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BMW 3 Series Touring (E36) 323i (170 Hp)
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 245 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 8.3 s). The top speed reaches 223 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.
323i (170 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A sweet spot in the lineup, offering smooth, strong six-cylinder power and engaging performance with the manual gearbox.
Fuel Economy
Respectable fuel economy for a potent six-cylinder engine.
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(Sedan (E36): 1994 - 1999).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 3 Series |
| Generation: | Touring (E36) |
| Modification (Engine): | 323i (170 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1995 |
| End of production: | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 170 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 68.2 Hp/l [81mm more] |
| Torque: | 245 Nm @ 3950 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M52B25 More details about the engine M52B25 |
| Engine displacement: | 2494 |
| 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 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 75 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 12.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 9 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 8.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 8.3 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 223 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.2 kg/Hp, 121.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.7 kg/Nm, 175.6 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 7.9 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1395 |
| Max. weight: | 1865 |
| Max load: | 470 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1320 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 370 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 62 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4433 mm mm [81mm more] |
| Width: | 1698 mm mm [145mm less] |
| Height: | 1391 mm mm [177mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2700 mm mm [821mm less] |
| 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 | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| 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 |
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