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BMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 318is (140 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 175 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~7.7 l/100km). Weighing only 1240 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.2 s). The top speed reaches 213 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.
318is (140 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A sporty and engaging option, the 140 Hp M42/M44 engine combined with a manual gearbox offers lively performance and a fun driving experience.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy data not provided, but expected to be good for a performance-oriented 4-cylinder with a manual transmission.
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(Convertible (E30, facelift 1987): 1990 - 1994).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 3 Series |
| Generation: | Sedan (E36) |
| Modification (Engine): | 318is (140 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1991 |
| End of production: | 1996 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 140 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 78 Hp/l [108mm more] |
| Torque: | 175 Nm @ 4500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M42B18 More details about the engine M42B18 |
| Engine displacement: | 1796 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5 l |
| Coolant: | 6.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 84 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 81 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 7.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.4 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 10.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 10.2 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 213 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.9 kg/Hp, 112.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.1 kg/Nm, 141.1 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9.7 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1240 |
| Max. weight: | 1700 |
| Max load: | 460 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 435 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 65 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4433 mm mm [108mm more] |
| Width: | 1698 mm mm [53mm more] |
| Height: | 1393 mm mm [23mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2700 mm mm [130mm more] |
| 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 | Disc |
| 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 |
Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the BMW 3 Series?