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BMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 316i (99 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 141 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11 l/100km). Weighing only 1205 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 15 s). The top speed reaches 189 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 (99 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The slowest option in the lineup, the 99 Hp M40B16 engine paired with an automatic transmission results in very sluggish acceleration.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is higher than the manual version, making it less economical despite its low power output.
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(Touring (E30, facelift 1987): 1989 - 1994).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 3 Series |
| Generation: | Sedan (E36) |
| Modification (Engine): | 316i (99 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1990 |
| End of production: | 1993 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 99 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 62 Hp/l [108mm more] |
| Torque: | 141 Nm @ 4250 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M40B16 More details about the engine M40B16 |
| 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: | 9.1:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 11 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 7.8 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 15 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 15 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 189 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 12.2 kg/Hp, 82.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 8.5 kg/Nm, 117 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 14.3 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1205 |
| Max. weight: | 1665 |
| Max load: | 460 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 435 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 65 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4433 mm [108mm more] |
| Width: | 1698 mm [53mm more] |
| Height: | 1393 mm [13mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2700 mm [130mm more] |
| 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 | Disc [bad 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 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Behind the wheel of the BMW 3 Series. How does it handle on the road?