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BMW 3 Series Sedan (E90) 318i (129 Hp) Steptronic
Overall Rating
BMW 3 Series:
The BMW 3 series is a line of compact executive cars manufactured by the German automaker BMW since May 1975. It is the successor to the 02 series and has been produced in seven generations.
The first generation of the 3 Series was only available as a 2-door saloon; the model range expanded to include a 4-door saloon, 2-door convertible, 2-door coupé, 5-door estate, 5-door liftback and 3-door hatchback body styles. Since 2013, the coupé and convertible models have been marketed as the 4 Series; these styles no longer being included in the 3 Series....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Sedan (E90) Overview:
BMW 3 Series (Sedan (E90)). With 180 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.2 l/100km). With a weight of 1465 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 11 s). The top speed reaches 206 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
318i (129 Hp) Steptronic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Entry-level performance, suitable for city driving but feels sluggish on the open road, especially with the automatic.
Fuel Economy
Moderate fuel consumption for its power, the automatic transmission slightly impacts efficiency.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Engaging driving dynamics and precise steering
- • Premium interior quality and solid build
- • Wide range of powerful and efficient engines (petrol and diesel)
- • Strong safety ratings (5-star Euro NCAP)
- • Timeless and elegant design
Cons:
- • Potentially high maintenance costs, especially for certain engines (e.g., N54 HPFP issues)
- • Firm ride on sport suspension can be uncomfortable on rough roads
- • Rear seat space can be tight for adult passengers on longer journeys
- • Some early models had known reliability concerns with specific components
- • Infotainment system (iDrive) can be less intuitive in early versions
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Convertible (E46): September, 2000 - 2003).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 3 Series |
| Generation: | Sedan (E90) |
| Modification (Engine): | 318i (129 Hp) Steptronic |
| Start of production: | September, 2005 |
| End of production: | October, 2007 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 129 Hp @ 5750 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 64.7 Hp/l [32mm more] |
| Torque: | 180 Nm @ 3250 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | N46B20 More details about the engine N46B20 |
| Engine displacement: | 1995 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.25 l |
| Coolant: | 7.2 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 84 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 90 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 11.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 7.9 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 11 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 11 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 206 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 11.4 kg/Hp, 88.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 8.1 kg/Nm, 122.9 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 10.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1465 |
| Max. weight: | 1910 |
| Max. roof load: | 75 kg |
| Max load: | 445 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 460 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1400 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 63 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 695 kg |
| Permitted towbar download: | 75 kg |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (8%): | 1600 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4520 mm mm [32mm more] |
| Width: | 1817 mm mm [60mm more] |
| Height: | 1421 mm mm [49mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2760 mm mm [35mm more] |
| Width including mirrors: | 2013 mm |
| Front track: | 1500 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1513 mm |
| Front overhang: | 755 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 1005 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 16 |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
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