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 without turbocharger. The engine meets the Euro 2 emissions standard. Average engine life expectancy (mileage before serious repairs are needed) is from 270 000 to 450 000 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 automatic gearbox with 5 gears.
The fuel consumption of this version of BMW 323i reported by owners in daily driving mode is 9.8 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.

BMW 323i technical data
Model: | BMW 323i | ||
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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: | Automatic gearbox (5 gears) | Drive type: | Rear wheel drive (RWD) |
Maximum speed: | no data | Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | no data |
Fuel consumption: | 9.8 l/100km (24 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 |
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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. |
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Engine also used on | BMW 5 sērija |
Most often compared to
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) |