BMW , 3 Series , E36 , 323i (1995-1998)

Engine and Performance:

• Engine: B320 (320ci) inline-6 cylinder engine
• Displacement: 2.0 liters
• Power: 138 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm
• Torque: 173 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm
• Transmission: 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual
• Drive type: Rear-wheel drive

Interior and Features:

• Upholstery: Available in cloth, leather, or Dinamica (a synthetic suede-like material)
• Infotainment system: AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player
• Safety features: Dual front airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD)

Exterior and Design:

• Body style: 2-door coupe or sedan, 4-door sedan only in some markets
• Length: 172.8 inches (4,386 mm)
• Width: 68.3 inches (1,738 mm)
• Height: 55.7 inches (1,414 mm)
• Wheelbase: 105.6 inches (2,677 mm)
• Curb weight: approximately 2,900 pounds (1,315 kg)

Handling and Suspension:

• Front suspension: MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar
• Rear suspension: Double wishbone with stabilizer bar
• Steering system: Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering

Safety and Crash Test Ratings:

• 3-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
• "Acceptable" rating in frontal offset crash tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs):

• Engine oil leak (TSB 95-03-01)
• Transmission solenoid failure (TSB 96-07-01)
• Airbag sensor replacement (TSB 97-09-01)

Price and Availability:

• Base price in the United States for the 1995 model year: approximately $22,500
• Top-of-the-line price for a loaded 323i in the United States for the 1998 model year: approximately $28,000

Awards and Recognition:

• "Best New Car of 1995" by Motor Trend magazine
• "10 Best Cars of 1996" by Car and Driver magazine