1996 BMW 3 Series Convertible 318i MT
Unverified
All photo credits
- Photo: 1997 BMW 328ic in Hellrot, Front Left, 08-14-2022 by Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: BMW 320i Cabriolet (E36 2C, Facelift) – Frontansicht, 8. Juni 2011, Wülfrath by M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: BMW E36-2C 318i (1999) 1X7A6699 by Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1997 BMW 328ic in Hellrot, Rear Right, 08-14-2022 by Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Intérieur E36 cabriolet by 0032THDE, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The 1996 BMW 3 Series Convertible 318i MT is a 138-hp 1.9-liter inline-4 convertible with a 5-speed manual and rear-wheel drive. It starts at $33,320 MSRP and is rated at 23 mpg combined.
It makes 138 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 133 lb-ft of torque at 4300 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway (23 mpg combined).
The 3 Series Convertible measures 174.5 inches long on a 106.3-inch wheelbase.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | |
| Body Type | Convertible |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Price | |
| MSRP | $33,320 ($69,018 *) |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | 1.9L Inline-4 DOHC |
| Displacement | 1.9 L |
| Horsepower | 138 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 133 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm |
| Valvetrain | DOHC 16V |
| Bore and Stroke | 85 x 83.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 |
| Injection Type | Bosch Motronic Fuel Injection |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | RWD |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Final Drive | 3.45 |
| Fuel Economy | |
| City | 20 MPG |
| Highway | 29 MPG |
| Combined | 23 MPG |
| Recommended Fuel | Premium |
| Tank Capacity | 16.4 gal |
| Suspension | |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-Link |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 174.5 in |
| Width | 67.3 in |
| Height | 53.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in |
| Front Track | 55.4 in |
| Rear Track | 55.9 in |
Similar cars
Rivals to the 1996 BMW 3 Series Convertible 318i MT with similar size, power and price from around the same years.
Safety & Recalls
NCAP safety ratings
Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.
Recalls
4 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1996 BMW 3 SERIES. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Jul 17, 2006 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Consequence: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.
NHTSA campaign 06E064000
May 22, 2006 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN J & A AUTO ACCESSORIES COMBINATION HEADLAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: J & A AUTO ACCESSORIES WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE HEADLAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 10, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT J & A AUTO ACCESSORIES AT 310-327-4981.
NHTSA campaign 06E044000
Mar 23, 2006 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
NHTSA campaign 06E026000
Mar 13, 2006 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.
NHTSA campaign 06E023000
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1996 BMW 3 SERIES. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.