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BMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 320i (150 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 190 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1260 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8 s). The top speed reaches 210 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.
320i (150 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 150 Hp M50B20 inline-six provides smooth power, but the automatic transmission dulls its responsiveness and acceleration compared to the manual.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is on the higher side, especially with the automatic gearbox, reflecting its larger engine and older transmission technology.
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): 1993 - 1999).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 3 Series |
| Generation: | Sedan (E36) |
| Modification (Engine): | 320i (150 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1994 |
| End of production: | 1999 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 150 Hp @ 5900 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 75.3 Hp/l [81mm less] |
| Torque: | 190 Nm @ 4200 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M52B20 More details about the engine M52B20 |
| Engine displacement: | 1991 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 6.5 l |
| Coolant: | 10.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 80 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 66 mm |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 14.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 10 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 8 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 210 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.4 kg/Hp, 119 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.6 kg/Nm, 150.8 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 7.6 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1260 |
| Max. weight: | 1950 |
| Max load: | 690 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 67 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4352 mm [81mm less] |
| Width: | 1843 mm [133mm more] |
| Height: | 1568 mm [202mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 3521 mm [821mm more] |
| Front track: | 1835 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1840 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring |
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