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BMW 316i Compact Car Review


BMW 316i Compact Car Review

Author: NRMA Motoring & ServicesDate: 6 July 1995

In many ways, BMW's cute little 316i Compact reminds me of the Mazda MX-5 sports - neither are over-endowed with power, yet both have the ability to reward keen drivers with a wonderfully refined chassis and drivetrain that encourages getting the best out of what's available.

The 316i Compact is a "bobbed-tail" version of BMW's popular 318i series, being 23 centimetres shorter in body length but importantly, sharing identical wheelbases. This ensures the 316i doesn't sacrifice anything in the way of comfort or handling dynamics to the larger 3-series cars, and helps to maintain adequate passenger space.

The 316i is expected to appeal to a more youthful market than other BMW models, partly because of its cheeky hatchback styling, but also because it's the cheapest model in the range.

Initially released at $38,750, but thanks to tax and currency changes, now $40,100, the 316i manual is still some $9,550 less than the cheapest 318i model.
 
If $40,100 sounds expensive next to your local Falcon or Commodore, consider that Mazda MX-5s now have a price range of $42,850 to $48,145. The 316i mightn't look as sporty and is a little behind the MX-5 on outright performance, but it offers about the same overall driving enjoyment, provides extra seating and load space, and is better equipped.

The 316i comes standard with driver and front passenger airbags, ABS anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes, air conditioning, power-assisted steering, central locking and power mirrors. The first three items alone can add around $5,000 on some cars.

Ever conscious of vehicle safety, BMW has listed a host of features built into the 316i to ensure it maintains the marque's excellent record in this regard. In the area of passive safety, BMW points to the 316i's extremely strong bodyshell (obvious when you open and shut the doors and hatch, and from the lack of any body movement over rough roads), the computer designed crumple zones (special attention was given to maintaining rear end protection with the hatch's shorter crumple zone), its integrated side impact protection and its rigid passenger compartment. In addition to the twin airbags, front occupants have the benefit of height-adjustable belts, mechanical belt tensioners and submarining protection in the seat design. There's even a crash sensor that switches on the interior light and the hazard lights in an accident, and unlocks the central locking, if locked.
 
The short tail of the 316i conceals a surprisingly useful-sized load area, with a 50/50 split fold rear seat as well. The spare wheel is mounted externally, out of the way. Inside, front occupants have plenty of leg room and ample head space, but the rear seat is more of a children-only zone unless the front seats are set a few notches forward.

Driving the 316i around town you notice that it doesn't get away quickly at the traffic lights, however once under way, the easy-to-use, close ratio gearbox allows you to make good use of the available performance. Ideally, the engine performs best when kept spinning around 3500 to 4000 rpm.
 
With the 316i's sure-footed confident handling, its precise steering and powerful braking, it's capable of covering long distances effortlessly, and surprisingly quickly.

Summary

Though it's the baby of the BMW range, and less roomy and less powerful than its larger and more expensive stablemates, the 316i Compact still rates highly in the important areas of active and passive safety, build quality, equipment and on-road behaviour.

I very much liked the strong, built-like-a-bank-vault feel of the 316i's body, its superb handling, steering and manual gearbox, and its powerful, fade-free braking. Sure, the back seat's cramped for leg space, and there are times when you yearn for a bit more power, but overall I found the 316i enjoyable and rewarding to drive, and a worthy bearer of the BMW insignia.

Quick Facts

Make BMW
Model 316i Compact
Category Small
Year 1995
Price of vehicle tested 40,100
Pluses

Excellent handling and steering
Powerful braking
Safety features
Build quality
Minuses

Restricted rear leg/foot space
Pedal space a bit cramped
Dark interior of test car/hard plastic interior trim panels
Country of manufacture Germany
Warranty Two years, unlimited km
Models Available

316i manual
Prices

$40,100

Specifications

Engine

  
Number of cylinders 4
Engine size 1.5896 L
Fuel ULP
Claimed max power (kW) 75 kW @ 5500 rpm
Claimed max torque (Nm) 150 Nm @ 3900 rpm

Transmission

  
Type Manual

Wheels

  
Wheel type Steel
Wheel size 6J x 15 inch "

Tyres

  
Type Pirelli
Dimensions 185/65R 15 87H

Steering

  
Turning circle (measured) 10.1 m

Dimensions

  
Mass 1215 kg
Length 4210 mm
Width (including mirrors) 1698 mm
Height 1393 mm
Seating capacity 5
Fuel capacity 52 litres

Towing

  
Max towed mass (trailer plus load) 900 kg

NRMA Theft Rating

 
Points on scale 0 - 120 (high score is best) 57

Acceleration - Test results

  
50 - 80km/h 7.3 secs
60 - 100km/h 9.3 secs
0 - 80km/h 8.3 secs
0 - 100km/h 13.2 secs

Fuel Consumption

  
Best recorded during testing 8.0 L/100km
Worst recorded during testing 10.2 L/100km
Average on test 9.2 L/100km

Braking

  
Distance to stop (from 80km/h) 27.7 metres

Noise

  
Interior noise at constant 80km/h 64 dB(A)

Tags:

BMW, 316i Compact, Small, , Press-releases, 3-Series, Motoring Feed

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