Click on image to view the full photo gallery
BMW 3 Series Sedan (E30) 318i (105 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 (E30) Overview:
BMW 3 Series (Sedan (E30)). With 140 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.4 l/100km). Weighing only 1050 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 11.2 s). The top speed reaches 184 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.
318i (105 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A capable and reliable entry-level engine, offering sufficient power for daily use with the manual gearbox providing a more direct feel.
Fuel Economy
Good fuel efficiency for a 4-cylinder engine of its time, making it an economical choice.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic and timeless styling
- • Excellent driving dynamics and handling
- • Engaging manual transmissions available
- • Robust and characterful engines, especially the M20 six-cylinders
- • Strong aftermarket support and enthusiast community
- • Classic car status with appreciating value
Cons:
- • Basic safety features by modern standards
- • Rust can be a significant issue, particularly in older models
- • Maintenance costs can increase with age and mileage
- • Some parts are becoming harder to source
- • Fuel economy on higher-performance models can be modest by today's standards
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Sedan (E30): 1983 - 1987).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 3 Series |
| Generation: | Sedan (E30) |
| Modification (Engine): | 318i (105 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1984 |
| End of production: | 1987 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 105 Hp @ 5800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 59.5 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 140 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 |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4 l |
| Coolant: | 6 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 89 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 71 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 10.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.5 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 11.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 11.2 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 184 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 10 kg/Hp, 100 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.5 kg/Nm, 133.3 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 10.6 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1050 |
| Max. weight: | 1510 |
| Max. roof load: | 75 kg |
| Max load: | 460 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 404 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1200 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 55 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 500 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4325 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1645 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1380 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2570 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1407 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1415 mm |
| Front overhang: | 761 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 994 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 | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 175/70 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
Rate the BMW 3 Series from 1 to 10!