BMW 3 series 1991 E36 Sedan

This generation of BMW 3 series E36 has been produced from January, 1991 to April, 1998. We can provide information about 25 modifications of this generation. The car has been produced only with classical rear wheel drive.

This BMW is available with ten petrol engines with displacement from 1.6 to 2.8 litres and power of from 99 to 193 horsepower un three diesel engines with displacement from 1.7 to 2.5 litres and power of from 90 to 143 horsepower.
The car is available with both manual (13 versions), as well as automatic (12 versions) gearbox.

Compare BMW 3 series to other cars

BMW 3 series 1991 E36 sedan average fuel consumption in combined cycle for petrol engine is from 6.9 to 10 litres per 100km, whereas for diesel engine - from 6.5 to 8.4 litres per 100km. The most economical BMW 3 series petrol engine version is BMW 318is, consuming 6.9 litres per 100km. While the most economical BMW 3 series diesel - BMW 318tds for 100 kilometers consumes 6.5 liters of diesel.
According to user reviews, BMW 3 series real-world fuel consumption is on average about approximately for 6 percents higher as the manufacturer's claimed fuel economy (on average +9% for petrol engines and +3% for diesel engines). For a more detailed actual fuel economy of each model, select a specific BMW 3 series modification.

The best acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h - 7.3 seconds has BMW 328i version, conversely the tardiest one is BMW 316i reaching this speed only in 15 seconds.

Lenght of BMW 3 series is 443 cm, it is medium size car. For comparison - BMW 3 series is about 4 cm longer than Audi 80 sedan, but 3 cm shorter than Honda Civic sedan. BMW 3 series gross weight is from 1650 to 1860 kg (depending on modification), this car is about 11 percent heavier than the average for this age and class of vehicles.

This BMW is slightly expensive - it can be purchased (in Latvia) for around 1900 €. According to user reviews, average BMW 3 series repair costs are 130 € per year. Users calculated BMW 3 series cost of ownership for this generation, got average 2200 € cost per year and 0.19 € cost per one kilometer. Fuel costs were estimated at around 61%, while repair and maintenance costs - around 25% from total. We have an excellent car cost calculator, calculate ownership costs of BMW 3 series for your situation and driving habits here! Below you will find more detailed information about BMW 3 series prices and costs.

In user reviews BMW 3 series received average grade 7.2 (from 10) it corresponds to average rate for cars of this age. 83% of reviewers would recommend this car to the friend.

BMW 3 series modifications

Modification Engine Power Consumption Gearbox
BMW 316i Jan 1991 — Sep 1993 1.6 Petrol 99 HP 7.9 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 316i Jan 1991 — Sep 1993 1.6 Petrol 100 HP 8.4 l/100km Automatic (4)
BMW 316i Sep 1993 — Apr 1998 1.6 Petrol 102 HP 7.7 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 316i Sep 1993 — Apr 1998 1.6 Petrol 102 HP 8.4 l/100km Automatic (4)
BMW 318tds Oct 1994 — Apr 1998 1.7 Diesel 90 HP 6.5 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 318i Jan 1991 — Sep 1993 1.8 Petrol 113 HP 8.3 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 318i Jan 1991 — Sep 1993 1.8 Petrol 113 HP 8.6 l/100km Automatic (4)
BMW 318i Sep 1993 — Apr 1998 1.8 Petrol 115 HP 7.9 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 318i Sep 1993 — Apr 1998 1.8 Petrol 115 HP 8.6 l/100km Automatic (4)
BMW 318is Jan 1991 — Dec 1996 1.8 Petrol 140 HP 6.9 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 318is Jan 1991 — Dec 1996 1.8 Petrol 140 HP 6.9 l/100km Automatic (4)
BMW 318is Mar 1996 — Apr 1998 1.9 Petrol 140 HP 8 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 318is Mar 1996 — Apr 1998 1.9 Petrol 140 HP 8.8 l/100km Automatic (4)
BMW 320i 2.0 Petrol 150 HP 9 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 320i 2.0 Petrol 150 HP 10 l/100km Automatic (5)
BMW 323i Mai 1995 — Apr 1998 2.5 Petrol 170 HP 9 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 323i Mai 1995 — Apr 1998 2.5 Petrol 170 HP 10 l/100km Automatic (5)
BMW 325i Jan 1991 — Mar 1995 2.5 Petrol 192 HP 8.8 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 325i Jan 1991 — Mar 1995 2.5 Petrol 192 HP 9.3 l/100km Automatic (5)
BMW 325td 2.5 Diesel 115 HP 7.4 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 325td 2.5 Diesel 115 HP 8.4 l/100km Automatic (4)
BMW 325tds Sep 1993 — Apr 1998 2.5 Diesel 143 HP 7.3 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 325tds Sep 1993 — Apr 1998 2.5 Diesel 143 HP 8.3 l/100km Automatic (5)
BMW 328i Jan 1995 — Apr 1998 2.8 Petrol 193 HP 9.2 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 328i Jan 1995 — Apr 1998 2.8 Petrol 193 HP 10 l/100km Automatic (5)

BMW 3 series safety

During safety testing BMW 3 series has obtained 2 stars from five, which means quite low safety level.
Adults (driver and passenger) safety of BMW 3 series is evaluated with two stars, and for pedestrian protection BMW 3 series got two stars.

BMW 3 series prices

BMW 3 series 1991 - 1998 sedan price in Latvia is from 1200 € to 3600 €.
Comparing to analogical vehicles BMW 3 series price is very high - BMW 3 series is approximately for 33 percents more expensive then average sedans of this age (compare sedans 1991 - 1998 prices). Despite of price above average BMW 3 series quality is not so good (see below), so this BMW may not be the best choice for this price.

YearLowestAverageHighestAvailability
BMW 3 series 1997 price 1300 € 2100 € 3000 €
BMW 3 series 1996 price 1300 € 1900 € 2600 €
BMW 3 series 1995 price 1500 € 2100 € 3600 €
BMW 3 series 1994 price 1200 € 1900 € 2900 €
BMW 3 series 1992 price 1500 € 1800 € 2200 €
BMW 3 series 1991 price 1400 € 1800 € 2500 €

BMW 3 series total costs of ownership

BMW 3 series mileage

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BMW 3 series reliability and quality

According to yearly reports of German vehicle inspection service (TÜV) BMW 3 series quality is more below average. In the roadworthiness tests carried out in 2010, defects were detected in an average of 28.5 percent of BMW 3 series of this generation (the average failure rate for a vehicles of the same age was 24.1%).

BMW 3 series reliability and quality

BMW 3 series 1991 E36 sedan features (options)

Percentage of BMW 3 series with corresponding feature (option)

Metallic paint
53%
Sunroof
47%
Conditioning
30%
Climate control
27%
Leather upholstery
21%
Adjustable steering wheel
21%
Heated seats
11%

BMW 3 series 1991 E36 sedan photo images

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BMW 3 series reviews

Total 74 BMW 3 series owner reviews

BMW 3 series 1998 Cabrio Petrol 2.5 litres, Automatic gearbox
Purchase year:2005 (age of car 7 years) Owned for:30`000 kilometers (1 year)
Average fuel consumption: 12.0 litres per 100km (80% urban driving)
Total car rating:
8/10
Review - positive and negative sides
   male, age 33
BMW 3 series 1992 Sedan Petrol 1.8 litres, Manual gearbox
Purchase year:2013 (age of car 21 year) Owned for:30`000 kilometers (2 years)
Average fuel consumption: 8.0 litres per 100km (70% urban driving)
Total cost of repairs: 230 € (~ 115 € per year)
Total car rating:
7/10
Review - positive and negative sides
   male, age 24
BMW 3 series 1996 Estate car/wagon Petrol 2.0 litres, Automatic gearbox
Purchase year:2013 (age of car 17 years) Owned for:3`000 kilometers (4 years)
Average fuel consumption: 14.0 litres per 100km (100% urban driving)
Total cost of repairs: 2180 € (~ 545 € per year)
Total car rating:
5/10
   male, age 42
BMW 3 series 1997 Hatchback Petrol 1.6 litres, Manual gearbox
Purchase year:2010 (age of car 13 years) Owned for:5`000 kilometers (5 years)
Average fuel consumption: 7.0 litres per 100km (40% urban driving)
Total cost of repairs: 200 € (~ 40 € per year)
Total car rating:
5/10
   male, age 38
BMW 3 series 1992 Sedan Petrol 1.6 litres, Manual gearbox
Purchase year:2013 (age of car 21 year) Owned for:30`000 kilometers (3 years)
Average fuel consumption: 6.0 litres per 100km (60% urban driving)
Total cost of repairs: 425 € (~ 141 € per year)
Total car rating:
7/10
   male, age 25
BMW 3 series 1994 Sedan Petrol 1.8 litres, Manual gearbox
Purchase year:2005 (age of car 11 years) Owned for:50`000 kilometers (11 years)
Average fuel consumption: 7.0 litres per 100km (10% urban driving)
Total cost of repairs: 70 € (~ 6 € per year)
Total car rating:
8/10
   male, age 47
BMW 3 series 1995 Sedan Petrol 2.0 litres, Manual gearbox
Purchase year:2009 (age of car 14 years) Owned for:13`000 kilometers (8 years)
Average fuel consumption: 7.0 litres per 100km (50% urban driving)
Total cost of repairs: 80 € (~ 10 € per year)
Total car rating:
7/10
   male, age 29
BMW 3 series 1998 Sedan Petrol 1.8 litres, Manual gearbox
Purchase year:1998 (age of car 0 years) Owned for:57`000 kilometers (19 years)
Average fuel consumption: 8.6 litres per 100km (40% urban driving)
Total car rating:
7/10
   female, age 45
BMW 3 series 1994 Cabrio Petrol 2.0 litres, Manual gearbox
Purchase year:2015 (age of car 21 year) Owned for:40`000 kilometers (3 years)
Average fuel consumption: 10.0 litres per 100km (70% urban driving)
Total cost of repairs: 70 € (~ 23 € per year)
Total car rating:
8/10
   male
BMW 3 series 1996 Sedan Petrol 1.8 litres, Automatic gearbox
Purchase year:2015 (age of car 19 years) Owned for:70`000 kilometers (4 years)
Average fuel consumption: 10.0 litres per 100km (70% urban driving)
Total cost of repairs: 600 € (~ 150 € per year)
Total car rating:
8/10
   male, age 45
BMW 3 series 1994 Sedan Petrol 1.6 litres, Manual gearbox
Purchase year:2015 (age of car 21 year) Owned for:4`000 kilometers (0 years)
Average fuel consumption: 7.0 litres per 100km (50% urban driving)
Total cost of repairs: 150 €
Total car rating:
8/10
   male, age 21
BMW 3 series 1992 Coupe Petrol 2.0 litres, Manual gearbox
Purchase year:2018 (age of car 26 years) Owned for:6`000 kilometers (1 year)
Average fuel consumption: 9.0 litres per 100km (30% urban driving)
Total cost of repairs: 1200 € (~ 1200 € per year)
Total car rating:
8/10
   male, age 42
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