BMW , 3 Series , E36 , 318is (1992-1998) Little Known Facts

Engine and Performance

• The E36 318is was powered by a 1.8L inline-four engine with a displacement of 1759cc.
• It produced 138 horsepower (103 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 133 lb-ft (180 Nm) of torque at 4,500 rpm.
• The engine featured a dual-overhead-camshaft design and four valves per cylinder.
• The 318is had a top speed electronically limited to 129 mph (208 km/h).
• It could accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) in approximately 8.5 seconds.

Transmission and Drivetrain

• The E36 318is was available with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission.
• The manual transmission featured a Syncro system, which allowed the driver to manually engage or disengage the clutch by shifting into neutral.
• The differential was a limited-slip type, designed to improve traction and stability.

Chassis and Suspension

• The E36 318is had a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension.
• It featured a rigid body structure with a tubular steel frame and reinforced side members.
• The track width was 58.7 inches (1494 mm) in the front and 59.8 inches (1516 mm) in the rear.

Brakes

• The E36 318is had disc brakes on all four wheels, with ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear.
• The brake rotors were 10.9 inches (276 mm) in diameter at the front and 8.7 inches (222 mm) at the rear.

Interior and Safety Features

• The E36 318is had a driver's airbag, a passenger airbag was optional.
• It featured a three-spoke steering wheel, a leather-wrapped gearshift knob, and a dashboard-mounted clock.
• The interior had a tartan-patterned vinyl upholstery on the seats.

Exterior Dimensions

• Length: 177.6 inches (4505 mm)
• Width: 68.9 inches (1750 mm)
• Height: 54.3 inches (1381 mm)
• Wheelbase: 104.7 inches (2658 mm)

Fuel Economy and Emissions

• The E36 318is had a fuel tank capacity of 13.2 gallons (50 liters).
• It was rated for 28 mpg (city), 38 mpg (highway), and 32 mpg (combined) in the US.
• Emissions standards complied with California's LEV II regulations.

Other Specifications

• Ground clearance: 5.4 inches (137 mm)
• Curb weight: approximately 2,550 pounds (1158 kg)
• Turning radius: 35 feet (10.67 meters)

Trim Levels and Options

• The E36 318is was available in several trim levels, including the base model, Sport Package, and Competition Package.
• Optional features included a sunroof, power windows, and a premium sound system.

Production Numbers

• Approximately 74,411 units of the E36 318is were produced between 1992 and 1998.