BMW 316i: specifications and photos

Revolutionary "treshka", introduced in 1990, replacing the previous model E30 and published under the slogan Ultimate Driving Machine, fully corresponds to the description of the Bavarian car.

History

This model was in production until 2000, until the novelty of the E46 completely dislodged it from the market. To date, to my great regret, there are few good specimens left. The quality BMW E36 316i of those years will cost more than many new products. For example, the new Opel Astra G will be much cheaper. The positive difference of this BMW in getting a huge pleasure from the ride, which closes some of the minuses and problems.

Appearance

The very model of the BMW 316i is larger and heavier than its predecessor. The version of the coupe looks more sporty. Those who want to buy a two-door model should take into account that each body part of the coupe has its own: the hood is longer by 80 mm, and the roof - by 130 mm. The dimensions of the BMW 316i are 4.32 x 1.64 x 1.38 m. The total weight is 1065 kg.

The main feature of the model was branded overhangs, well distinguished from the front.

In the production there were various modifications, from the cabriolet to the hatchback. The hatchback of the BMW 316i Compact became popular due to its compactness. The convertible, in turn, was not in demand in the CIS countries.

Characteristics of the BMW 316i

A variety of engines were installed on this model. We'll talk about the least powerful modification. The engine BMW 316i allows for 12.7 seconds to gain 100 km / h, while having a power of only 102 liters. from. The latter was not always well appreciated by the lovers of the brand, but the motor deserved the sign of quality. If the rules of operation are observed, even replacement of the rings will be required only after 300,000 km. The engine itself is moved closer to the cabin, which provides the sedan with an ideal weight distribution along the axes.

Most of the BMW 316i produced has a five-speed manual transmission, which, according to the owners, is very reliable. Every 20,000 km requires an oil change in the box and the main pair.

The steering is informative, there is a hydraulic amplifier. Replacement of the steering rack is required every 150,000 km. Antilock system of wheels is present in the database.

Painting work done on the model, deserve praise, but time takes its toll. At the moment, the vast majority of BMW 316i in various degrees of broken, so you need to pay due attention when buying cars. The most corroded places are the mounting of the rear shock absorbers, the lower edges of the doors and thresholds, the boot lid and the rear fenders.

A detailed description is given in this table.

Suspension

I would like to mention the stereotypes that arose from the owners from the opinion of the unreliability of the suspension. The weakest link in the BMW suspension is the driver.

The rear multi-link suspension of the BMW 316i behaves well at the entrance to the turns at speed. Usually, before the sale, the car owner is not wasted to repair the silent blocks, so the buyer often has to invest in repairs. German cars are considered by their content to be among the cheapest, but this is not about BMW. For example, shock absorbers and springs rarely require repair, but since the replacement is to be made, it will not enter into two or three hundred dollars. Often, many drivers complain about the disadvantages of the rear drive, namely in the clutch with the road.

The front pillars of the McPherson are very durable: the steering tips hold up to 30000-50000 km, the stabilizer bushings - 60,000 km, and the silent blocks - and at all to 100,000 km.

It is worth mentioning about the ABS system. It was equipped with all produced cars, but the warping of brake discs and increased wear are not uncommon. This problem has an expensive solution: the purchase of expensive and high-quality brake pads, or frequent disk changes.

Salon

The salon BMW 316i (photo of which is presented in the article) is not suitable for people who are looking for a spacious family car. The fact that the driver is already between the door and the transmission tunnel, which contains not only the cardan, but also the exhaust system. The driver's seat is located low. Landing is sporty, so that the passenger sitting behind the driver can put his feet under the pillow of the front seat. The instrument panel in this model is deployed to the driver, and the gas pedal is floor-mounted, which is considered a distinctive feature of BMW cars.

The rear seats do not quite fit in the middle-class sedan. Because of the engine, moved closer to the center, the salon decreased. The luggage compartment is 425 liters, which is good, but all of the above affects the dimensions of the cabin.

Special attention should be given to the glasses: the thickness of the glasses with a mechanical lift is 3 mm, and with the electric drive 4 mm. Therefore, when replacing the glass, it may simply not enter the grooves.

Prices for used cars

The price varies from 4000 to 6500 dollars - all depends on the chosen year of release of the car. For the car of 1991 you will pay about 4 thousand dollars, and for the model of 1996 - already 6-6.5 thousand dollars.

Expert Reviews

This model justifies the quality of the German manufacturer. Recently, he significantly reduced the price, but the color is not affected. To keep the car BMW, in principle, everyone will be able to: the market has enough licensed spare parts, as well as spare parts used. The main problem for the owner of the six-cylinder E36 may be overheated cylinder head made of aluminum (all models were equipped with it since 1995 until the production was completely closed).

If we talk about four-cylinder, then they do not shine with longevity. Often the power of the installed motors is simply not enough for the driver-drivers. They try to squeeze out of them everything that is possible, and when selling there is only rubbish.

As for diesel versions, they grieve motorists. The engine alone is already non-repairable.

All checkpoints deserve praise: both machine guns and mechanics. They earned the name "non-killed". After 150000-200000 km even there are no problems. It will only be necessary to replace the oil seal and the stuffing box shank. After 250,000 km, you need to change the elastic joint of the propeller shaft. If there is a problem, then, most likely, from the time and, possibly, from the "torture" of many dashing "racers".

Verdict

The best model, according to many car owners and experts, was a six-cylinder BMW E36 with a 2.5-liter engine. The purchase of the four-cylinder has already lost all meaning. Why spend money on frequent replacement of the timing belt, if the car is not considered economical? But all motorists emphasize that the sedan of the third series has grace, severity of lines and a wedge-shaped silhouette.