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BMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 316i (102 Hp) Automatic
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 (E36) Overview:
BMW 3 Series (Sedan (E36)). With 150 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.4 l/100km). Weighing only 1190 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 12.7 s). The top speed reaches 196 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.
316i (102 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Entry-level performance from the 102 Hp M43B16 engine, further hampered by the automatic transmission, resulting in slow acceleration.
Fuel Economy
Decent fuel economy for a petrol engine of its size, but not exceptional considering the modest performance.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional driving dynamics and balanced chassis
- • Wide range of smooth and powerful inline-six engines
- • Timeless and elegant design
- • Good build quality for its era
- • Strong aftermarket support and parts availability
- • Engaging manual transmission options
Cons:
- • Age-related maintenance issues (cooling system, suspension bushes)
- • Potential for rust, especially in wheel arches and sills
- • Interior plastics can degrade over time
- • Rear legroom is somewhat limited
- • Automatic transmissions can feel dated and less engaging
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Coupe (E36): 1992 - 1999).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 3 Series |
| Generation: | Sedan (E36) |
| Modification (Engine): | 316i (102 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1993 |
| End of production: | 1999 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 102 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 63.9 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 150 Nm @ 3900 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M43B16 More details about the engine M43B16 |
| Engine displacement: | 1596 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4 l |
| Coolant: | 6.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 84 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 72 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.7:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 10.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 7.4 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 2 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 12.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 12.7 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 196 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 11.7 kg/Hp, 85.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.9 kg/Nm, 126.1 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 12.1 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1190 |
| Max. weight: | 1650 |
| Max load: | 460 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 435 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 65 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4433 mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1698 mm [12mm less] |
| Height: | 1393 mm [27mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2700 mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1418 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1431 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 185/65 R 15 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 15 |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
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