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BMW 3 Series Touring (E36) 318i (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)
Touring (E36) Overview:
BMW 3 Series (Touring (E36)). With 168 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 11.7 s). The top speed reaches 197 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.
318i (115 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Performance is acceptable for urban use, but the automatic transmission can make it feel less engaging.
Fuel Economy
Reasonable fuel economy, though the automatic might slightly increase consumption in some scenarios.
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): | 318i (115 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: | 115 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 64 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 168 Nm @ 3900 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M43B18 More details about the engine M43B18 |
| Engine displacement: | 1796 |
| 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: | 81 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: | 6.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 8.1 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 11.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 11.7 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 197 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 11.1 kg/Hp, 89.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.6 kg/Nm, 131.3 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 11.1 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: | 1410 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 | 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 |
What’s the best feature of the BMW 3 Series? Tell us in the comments!