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BMW 3 Series E21 316 (90 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)
E21 Overview:
BMW 3 Series (E21). With 123 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.1 l/100km). Weighing only 1020 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 13.8 s). The top speed reaches 160 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.
316 (90 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A solid, reliable workhorse, offering adequate power for daily driving but not designed for thrilling acceleration.
Fuel Economy
A reasonable compromise between performance and fuel economy, making it a practical choice for many buyers.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Engaging RWD driving dynamics and handling
- • Iconic BMW styling and classic appeal
- • Range of smooth and characterful engines (especially 6-cylinders)
- • Good build quality for its era
- • Strong enthusiast community and parts availability
Cons:
- • Rust can be a significant issue if not maintained
- • Safety features are rudimentary by modern standards
- • Fuel economy can be poor on larger carbureted engines
- • Interior plastics can degrade over time
- • Some parts can be expensive or hard to find for specific trims
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(E21: 1979 - 1982).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 3 Series |
| Generation: | E21 |
| Modification (Engine): | 316 (90 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1980 |
| End of production: | 1982 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 90 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 51 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 123 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M10B16 More details about the engine M10B16 |
| Engine displacement: | 1766 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4 l |
| Coolant: | 7.2 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 89 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 71 mm mm |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 11.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.4 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 13.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 13.8 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 160 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 11.3 kg/Hp, 88.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 8.3 kg/Nm, 120.6 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 13.1 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1020 |
| Max. weight: | 1440 |
| Max load: | 420 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 404 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 58 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4355 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1610 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1380 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2563 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1366 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1373 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 | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Tires size | 165/80 R13 |
| Wheel rims size | 13 |
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