The engine is a longitudinally aligned inline 4-cylinder M40B16 petrol engine featuring Bosch DME M1.7 fuel injection and wet sump lubrication. With a displacement of 1596 cm³ (97.4 cu-in), it boasts an 8-valve configuration and a compression ratio of 9:1. The bore and stroke measure 72 x 84 mm (2.83 x 3.31 inches). This naturally aspirated engine generates a maximum power output of 100 PS (99 HP, 74 kW) at 5,500 rpm and a peak torque of 141 Nm (103 lb-ft) at 4,250 rpm. Paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, the engine delivers power to the rear wheels, ensuring classic rear-wheel drive handling dynamics.
BMW E36 3 Series Sedan 316i Engine Technical Data
| Engine type – Number of cylinders | Inline 4 |
| Engine Code | M40B16 |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Fuel System | Bosch DME M1.7 |
| Lubrication | Wet sump |
| Engine Cooling | |
| Engine Alignment | Longitudinal |
| Engine size – Displacement – Engine capacity | 1596 cm3 / 97.4 cu-in |
| Bore x Stroke | 72 x 84 mm 2.83 x 3.31 inches |
| Number of valves | 8 Valves |
| Aspiration | N/A |
| Compression Ratio | 9 |
| Maximum power – Output – Horsepower | 100 PS / 99 HP / 74 kW @ 5500 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 141 Nm / 103 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm |
| Drive wheels – Traction – Drivetrain | RWD |
| Transmission Gearbox – Number of speeds | 5 speed Manual |
BMW E36 3 Series Sedan 316i Fuel Consumption (Economy), Emissions and Range
This vehicle offers efficient fuel consumption across different driving conditions. On open roads, it achieves 6.1 L/100 km (46 MPG UK, 39 MPG US), while on highways, the fuel economy is 7.5 L/100 km (38 MPG UK, 31 MPG US). In city driving, it uses 10.2 L/100 km (28 MPG UK, 23 MPG US). With a fuel tank capacity of 65 liters (17.2 US gallons, 14.3 UK gallons), it provides a good range for both urban and highway commutes, balancing performance with fuel efficiency.
| Fuel Consumption – Economy – Open road | 6.1 L/100 Km 46 MPG UK 39 MPG US |
| Fuel Consumption – Economy – Highway | 7.5 L/100 Km 38 MPG UK 31 MPG US |
| Fuel Consumption – Economy – City | 10.2 L/100 Km 28 MPG UK 23 MPG US |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L 17.2 US gallons 14.3 UK gallons |
BMW E36 3 Series Sedan 316i Performance
This vehicle delivers a top speed of 191 km/h (119 mph) and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 12.9 seconds. Over a distance of 1000 meters, it reaches the finish line in 34.0 seconds. These performance figures highlight a balance between steady acceleration and efficient cruising capabilities, making it suitable for daily driving and occasional highway use.
| Top Speed | 191 Km/h / 119 Mph |
| Acceleration 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) | 12.9 s |
| Acceleration 0 to 1000m | 34.0 s |
BMW E36 3 Series Sedan 316i Size, Dimensions, Aerodynamics and Weight
This four-door sedan is designed with a practical and spacious body structure, featuring a 270 cm (106.3 in) wheelbase. It measures 443.3 cm (174.53 in) in length, 169.8 cm (66.85 in) in width, and 139.3 cm (54.84 in) in height. With seating for five, it provides a trunk capacity of 435 liters (15.4 cu-ft), ideal for everyday storage needs.
The front axle width is 140.7 cm (55.39 in) and the rear axle width is 141.5 cm (55.71 in). Aerodynamic efficiency is indicated by a drag coefficient of 0.350. The vehicle’s braking system includes front disc brakes measuring 286 mm (11.26 in) and rear drum brakes at 228 mm (8.98 in). Both front and rear tires are sized at 185/65 R15 on 6-inch rims, ensuring balanced handling.
Weighing 1190 kg (2624 lbs), the car achieves a weight-to-power ratio of 11.9 kg/hp. Its suspension is optimized with front McPherson struts and a rear multi-link Z-Axle, contributing to a stable and comfortable ride quality.
| Body | Sedan |
| 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 |
| Front Axle | 140.7 cm / 55.39 in |
| Rear Axle | 141.5 cm / 55.71 in |
| Num. of Seats | 5 |
| Aerodynamic drag coefficient – Cx | 0.350 |
| Front Brakes – Disc dimensions | Discs (286 mm / 11.26 in) |
| Rear Brakes – Dics dimensions | Drums (228 mm / 8.98 in) |
| Front Tyres – Rims dimensions | 185/65 R15 |
| Rear Tyres – Rims dimensions | 185/65 R15 |
| Front Wheels Width | 6″ |
| Rear Wheels Width | 6″ |
| Curb Weight | 1190 Kg / 2624 lbs |
| Weight-Power Output Ratio | 11.9 kg/hp |
| Trunk / Boot capacity | 435 L / 15.4 cu-ft |
| Front Suspension | McPherson struts |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-Link Z-Axle |
