Click on image to view the full photo gallery
BMW 3 Series Coupe (E36) 316i (102 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)
Coupe (E36) Overview:
BMW 3 Series (Coupe (E36)). With 150 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.8 l/100km). Weighing only 1190 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 12.7 s). The top speed reaches 195 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.
316i (102 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Very modest performance, adequate for city driving but struggles on inclines or at higher speeds, further hampered by the automatic transmission.
Fuel Economy
Decent fuel economy for its era, though the automatic can slightly increase consumption compared to the manual.
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(Coupe (E36): 1992 - 1999).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 3 Series |
| Generation: | Coupe (E36) |
| Modification (Engine): | 316i (102 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1993 |
| End of production: | 1999 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 102 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 63.9 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 150 Nm @ 3900 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M43B16 More details about the engine M43B16 |
| Engine displacement: | 1596 |
| 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 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 72 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.7:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 10.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 7.4 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 12.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 12.7 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 195 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 11.7 kg/Hp, 85.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.9 kg/Nm, 126.1 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 12.1 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1190 |
| Max. weight: | 1695 |
| Max load: | 505 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 435 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 65 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4433 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1710 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1366 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2700 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1408 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1421 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 | 205/60 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!