What is the E36 M3's gear ratio

Techno ///M3 · Tue, Jul-25-2006, 01:23:17 AM

is it true what i am reading? 3.23:1?
it feels like 4:10

Braymond141 · Tue, Jul-25-2006, 01:26:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Techno ///M3

is it true what i am reading? 3.23:1?
it feels like 4:10

95 3.15
96+ 3.23

Doc_SoCal · Tue, Jul-25-2006, 01:27:09 AM

There were four different transmissions used on 3.2-liter M3s. European-spec models have a Getrag six-speed manual transmission with the following ratios: 4.23 (1), 2.51 (2), 1.67 (3), 1.23 (4), 1.00 (5), .83 (6). This same gearbox was later used (with the same ratios) as the internals of the Sequential M Gearbox (SMG).

The North American-spec 3.2-liter E36 M3 retains the ZF Type C five-speed manual gearbox of the 3.0-liter version, with the same internal ratios: 4.20 (1), 2.49 (2), 1.66 (3), 1.24 (4), 1.00 (5). Starting with the 1997 model year, the ZF 5HP18 five-speed automatic returned as an option with the same internal ratios used on the 3.0-liter model: 3.67 (1), 2.00 (2), 1.41 (3), 1.00 (4), .74 (5).

All 3.2-liter M3s equipped with a manual gearbox (including SMG) use a shorter 3.23:1 final drive and limited slip differential. North American-spec M3s with the ZF five-speed automatic transmission have an even shorter 3.38:1 rear end, also with limited slip. In addition, all 3.2-liter North American-spec E36 M3s are equipped with Automatic Stability Control plus Traction (ASC+T) which can apply the brakes and/or reduce engine power in order to maintain traction. It includes an orange warning light under the M logo in the instrument cluster and can be switched off via a console-mounted button.

TAMUmpower · Tue, Jul-25-2006, 01:31:36 AM

Well, im assuming your comparing your car to another manufactured car. The M3 uses high transmission ratios and a low final drive ratio. Where other cars can have the same total ratio because they have the opposite gearing. you have to look at the total ratio when comparing cars.

Techno ///M3 · Tue, Jul-25-2006, 02:52:21 AM

okay totally understood, but what if i want to build up my engine? Get it to about say 400 to 500 hp? you know like adding a super charger + internals. wouldnt it be wise to change out to a better gear ratio?

VTRick01 · Tue, Jul-25-2006, 03:02:47 AM

word has it anything much over 400 hp is not cheap or especially easy....you might be happy with 400 hp and changing your ratio...

Techno ///M3 · Tue, Jul-25-2006, 03:33:28 AM

yea thats what i am speaking of, but which ratio is recommended for motors putting out over 400 hp

SG_M3 · Tue, Jul-25-2006, 05:55:26 AM

for a s/c car? 3.64 or 3.46.

turbo? 3.15 or 3.23.

Techno ///M3 · Tue, Jul-25-2006, 08:03:14 PM

then how come corvette and z28 drivers say i should go to 4:10...probably because i drive a bmw, they dotn know any better lol

Z Driver · Tue, Jul-25-2006, 08:08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Techno ///M3

then how come corvette and z28 drivers say i should go to 4:10...probably because i drive a bmw, they dotn know any better lol

The V8 guys aren't geared like a four cylinder from the factory like the M3. They can get away with shorter ratios.

Our 5th gear ratio is 1:1. That is usually the 4th gear on most transmissions.

A turbo car can benefit from a taller than stock ratio because it lets the car build and stay in the boost longer.

Tue, Jul-25-2006, 01:23:17 AM	#1
Techno ///M3 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Age: 32 Posts: 696 Reputation: 0 Location: Gulf Coast	What is the E36 M3's gear ratio is it true what i am reading? 3.23:1? it feels like 4:10 __________________

Tue, Jul-25-2006, 01:27:09 AM	#3
Doc_SoCal Negative Elitist Bastard Join Date: Apr 2005 Age: 43 Posts: 3,568 Reputation: 0 Location: HB	There were four different transmissions used on 3.2-liter M3s. European-spec models have a Getrag six-speed manual transmission with the following ratios: 4.23 (1), 2.51 (2), 1.67 (3), 1.23 (4), 1.00 (5), .83 (6). This same gearbox was later used (with the same ratios) as the internals of the Sequential M Gearbox (SMG). The North American-spec 3.2-liter E36 M3 retains the ZF Type C five-speed manual gearbox of the 3.0-liter version, with the same internal ratios: 4.20 (1), 2.49 (2), 1.66 (3), 1.24 (4), 1.00 (5). Starting with the 1997 model year, the ZF 5HP18 five-speed automatic returned as an option with the same internal ratios used on the 3.0-liter model: 3.67 (1), 2.00 (2), 1.41 (3), 1.00 (4), .74 (5). All 3.2-liter M3s equipped with a manual gearbox (including SMG) use a shorter 3.23:1 final drive and limited slip differential. North American-spec M3s with the ZF five-speed automatic transmission have an even shorter 3.38:1 rear end, also with limited slip. In addition, all 3.2-liter North American-spec E36 M3s are equipped with Automatic Stability Control plus Traction (ASC+T) which can apply the brakes and/or reduce engine power in order to maintain traction. It includes an orange warning light under the M logo in the instrument cluster and can be switched off via a console-mounted button. __________________ All I am offering is the truth, nothing more...

Tue, Jul-25-2006, 01:31:36 AM	#4
TAMUmpower Blessed with M Power... Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 204 Reputation: 0 Location: College Station, TX	Well, im assuming your comparing your car to another manufactured car. The M3 uses high transmission ratios and a low final drive ratio. Where other cars can have the same total ratio because they have the opposite gearing. you have to look at the total ratio when comparing cars. __________________ My Car's Site

Tue, Jul-25-2006, 02:52:21 AM	#5
Techno ///M3 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Age: 32 Posts: 696 Reputation: 0 Location: Gulf Coast	okay totally understood, but what if i want to build up my engine? Get it to about say 400 to 500 hp? you know like adding a super charger + internals. wouldnt it be wise to change out to a better gear ratio? __________________

Tue, Jul-25-2006, 03:02:47 AM	#6
VTRick01 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 616 Reputation: 0 Location: Arlington, VA	word has it anything much over 400 hp is not cheap or especially easy....you might be happy with 400 hp and changing your ratio... __________________ 98 M3 Sedan, Cosmos Black /// Alpine head unit, JL Audio Sub, Xtant Amp, MB Quart component front spkrs /// UUC Clutch stop /// Axxis Ultimates /// Rogue RSMs /// Powerflex RTABs

Tue, Jul-25-2006, 03:33:28 AM	#7
Techno ///M3 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Age: 32 Posts: 696 Reputation: 0 Location: Gulf Coast	yea thats what i am speaking of, but which ratio is recommended for motors putting out over 400 hp __________________

Tue, Jul-25-2006, 05:55:26 AM	#8
SG_M3 #56 JP M3 Join Date: Dec 2003 Age: 29 Posts: 4,986 Reputation: 0 Location: Dallas TX	for a s/c car? 3.64 or 3.46. turbo? 3.15 or 3.23. __________________ Sean

Tue, Jul-25-2006, 08:03:14 PM	#9
Techno ///M3 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Age: 32 Posts: 696 Reputation: 0 Location: Gulf Coast	then how come corvette and z28 drivers say i should go to 4:10...probably because i drive a bmw, they dotn know any better lol __________________

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