BMW 3 Series (E21) 323i (143 hp)
Gasoline engine with 143 hp (105 kW) and 140 lb-ft (190 Nm), built 1978–1982, sedan body, rear-wheel drive. It is the most powerful gasoline version of the generation.
EnlargePower143 hp (105 kW)
Torque140 lb-ft (190 Nm)
0–62 mph9.5 s
Top speed118 mph (190 km/h)
FuelGasoline
Specifications
Engine
| Engine version | 323i (143 hp) |
|---|---|
| Engine code | M20 |
| Displacement | 2.3 L (2,316 cm³) |
| Cylinders | 6 |
| Cylinder layout | Inline |
| Engine position | Front, Longitudinal |
| Valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel system | Multi-point indirect injection |
| Compression ratio | 9-5 |
| Bore | 80 mm |
| Stroke | 76.8 mm |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.2 qt (4.0 l) |
Performance
| Power | 143 hp (105 kW) @ 5800 rpm |
|---|---|
| Torque | 140 lb-ft (190 Nm) @ 4500 rpm |
| 0–62 mph (0–100 km/h) | 9.5 s |
| Top speed | 118 mph (190 km/h) |
Fuel economy and emissions
| Fuel | Gasoline |
|---|---|
| City | 18 mpg (12.8 l/100 km) |
| Fuel tank | 15.3 gal (58 l) |
Body, dimensions and weight
| Body style | Sedan |
|---|---|
| Doors | 5 |
| Length | 171.5 in (4,355 mm) |
| Width | 63.4 in (1,610 mm) |
| Height | 54.3 in (1,380 mm) |
| Curb weight | 2,447 lb (1,110 kg) |
| Gross vehicle weight | 3,395 lb (1,540 kg) |
| Cargo volume | 14.3 cu ft (404 l) |
Drivetrain and chassis
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive |
|---|---|
| Gears | 4 |
| Steering | Hydraulic power steering |
| Front suspension | MacPherson strut |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link |
| Tires | 185/70 R13 |
| Wheels | R13 |
What to check on a BMW 3 Series with this engine
- On a gasoline engine, check the oil consumption, the timing chain or belt and, on turbo engines, the turbocharger.
- Test the clutch or the automatic transmission from a cold start and in the low gears.
- Compare the odometer with the readings in the service records and in the VIN history report: a big gap means the mileage was rolled back.
Other BMW 3 Series (E21) engines
| Engine | Fuel | Power | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 316 (90 hp) | Gasoline | 90 hp (66 kW) | |
| 318 (98 hp) | Gasoline | 98 hp (72 kW) | |
| 320 (109 hp) | Gasoline | 109 hp (80 kW) | |
| 320i (125 hp) | Gasoline | 125 hp (92 kW) | |
| 320i (125 hp) Automatic | Gasoline | 125 hp (92 kW) | |
| 320 (122 hp) | Gasoline | 122 hp (90 kW) | |
| 320 (122 hp) Automatic | Gasoline | 122 hp (90 kW) | |
| 323i (143 hp) Automatic | Gasoline | 143 hp (105 kW) | |
| 318i (105 hp) | Gasoline | 105 hp (77 kW) | |
| 318i (105 hp) Automatic | Gasoline | 105 hp (77 kW) | |
| 316 (90 hp) | Gasoline | 90 hp (66 kW) | |
| 315 (75 hp) | Gasoline | 75 hp (55 kW) |