Inspection Service II — automatic-transmission fluid · checked

    Manual-transmission fluid

    Replace at every second Inspection II.

    Applies to: 1995 · M50TU 2.5L inline-six · manual · 325i sedan (E36) · United States · Exact 1995 325i sedan record; four-cylinder, body-style variants, M3, and other E36 configurations are not claimed.

    Source: BMW — 1995 325i (E36) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Indicated Inspection Service II — every second Inspection II · checked

  • Rear-axle oil

    Fitment must be confirmed

    Replace at every second Inspection II.

    Applies to: 1995 · M50TU 2.5L inline-six · 325i sedan (E36) · United States · Exact 1995 325i sedan record; four-cylinder, body-style variants, M3, and other E36 configurations are not claimed.

    Source: BMW — 1995 325i (E36) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Indicated Inspection Service II — every second Inspection II · checked

  • Oxygen sensor

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1995 · M50TU 2.5L inline-six · 325i sedan (E36) · United States · Exact 1995 325i sedan record; four-cylinder, body-style variants, M3, and other E36 configurations are not claimed.

    Published interval: 100,000 mi / 160,000 km · Published additional-service interval.

    Source: BMW — 1995 325i (E36) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Additional Services — At 100,000 Mile Intervals · checked

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Famous variants this year

Sources

  1. BMW — 1995 U.S. factory service-manual model, chassis, and engine roster (Operation CHARM mirror)
  2. BMW of North America — U.S. M3 generation history and specifications

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