BMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 318i (113 Hp) Automatic


Overall Rating

6.7 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 2.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 4.0 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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 162 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.2 l/100km). Weighing only 1205 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 12.8 s). The top speed reaches 198 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 (113 Hp) Automatic Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

Adequate for urban driving, but the 113 Hp M40B18 engine combined with an automatic transmission makes it feel sluggish on highways.

Fuel Economy

Moderate fuel consumption for a small petrol engine of its era, but not outstanding given the performance.

Best Use Case: City / Commuting

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(Touring (E30, facelift 1987): 1989 - 1994).

General:
Brand:BMW
Model:3 Series
Generation:Sedan (E36)
Modification (Engine):318i (113 Hp) Automatic
Start of production:1990
End of production:1993
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:113 Hp @ 5500 rpm.
Power per litre:62.9 Hp/l
Torque:162 Nm @ 4250 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M40B18 [Same engine] More details about the engine M40B18
Engine displacement:1796
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
Engine oil capacity:4 l
Coolant:6.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:84 mm
Piston Stroke:81 mm
Compression ratio:8.8:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:11.2 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6.6 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:8.1 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:12.8 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:12.8 sec
Maximum speed:198 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:10.7 kg/Hp, 93.8 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:7.4 kg/Nm, 134.4 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:12.2 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1205
Max. weight:1665
Max load:460
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:435 l
Fuel tank capacity:68 l
Size:
Length:4433 mm [108mm more]
Width:1698 mm [53mm more]
Height:1393 mm [13mm more]
Wheelbase:2700 mm [130mm more]
Front track:1418 mm
Rear (Back) track:1431 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):145 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesDisc [bad for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size185/65 R15
Wheel rims size15
Front suspensionWishbone
Rear suspensionCoil spring

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