The German carmaker BMW produced the third generation of the 3 Series line of small executive vehicles from 1990 to 2000. It is identified by the model designation E36. The four-door sedan body style was used for the first models, then in subsequent years, the coupe, convertible, wagon (“Touring”), hatchback (“Compact”), and the uncommon four-door convertible Baur TC4 were added.
The first 3 Series to be made available in a hatchback body configuration was the E36. It was also the first 3 Series to be offered with a four-cylinder diesel engine, a five-speed automatic transmission, and a six-speed manual transmission (in the 1996 M3). Comparing the current generation of the 3 Series to earlier models, the multi-link rear suspension was also a considerable improvement. The E36 did not have all-wheel drive, in contrast to the preceding (E30) and following (E46) models.
Every year the E36 was on the market, it was included in Car & Driver magazine’s 10Best list.
The powerful BMW S50 or BMW S52 straight-six engine powers the fast E36 M3 (depending on country). 1992 saw the release of the E36 M3, which came in coupe, sedan, and convertible body types.
Since it was the first time BMW coupled the incredibly amazing 6 cylinder BMW ‘M’ engine with one of the finest all-around chassis modifications, the first series of the BMW E36 M3 is now regarded as one of the company’s greatest accomplishments during the early development of the M3. The E36 M3 offers one of the best drivable platforms for road and track use of any reasonably priced mass-produced five-seater sedan or coupe created in the preceding century, significantly surpassing the earlier E30, which was proposed as a touring car with four cylinder (but very sophisticated).
The E36 started to be phased out and was eventually replaced in 1999 after the launch of its successor, the E46 3 Series, in 1998.
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BMW’s 325 and 330 E46 models
The 2.5-liter 323i gained the designation 325i in 2001, and its power was raised to 184 HP. On the other side, the 328i’s engine was replaced with a larger 3.0-liter, 225 HP unit, and the vehicle became the 330i.
The 4-door Sedan and Wagon variants were also given the all-wheel-drive xDrive option to become the 325xi and 330xi, respectively.
What are the many BMW 3 Series models that are available?
The renowned 3 Series sports sedan comes in four different model varieties: the 330i, 330e, M340i, and M3. The 330i has a reliable gasoline engine and is a well-balanced vehicle. The 330e is a cutting-edge hybrid sedan with electrified propulsion. The M340i is a striking sports car that features components and engineering from BMW M. The M3 is a real M model, which means it was created with performance driving in mind.
Overview
The 2023 BMW 3-series sedan is one of the few vehicles that can please the gods of comfort and sportiness at the same time. This time-honored favorite can be equipped as a corner-carving sports sedan, a plush entry-luxury car, or a hybrid of the two. Its three possible turbocharged powertrains expertly balance performance and refinement. While the turbocharged inline-six in the top-dog M340i delivers 382 of the biggest, fiercest horsepower this side of the Bavarian Alps, the entry-level 330i and plug-in hybrid 330e deliver excellent performance with above average fuel economy. The 3-series lacks the Alfa Romeo Giulia’s flair and the Genesis G70’s value-packed feature list, but it is so well-rounded, athletic, and fun to drive that it tops our segment rankings.
What series of a BMW is a 325i?
The BMW 3 Series portfolio consists of the 325i and 330i sedans, the 325xi all-wheel-drive sedan, wagon, and coupe, as well as the 325Ci and 330Ci coupe and convertible models.
What distinguishes the BMW 325i and 320i?
The 320i (156hp) and 325i (218hp) have a 62hp difference in power. That power loss amounts to 30%. Smaller wheels and other equipment variations will also be present. I realize it’s personal, but the inline 6-cylinder engine, which is only offered in 323+ versions, is what I believe distinguishes the 3 Series.
The BMW 325i’s powertrain.
The M50 engine, which was manufactured between 1990 and 1996, is used in the BMW 325i. These straight-6 DOHC gasoline engines took the place of the previous M20 model. The M50 underwent a technical upgrade in 1992. Variable valve timing was employed by the new M50 TU engines by altering the intake camshaft’s phase.
When did BMW cease producing the 325i?
Any secondhand car should always be the subject of extensive inquiry. In 1985, the BMW 325i model’s debut occurred. BMW is recognized for building dependable, performance-driven vehicles, so even if you’re considering a used model, there’s really no way to go wrong.
Sedans like the 325i, which are a member of the BMW 3-Series, have been available since 1982; the 325i made its début in 1985, three years later. Although the original 325i model was dropped from production in 1991, versions of it have continued to appear in the brand’s lineups into the twenty-first century.
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What distinguishes the various BMW 3 Series models?
These two sedans have an 8-speed automatic transmission and use ordinary gasoline as well. While there are some similarities between the two automobiles, the horsepower and torque are where the two cars diverge most. With 255 horsepower and 295 pounds-feet of torque, the BMW 3 Series is faster and more potent.
What was the original BMW 3 Series?
The BMW 3 Series’s original models were a sedan and the storied Baur Topcabriolet (1977-1982). 4,595 BMW 3 Series were converted into convertibles by the Stuttgart-based Baur GmbH, which included a rollover bar and fixed roof frame.
Is the BMW 3 Series a high-end vehicle?
The BMW 3 Series is a respectable luxury compact car, yes. Performance, which is still its main selling point, is characterized by assured handling and quick acceleration. The M3, the top model in the series, is designed to be track-ready while the base model has excellent fuel efficiency.
How far can a BMW 325i travel?
But how far is a BMW 3 Series capable of traveling? When maintained properly, you can anticipate your 3 Series to endure between 200,000 and 250,000 kilometres.
How trustworthy is the BMW 325i?
The E90 3 Series, which debuted in 2005 and replaced the exceptionally well-received E46 generation, had huge shoes to fill. Even though it was bigger and heavier than the model it replaced, it managed to provide much more space for passengers in the back seats and a bigger trunk, making it more comfortable and useful than its before.
It was available in sedan (E90), wagon (E91), coupe (E92), and convertible (E93) body styles, and it was an immediate success, winning numerous honors at the time, including the 2006 World Car of the Year title.
The 325i and 328i featured normally aspirated engines, while the 335i featured a twin-turbo engine in pre-LCI (facelift) vehicles and an upgraded single-turbo engine in LCI variants. The lineup in North America was primarily focused on six-cylinder gas engines.
There were options for rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, as well as manual and automatic transmissions. Curiously, one outlier in the lineup was the 335d, which was only available in sedan form and had a six-cylinder turbo diesel engine with plenty of torque.
The 2.5-liter and 3.0-liter variants of the N52 engine, respectively, are what make the 325i and 328i versions of the BMW 3 Series among the most dependable ones you’ll find. Instamotor named the 328i in particular as one of the top five used BMW models you can purchase.
The ‘VANOS’ variable valve timing system, which can have problems on earlier examples of the N52 but is common on BMWs of the era, and the hydraulic lifters, which can also become oil-starved in earlier examples, are both issues with the N52. However, BMW redesigned the cylinder head for 2009 to address these problems.
The 2007 and 2008 twin-turbo versions of the 335i are even listed by Car Complaints as being among the five worst BMWs based on the volume of customer complaints it has received, despite the fact that they are undoubtedly more faster than the 325i and 328i.
Particularly often reported difficulties include turbo failure, overheating problems, malfunctioning ABS and high-pressure fuel pumps, all of which require expensive repairs.
The average private party value of an E90 now is $9,717, and the trade-in value for a good-condition 2009 328i sedan is $7,503, according to Kelley Blue Book. This makes them a very cost-effective purchase.
A BMW 325i can travel how fast?
Between 2000 and 2005, this BMW 3 Series 325i was manufactured. It belongs to the 3 Series’ E46 generation. It took over for the 1991 BMW 325i before being superseded by the 2005 BMW 325i. It’s a midsize car with four doors and a front engine that seats five people. The BMW M54B25’s 2.5 Liter 24v Inline 6 gasoline engine, which has 189 horsepower, propels the 325i to 62 mph in 7.2 seconds and a top speed of 149 mph. With a curb weight of 3274 pounds, it gets an average fuel economy of 25.8 mpg and has a range of 429 miles before needing to refuel. It has a 5 gear manual transmission or a 5 speed automatic transmission as an option. 15.5 cubic feet of luggage space and a 937 lb payload limit are available. modified on November 22, 2018.
Which BMW 3 Series models have a turbo?
Two powerful and smooth gas engines are available in the 3-series. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in the 330i produces 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, but it seems like it has even more power. The 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged engine and 48-volt hybrid system in the M340i produce a combined 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. A turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and an electric motor are combined in the 330e plug-in hybrid to produce 288 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. We enjoy the Xtraboost feature, which produces a surge of power that feels like a little injection of nitrous, and the way the plug-in engine harmoniously balances the gas and electric components. A intuitive and incredibly smooth eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive are included with each powerplant. For a fee, you can drive all four wheels, but no amount of money can get you a manual transmission. The base suspension, the tauter M Sport tune, or the Dynamic Handling package with its adaptive dampers are the options available to buyers for the 3. The four-cylinder Bimmer triumphed in a comparative test against other sports sedans, demonstrating its value. We praised its capacity to change from being calm and elegant to being incisive and fun. In a two-car comparison, the 330i defeated the exquisite Alfa Romeo Giulia, solidifying its position as the best in its class. Our long-term M340i, with its roaring six-cylinder and amazing body control, further demonstrates the nameplate’s return to form.
How can I determine which BMW series it is?
Although your vehicle’s model number is prominently badged on the back of your BMW, internal classifications into E/F and G model codes also exist. The body style, model, and approximate age can typically be determined by specialists or dealers using this three-digit combination.
You can find the model code for your BMW E, F, or G using this short list. The car will always be referred to on our website (in any article or explanation) using the main body code (indicated in bold).