BMW 323i (E36)

BMW 3 series 1993 2.5 petrol description

Cabrio BMW 323i has been produced from January, 1995 to December, 1999. It has six-cylinder petrol engine with displacement of 2.5 litres, which produces power of 170 horsepower on 5500 rpm and torque 245 Nm (Newton metres) on 3950 revolutions per minute.

This 6-cylinder 24-valve engine camshaft is driven by chain (What is an engine chain and belt? ). Engine has fuel injection system, this is an atmospheric engine (without turbine). The engine meets the Euro 2 emissions standard. Engine lifespan (mileage before major repairs or overhaul) can last from 270 up to 450 thousand kilometres. It is important to remember that engine life is highly dependent on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used.
More engine specs 
This BMW 3 series 2.5 engine oil type is 5W-30 and oil capacity is 6.5 litres.

BMW 323i has classical rear wheel drive (RWD) and manual gearbox with 5 gears.

The fuel consumption of this version of BMW 323i reported by owners in daily driving mode is 9.3 litres per 100km.

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.

With the same engine there is also BMW 3 series version with automatic gearbox (BMW 323i AT) available, which users reported real fuel consumption is higher by 0.5 litres per 100 km or 5 % - 9.8 litres per 100 km.
BMW 3 series 1993

BMW 323i technical data

Model: BMW 323i
Body style: Cabrio
Production period: 1995. January ... 1999. December 
Engine: 2494 cm3 Petrol, 6 cylinders CO2 emissions: no data
Power: 170 HP ON 5500 RPM Torque: 245 NM ON 3950 RPM
Gearbox: Manual gearbox (5 gears) Drive type: Rear wheel drive (RWD)
Top speed: no data Acceleration 0-100 km/h: no data
Fuel consumption: 9.3 l/100km (25.3 MPG) by user reviews from various sources
Fuel tank capacity: 62 litres (16.4 gallons)
Car dimensions: 4.43m (length) 1.71m (width) 1.35m (height)
Ground clearance: 145 mm (approximate, with standard suspension, unladen vehicle)
Trunk capacity: 230 litres
Gross weight: 1805 kg

BMW 323i engine M52B25

Engine reliability:

Overall, this engine can last around 270,000 to 450,000 km if properly maintained, using the correct quality oil and fuel, and carrying out regular checks and maintenance.
The engine has hydraulic valve tappets (lifters), which provide quieter operation and do not require periodic adjustment, but are more complex in design and can cause serious engine damage in the event of failure.
Engine displacement 2494 cm3
Number of cylinders 6
Bore (cylinder diameter) 84 mm
Stroke length (piston move) 75 mm
Compression ratio 10.5 : 1
Camshaft drive Timing chain

Chain motors are considered more reliable, chain replacement usually is required less often than a timing belt, but they are often louder and vibrate more.

Fuel system Injection
BMW 323i oil type 5W-30
Oil capacity 6.5 litres (6.9 quarts)
Coolant capacity 10.5 litres (11.1 quarts)
Power 170 HP ON 5500 RPM
Torque 245 NM ON 3950 RPM
Start of production (year) 1994
Duration of production 7 years

Often in the first years of production, engines tend to have various constructive problems, so it is recommended to choose a car with this engine from 1997 onwards.

Engine also used on BMW 5 sērija

All BMW 3 series cabrio [1993 - 1999] modifications

Modification Engine Power Consumption Gearbox
BMW 318i Cabrio Apr 1994 — Sep 1999

Most fuel efficient version

1.8 Petrol 115 HP 8.1 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 318i Cabrio Apr 1994 — Sep 1999 1.8 Petrol 115 HP 9.3 l/100km Automatic (4)
BMW 320i Cabrio Jan 1993 — Sep 1999 2.0 Petrol 150 HP 9.1 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 320i Cabrio Jan 1993 — Sep 1999 2.0 Petrol 150 HP 10.0 l/100km Automatic (5)
BMW 323i Jan 1995 — Dec 1999 2.5 Petrol 170 HP - Manual (5)
BMW 323i Jan 1995 — Dec 1999 2.5 Petrol 170 HP - Automatic (5)
BMW 325i Cabrio Sep 1993 — Mar 1995 2.5 Petrol 192 HP 9.1 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 325i Cabrio Sep 1993 — Mar 1995 2.5 Petrol 192 HP 11.0 l/100km Automatic (5)
BMW 328i Cabrio Jan 1995 — Sep 1999

Most dynamic version - 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds

2.8 Petrol 193 HP 9.3 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 328i Cabrio Jan 1995 — Sep 1999

Most powerfull version (193 HP)

2.8 Petrol 193 HP 10.0 l/100km Automatic (5)
BMW 3 series 1993 reviews
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