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BMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 328i (193 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 280 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1395 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 7.3 s). The top speed reaches 236 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.
328i (193 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The powerful 193 Hp M52B28 inline-six still delivers strong performance, though the automatic transmission slightly reduces the raw driving engagement.
Fuel Economy
Good fuel efficiency for a powerful automatic, making it a capable and relatively economical choice for its class.
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): 1994 - 1999).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 3 Series |
| Generation: | Sedan (E36) |
| Modification (Engine): | 328i (193 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1995 |
| End of production: | 1999 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 193 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 69.1 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 280 Nm @ 3950 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M52B28 More details about the engine M52B28 |
| Engine displacement: | 2793 |
| 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 |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 6.5 l |
| Coolant: | 10.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 84 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 84 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.2:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 8.5 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 7.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 7.3 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 236 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.2 kg/Hp, 138.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5 kg/Nm, 200.7 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 6.9 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1395 |
| Max. weight: | 1780 |
| Max load: | 385 |
| 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: | 1408 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1421 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 | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/60 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the BMW 3 Series rank in your book?