The M52B25 is a 2.5-liter inline 6-cylinder petrol engine with a longitudinal alignment, designed for a balance of performance and smooth operation. It features a Siemens DME MS41.0 fuel management system and has a displacement of 2494 cm³ (152.2 cu-in), with a bore and stroke of 84 x 75 mm (3.31 x 2.95 inches). The engine is naturally aspirated, using a 10.5:1 compression ratio to optimize power and efficiency.
With 24 valves, the M52B25 generates a peak output of 170 PS (168 HP / 125 kW) at 5500 rpm and a maximum torque of 245 Nm (180 lb-ft) at 3950 rpm, delivering strong mid-range performance. Power is transferred to the rear wheels (RWD) via a 5-speed manual transmission, making this engine ideal for drivers seeking a responsive yet refined driving experience.
BMW E36 3 Series Sedan 323i Engine Technical Data
| Engine type – Number of cylinders | Inline 6 |
| Engine Code | M52B25 |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Fuel System | Siemens DME MS41.0 |
| Engine Alignment | Longitudinal |
| Engine size – Displacement – Engine capacity | 2494 cm3 / 152.2 cu-in |
| Bore x Stroke | 84 x 75 mm 3.31 x 2.95 inches |
| Number of valves | 24 Valves |
| Aspiration | N/A |
| Compression Ratio | 10.5 |
| Maximum power – Output – Horsepower | 170 PS / 168 HP / 125 kW @ 5500 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 245 Nm / 180 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm |
| Drive wheels – Traction – Drivetrain | RWD |
| Transmission Gearbox – Number of speeds | 5 speed Manual |
BMW E36 3 Series Sedan 323i Fuel Consumption (Economy), Emissions and Range
The M52B25 engine balances performance with reasonable fuel economy. In combined driving conditions, it achieves 9 L/100 km (31 MPG UK / 26 MPG US), while highway driving offers enhanced efficiency at 6.7 L/100 km (42 MPG UK / 35 MPG US). In urban settings, fuel consumption increases to 12.9 L/100 km (22 MPG UK / 18 MPG US). With a 62-liter fuel tank (16.4 US gallons / 13.6 UK gallons), the vehicle can cover a range of approximately 688 km (428 miles) on a full tank. Estimated CO2 emissions are 215 g/km, making this engine suitable for drivers who value both performance and fuel economy in diverse driving environments.
| Fuel Consumption – Economy – Combined | 9 L/100 Km 31 MPG UK 26 MPG US |
| Fuel Consumption – Economy – Open road | 6.7 L/100 Km 42 MPG UK 35 MPG US |
| Fuel Consumption – Economy – City | 12.9 L/100 Km 22 MPG UK 18 MPG US |
| Range | 688 Km / 428 miles |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L 16.4 US gallons 13.6 UK gallons |
| CO2 emissions | 215 g/Km (estimate) |
BMW E36 3 Series Sedan 323i Performance
The M52B25 engine delivers solid performance, achieving a top speed of 227 km/h (141 mph) and a swift acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in just 8.0 seconds. Covering 1000 meters takes 28.9 seconds, reflecting the engine’s robust power output and responsive handling. This performance, combined with its fuel efficiency, makes the M52B25 ideal for drivers seeking a blend of speed, agility, and everyday usability.
| Top Speed | 227 Km/h / 141 Mph |
| Acceleration 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) | 8.0 s |
| Acceleration 0 to 1000m | 28.9 s |
BMW E36 3 Series Sedan 323i Size, Dimensions, Aerodynamics and Weight
This 4-door vehicle combines practicality with performance-oriented design. It has a wheelbase of 270 cm (106.3 in), an overall length of 443.3 cm (174.53 in), a width of 169.8 cm (66.85 in), and a height of 139.3 cm (54.84 in), providing ample interior space for up to 5 occupants. With a trunk capacity of 435 liters (15.4 cu-ft), it offers substantial storage for everyday needs.
Built with a curb weight of 1385 kg (3053 lbs) and a weight-to-power ratio of 8.1 kg/hp, the car achieves an excellent balance between power and agility. It’s equipped with 205/60 R15 tires on both the front and rear, enhancing road grip and stability. The braking system features 286 mm (11.26 in) vented discs in the front and 275 mm (10.83 in) vented discs in the rear, ensuring effective stopping power. Suspension includes a McPherson strut setup in the front and a Multi-Link Z-Axle in the rear, which together provide a comfortable yet sporty ride.
| Num. of Doors | 4 |
| Wheelbase | 270 cm / 106.3 in |
| Length | 443.3 cm / 174.53 in |
| Width | 169.8 cm / 66.85 in |
| Height | 139.3 cm / 54.84 in |
| Num. of Seats | 5 |
| Aerodynamic drag coefficient – Cx | – |
| Front Brakes – Disc dimensions | Vented Discs (286 mm / 11.26 in) |
| Rear Brakes – Dics dimensions | Vented Discs (275 mm / 10.83 in) |
| Front Tyres – Rims dimensions | 205/60 R15 |
| Rear Tyres – Rims dimensions | 205/60 R15 |
| Curb Weight | 1385 Kg / 3053 lbs |
| Weight-Power Output Ratio | 8.1 kg/hp |
| Trunk / Boot capacity | 435 L / 15.4 cu-ft |
| Front Suspension | McPherson struts |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-Link Z-Axle |
