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BMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 318tds (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)
Sedan (E36) Overview:
BMW 3 Series (Sedan (E36)). With 190 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~8.8 l/100km). With a weight of 1340 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 14.4 s). The top speed reaches 182 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.
318tds (90 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
While not powerful, the 90 Hp M41D17 diesel offers good low-end torque, making it suitable for relaxed driving, though acceleration is slow.
Fuel Economy
Excellent fuel economy, a strong point for this diesel variant, making it very cost-effective for daily use.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional driving dynamics and balanced chassis
- • Wide range of smooth and powerful inline-six engines
- • Timeless and elegant design
- • Good build quality for its era
- • Strong aftermarket support and parts availability
- • Engaging manual transmission options
Cons:
- • Age-related maintenance issues (cooling system, suspension bushes)
- • Potential for rust, especially in wheel arches and sills
- • Interior plastics can degrade over time
- • Rear legroom is somewhat limited
- • Automatic transmissions can feel dated and less engaging
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Sedan (E36): 1994 - 1999).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 3 Series |
| Generation: | Sedan (E36) |
| Modification (Engine): | 318tds (90 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1995 |
| End of production: | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 90 Hp @ 4400 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 54.1 Hp/l [81mm more] |
| Torque: | 190 Nm @ 2000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M41D17 More details about the engine M41D17 |
| Engine displacement: | 1665 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain: | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5 l |
| Coolant: | 7.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 80 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 82.8 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 22:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 8.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 5.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 6.5 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 14.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 14.4 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 182 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 14.9 kg/Hp, 67.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.1 kg/Nm, 141.8 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 13.7 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1340 |
| Max. weight: | 1810 |
| Max load: | 470 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 435 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 65 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4433 mm mm [81mm more] |
| Width: | 1698 mm mm [145mm less] |
| Height: | 1393 mm mm [175mm 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 | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| 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!