BMW 3 Series Touring (E36) 316i (102 Hp) Automatic

Overall Rating

6.7 / 10

Safety 2.0 / 5

Engine 3.5 / 5

Value 4.0 / 5

Performance 4.0 / 5

Comfort 3.8 / 5

People\'s Opinion N/A / 5

Not Rated

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)

Touring (E36) Overview:

BMW 3 Series (Touring (E36)). With 150 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.2 l/100km). Weighing only 1280 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 13.2 s). The top speed reaches 191 km/h. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

316i (102 Hp) Automatic Verdict:

Performance Verdict

Underpowered for the E36 Touring, resulting in leisurely acceleration, particularly with the automatic.

Fuel Economy

Decent fuel economy, but not significantly better than more powerful engines given the performance trade-off.

Best Use Case: City driving / Light duty

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

• Engaging driving dynamics
• Smooth and powerful six-cylinder engines
• Practical estate body style
• Timeless design
• Good build quality

Cons:

• Dated safety features (Euro NCAP 2 stars)
• Potential for rust
• Cooling system vulnerabilities (common E36 issue)
• Rear suspension issues (subframe mounts)
• Some engines can feel underpowered (316i/318i)

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Coupe (E36): 1992 - 1999).

General:
Brand:	BMW
Model:	3 Series
Generation:	Touring (E36)
Modification (Engine):	316i (102 Hp) Automatic
Start of production:	1993
End of production:	1999
Powertrain Architecture:	Internal Combustion engine
Body type:	Station wagon (estate)
Seats:	5
Doors:	5

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
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:	11.2 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:	6.2 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:	8 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:	13.2 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:	13.2 sec
Maximum speed:	191 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:	12.5 kg/Hp, 79.7 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:	8.5 kg/Nm, 117.2 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:	12.5 sec

Space:
Kerb Weight:	1280
Max. weight:	1780
Max load:	500
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:	1320 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:	370 l
Fuel tank capacity:	62 l

Size:
Length:	4433 mm [Same length.]
Width:	1698 mm [12mm less]
Height:	1391 mm [25mm more]
Wheelbase:	2700 mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:	1418 mm
Rear (Back) track:	1431 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):	110 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
Rear brakes	Disc
Assisting systems	ABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering type	Steering rack and pinion
Tires size	185/65 R15
Wheel rims size	15