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BMW 3 Series Coupe (E36) 318is (140 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)
Coupe (E36) Overview:
BMW 3 Series (Coupe (E36)). With 180 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11 l/100km). Weighing only 1260 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10 s). The top speed reaches 213 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
318is (140 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
An engaging and rev-happy four-cylinder, offering a sporty and balanced driving experience, particularly with the manual gearbox.
Fuel Economy
Good balance of performance and efficiency, making it a cost-effective choice for spirited driving.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Engaging driving dynamics and balanced chassis
- • Smooth and powerful inline-six engine options
- • Timeless and attractive coupe design
- • Strong aftermarket support and enthusiast community
- • Becoming a desirable modern classic
Cons:
- • Age-related maintenance and potential rust issues
- • Common cooling system vulnerabilities (water pump, thermostat housing)
- • Interior materials can show wear and tear over time
- • Some engines can be thirsty, especially the larger six-cylinders when driven hard
- • Safety features are basic by modern standards (no Euro NCAP rating)
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Compact (E36): 1995 - 2000).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 3 Series |
| Generation: | Coupe (E36) |
| Modification (Engine): | 318is (140 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1996 |
| End of production: | 1999 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 140 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 73.9 Hp/l [223mm more] |
| Torque: | 180 Nm @ 4300 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M44B19 More details about the engine M44B19 |
| Engine displacement: | 1895 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| 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: | 5 l |
| Coolant: | 6.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 11 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 8.1 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 10 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 10 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 213 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9 kg/Hp, 111.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7 kg/Nm, 142.9 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1260 |
| Max. weight: | 1700 |
| Max load: | 440 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 405 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 62 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4433 mm mm [223mm more] |
| Width: | 1710 mm mm [10mm more] |
| Height: | 1366 mm mm [24mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2700 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1408 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1421 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 145 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 | Disc |
| 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 |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the BMW 3 Series!