Review: BMW E36 3-Series sedan (1991-98)

Overview

Released in May 1991, the BMW E36 3-Series was a compact executive sedan. The rear-wheel drive E36 3-Series range initially consisted of the 318i, 320i and 325i models. In June 1995, however, the 325i was replaced by the 328i and the 320i was effectively replaced by the 323i which arrived in January 1996, while the range was further expanded in January 1997 with the introduction of the 318is.

German and South African production

Australian-delivered E36 3-Series sedans were initially manufactured in Munich, Germany. However, the 318i Signature Edition (1995), Limited (1996-97) and Executive (1997-98) models were imported from BMW’s Rosslyn plant in South Africa; the 318is was also manufactured in South Africa. To identify, the 11th digit of the VIN for South African-built will be ‘N’; for the vehicles produced in Munich, it is ‘A’.

Dimensions and suspension

Compared to its E30 predecessor, the E36 3-Series sedan was 108 mm longer (at 4433 mm), 65 mm wider (1710 mm), 13 mm taller (1393 mm) and had a 130 mm longer wheelbase (2700 mm). Furthermore, the E36 3-Series had a single-joint spring strut front axle and ‘Z-axle’ multi-link rear suspension.

Safety equipment

Initially, the BMW E36 318i and 320i were not fitted with any safety equipment, while the 325i was equipped with ABS. From April 1992, however, the 318i and 320i were fitted with ABS and the 325i was fitted with a driver’s airbag. From November 1993, a driver’s airbag was standard across the range; from March 1995, the 325i was fitted with a front passenger airbag.

The BMW E36 318is, 323i and 328i models were all fitted with dual front airbags and ABS, while the 323i and 328i were also fitted with traction control.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 1997 BMW E36 316i that was fitted with a driver’s airbag received a two star adult occupant protection rating – with a score of 10 out of 32 – though the second star was struck out. In the frontal impact, the cabin became structurally unstable and protection for the driver’s chest and lower legs was rated as poor. In the side impact test, protection for the driver’s chest and abdomen were assessed as weak and poor, respectively.

Features: BMW E36 3-Series Sedan

Standard features for the BMW E36 318i included a six speaker stereo with a radio and cassette player, air conditioning, central locking and power mirrors. From November 1994, the 318i was fitted with power windows, while climate control air conditioning was fitted as standard – across the range – from November 1995. Released in 1997, the 318is was distinguished by its 15-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights and leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Compared to the 318i, the 320i and 323i were fitted with power windows from launch. The 325i was further equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels and front fog lights, while the 328i added a trip computer. Beyond this, the 328i Executive added CD player, cruise control, leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and remote central locking; High-line variants also featured a ten speaker sound system.

BMW E36 318i: Signature Edition, Limited and Executive

During its production, the 318i was available in Signature Edition, Limited and Executive variants –

• Released in March 1995, the Signature Edition added 15-inch alloy wheels, climate control air conditioning, leather seats, remote central locking and woodgrain interior trim;
• Released in March 1996, the Limited variant added 15-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, remote central locking and woodgrain interior trim; and,
• Released in June 1997, the Executive variant was equipped with dual front airbags and featured 15-inch alloy wheels, leather seats and remote central locking.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: BMW E36 3-Series