BMW BLOG

It’s time to look back again into the BMW history and the model we have chosen today is the BMW 318i – E36 chassis. We’re not only going to give you a summary of one of the most successful 3 Series every built by BMW, but also offer you an old school video from the famous auto TV show, Top Gear. And no, this was before Jeremy Clarkson when the show host was Chris Goffey.

The E36 models sold from 1991 through 1999 and their design have been many times labeled as the “Dolphin Shape”. Initially, the E36 bimmers were only available as a 4-door sedan, but shortly after other variants were offered as well.

The 318i was powered by a 1.8 liter four-cylinder engine which outputs 113-115 horsepower and 119-124 lb-ft of torque. The base-model engine is a single overhead camshaft unit with two valves per cylinder. It uses a multipoint injection system and it was considered the perfect daily driver for many BMW fans.

The top speed was limited to 123-125 mph(198-201 km/h) and accelerates from still to 60 mph in 11.3-11.5 seconds. (1993-1998 models had more power)

E36 Coupe

The new 3 Series sedan was larger and heavier than its previous generation model (due to more active safety features fitted into it) and benefited from a perfect 50:50 weight distribution achieved by relocating the engine further in the back. It was also featuring a more roundish exterior design, restyled headlamps and revised suspension.

The four door E36 models were replaced after 1998 in the U.S.

[Photo: bmwe36blog ]