Click on image to view the full photo gallery
BMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 325td (115 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 222 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~12 l/100km). With a weight of 1410 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 13 s). The top speed reaches 194 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.
325td (115 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 115 Hp M51D25 diesel provides decent torque, but the automatic transmission makes acceleration feel leisurely, best suited for relaxed driving.
Fuel Economy
Good fuel economy, making it a sensible choice for those prioritizing running costs over outright speed.
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(Convertible (E30, facelift 1987): 1990 - 1994).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 3 Series |
| Generation: | Sedan (E36) |
| Modification (Engine): | 325td (115 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1991 |
| End of production: | 1998 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 115 Hp @ 4800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 46 Hp/l [108mm more] |
| Torque: | 222 Nm @ 1900 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M51D25 More details about the engine M51D25 |
| Engine displacement: | 2498 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain: | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 6.5 l |
| Coolant: | 8.8 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 80 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 82.8 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 22:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 12 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 8.4 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 13 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 13 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 194 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 12.3 kg/Hp, 81.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.4 kg/Nm, 157.4 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 12.4 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1410 |
| Max. weight: | 1795 |
| Max load: | 385 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 435 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 65 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4433 mm mm [108mm more] |
| Width: | 1698 mm mm [53mm more] |
| Height: | 1393 mm mm [23mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2700 mm mm [130mm more] |
| Front track: | 1418 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1431 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 130 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 | Disc |
| 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 |
Was the BMW 3 Series what you expected? Let us know!