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BMW 3 Series E21 318i (105 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)
E21 Overview:
BMW 3 Series (E21). With 145 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
318i (105 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The fuel-injected 318 offers improved drivability, but the automatic transmission means performance is more relaxed than sporty.
Fuel Economy
The 'i' designation helps with efficiency, but the automatic gearbox will slightly negate some of those gains, resulting in average economy.
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: 1978 - 1982).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 3 Series |
| Generation: | E21 |
| Modification (Engine): | 318i (105 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1979 |
| End of production: | 1982 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 105 Hp @ 5800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 59.5 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 145 Nm @ 4500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M10B18 More details about the engine M10B18 |
| 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 |
| Compression ratio: | 9.7:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 | 3 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
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