Verdict
B
BHP
193 bhp
0–60
7.3 s
Top speed
149 mph
MPG
23 mpg (US)
Used
$1,300-$10,000
Strengths
- Pure RWD chassis
- M50/M52 inline-six soundtrack
- Coupé and Touring bodies
Weaknesses
- Rear subframe cracks
- Rust around arches
- Cooling system plastics fail
Notable tech
- E36 platform
- Saloon, Touring, Coupé, Convertible, Compact bodies
- M3 above (E36 M3 covered separately)
- 5-speed manual / 4-speed auto / Steptronic
- M50 then M52 inline-six petrol
Common issues
- Rear subframe mount cracks
- Cooling system plastic failure
- VANOS rattle
- Headliner sag
Engine derivatives
US-spec trims and engines offered across E36's life. Click any two rows to compare them side-by-side.
316i 1.6 / 1.9 petrol
BHP102
Torque150 Nm
0–6012.0 s
Top116 mph
MPG (US)27 mpg
DriveRWD
Gearbox5MT / 4AT
318i 1.8 / 1.9 petrol
BHP116
Torque180 Nm
0–6010.7 s
Top124 mph
MPG (US)27 mpg
DriveRWD
Gearbox5MT / 4AT
320i 2.0 inline-6
BHP150
Torque190 Nm
0–609.6 s
Top136 mph
MPG (US)23 mpg
DriveRWD
Gearbox5MT / 4AT
323i 2.5 inline-6
BHP170
Torque245 Nm
0–608.0 s
Top143 mph
MPG (US)23 mpg
DriveRWD
Gearbox5MT / 5AT
328i 2.8 inline-6
BHP193
Torque280 Nm
0–607.3 s
Top149 mph
MPG (US)23 mpg
DriveRWD
Gearbox5MT / 5AT
318tds 1.7 turbo diesel
BHP90
Torque190 Nm
0–6013.5 s
Top111 mph
MPG (US)38 mpg
DriveRWD
Gearbox5MT
325tds 2.5 turbo diesel
BHP143
Torque280 Nm
0–6010.0 s
Top131 mph
MPG (US)33 mpg
DriveRWD
Gearbox5MT / 4AT