From :http://www.protoworks.com/cgi-bin/C-C_Wiki.pl?E36_BMWs_Are_Like_Legos

"Suspension

One of the first things you may notice: most parts catalogs list shocks/springs/struts for the E36 with 3 different fitments... 1 for the 95 M3, 1 for the 96+ M3, and 1 for all other E36s built after 6/92. This is crap.

First, be aware that all E36 coupes and sedans have the same chassis mounting points.

Second, there is no reason for 95 M3 aftermarket parts to be different from 96+ M3 aftermarket parts, unless you are looking to mix and match. Then the issue becomes spring perch diameters. At the top, stock E36 and 95 M3s have the same diameter upper spring perch (although the part number is different). The 1996+ M3s have a slightly smaller upper perch. At the bottom, non-M3 springs are a significantly larger diameter, so it follows that the lower spring perches welded onto non-M3 struts are too big for M3 springs.
From this, you can conclude that any M3 spring will fit any M3 strut, with the appropriate upper perch."

You'll have to match spring perches to the M3 springs.

You really need to read their entire treatise on the M3 vs stock e36 suspension.

 

Why are you putting M3 suspension on it anyways? It will cost you just as much to get some H&R springs and a set of Koni's, well maybe it will be a bit more but not too much depending on how much you're getting the springs for.

 

This.