BMW 316i Compact (E36)

BMW 3 series 1993 1.6 petrol description

Hatchback BMW 316i Compact has been produced from January, 1993 to September, 1999. It has four-cylinder petrol engine with displacement of 1.6 litres, which produces power of 102 horsepower on 5500 rpm and torque 150 Nm (Newton metres) on 3900 revolutions per minute.

This 4-cylinder 8-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). Engine versions compliant with Euro 2 and Euro 3 emission standards available. Engine lifespan (mileage before major repairs or overhaul) can last from 270 up to 450 thousand kilometres. Remember that engine life depends on regular maintenance and the quality of the materials used (oils, fuels, etc.).
More engine specs 
This BMW 3 series 1.6 engine oil type is 5W-30 and oil capacity is 4 litres.

BMW 316i Compact has classical rear wheel drive (RWD) and manual gearbox with 5 gears.
BMW 316i Compact accelerates to speed 100 kilometres per hour in 12 seconds. The maximum speed of this car is 188 km/h.

BMW 316i Compact fuel consumption is 7.7 litres per 100km in combined city/highway mode (13 km/l), fuel consumption in city - 11 l/100km, highway fuel economy - 5.9 l/100km. Fuel tank capacity is 52 litres or 13.74 gallons, which gives a mileage up to 660 kilometers without refueling in urban cycle and even up to 880 kilometers on highway.
According to user reviews, this BMW real everyday fuel consumption is 8 litres per 100 km, which is 4% more than the manufacturer's stated. More - Real BMW 3 series fuel consumption.

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 316i Compact AT) available, which is more sluggish, reaching 100 km/h 2 seconds later (in 14 seconds), moreover, it is less economic with manufacturer's fuel consumption is higher by 1.2 litres per 100 km or 16 % - 8.9 litres per 100 km, whereas users reported real fuel consumption is higher by 1.4 litres per 100 km or 18 % - 9.4 litres per 100 km.
BMW 3 series 1993

BMW 316i Compact technical data

Model: BMW 316i Compact
Body style: Hatchback
Production period: 1993. January ... 1999. September 
Engine: 1596 cm3 Petrol, 4 cylinders CO2 emissions: 182 g/km
Power: 102 HP ON 5500 RPM Torque: 150 NM ON 3900 RPM
Gearbox: Manual gearbox (5 gears) Drive type: Rear wheel drive (RWD)
Top speed: 188 km/h Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 12.0 seconds
Fuel consumption (l/100km): 7.7 (combined) 11.0 (urban) 5.9 (highway)
Real fuel consumption: 8 l/100km (29.4 MPG) by user reviews from various sources
Fuel tank capacity: 52 litres (13.7 gallons)
Car dimensions: 4.21m (length) 1.70m (width) 1.39m (height)
Turning diameter: 10 meters
Ground clearance: 110 mm (approximate, with standard suspension, unladen vehicle)
Trunk capacity: 325 litres
Trunk max capacity: 1030 litres (with rear seats folded down)
Gross weight: 1635 kg

BMW 316i Compact engine M43B16

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 1596 cm3
Number of cylinders 4
Bore (cylinder diameter) 84 mm
Stroke length (piston move) 72 mm
Compression ratio 9.7 : 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 316i Compact oil type 5W-30
Oil capacity 4 litres (4.2 quarts)
Coolant capacity 6.5 litres (6.9 quarts)
Power 102 HP ON 5500 RPM
Torque 150 NM ON 3900 RPM
Start of production (year) 1993
Duration of production 9 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 1996 onwards.

All BMW 3 series hatchback [1993 - 2000] modifications

Modification Engine Power Consumption Gearbox
BMW 316i Compact Jan 1993 — Sep 1999

Most fuel efficient petrol version by real consumption

1.6 Petrol 102 HP 7.7 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 316i Compact Jan 1993 — Sep 1999 1.6 Petrol 102 HP 8.9 l/100km Automatic (4)
BMW 318tds Compact Apr 1995 — Sep 2000 1.7 Diesel 90 HP 6.4 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 318ti Compact Sep 1994 — Mar 1996 1.8 Petrol 140 HP 8.3 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 318ti Compact Sep 1994 — Mar 1996 1.8 Petrol 140 HP 8.5 l/100km Automatic (4)
BMW 316i Compact Sep 1999 — Sep 2000

Most fuel efficient petrol version

1.9 Petrol 105 HP 7.6 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 316i Compact Sep 1999 — Sep 2000 1.9 Petrol 105 HP 8.9 l/100km Automatic (4)
BMW 318ti Compact Mar 1996 — Jan 1999

Most fuel efficient petrol version by real consumption

1.9 Petrol 140 HP 7.9 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 318ti Compact Mar 1996 — Jan 1999 1.9 Petrol 140 HP 8.8 l/100km Automatic (4)
BMW 323ti Compact Jan 1995 — Sep 2000

Most dynamic version - 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds

2.5 Petrol 170 HP 9.3 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 323ti Compact Jan 1995 — Sep 2000

Most powerfull petrol version (170 HP)

2.5 Petrol 170 HP 10.0 l/100km Automatic (5)
BMW 3 series 1993 reviews
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