1988 BMW 3 Series
US · Sedan · Subcompact Cars
The 1988 BMW 3 Series is listed in the US market as a sedan with gasoline power. Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.
- Engine
- Varies by configuration: 2.3L 4-cylinder (FFS) (MPFI), 2.5L 6-cylinder (FFS) (MPFI), 2.7L 6-cylinder (FFS) (MPFI)
- Power
- 255 hp (190 kW)
- Torque
- 295 lb-ft (400 Nm)
- Transmission
- Varies by configuration: Manual, Automatic
- Drivetrain
- Varies by configuration: RWD, AWD
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Economy
- 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) to 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km) combined
- Seating
- 5 seats
Key Performance & Dimensions
Engine
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Varies by configuration: 2.3L 4-cylinder (FFS) (MPFI), 2.5L 6-cylinder (FFS) (MPFI), 2.7L 6-cylinder (FFS) (MPFI) | |
| Displacement | 2.3 L to 2.7 L | |
| Cylinders | 4 to 6 | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Power | 255 hp (190 kW) | |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) | |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Performance
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 5.6 s | |
| Top speed | 155 mph (250 km/h) |
Transmission and drivetrain
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Varies by configuration: Manual, Automatic | |
| Gears | 4 to 5 | |
| Drivetrain | Varies by configuration: RWD, AWD |
Dimensions
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.6 in (4,713 mm) | |
| Width | 71.9 in (1,827 mm) | |
| Height | 56.7 in (1,440 mm) | |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 in (2,851 mm) |
Weight
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Curb weight | 3,583 lb (1,625 kg) |
Fuel economy and range
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Combined | 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) to 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km) | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
| City | 15 mpg (15.7 L/100 km) to 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) | |
| Highway | 21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km) to 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km) |
Capacity
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 | |
| Doors | 4 |
Our sources do not publish these for this vehicle: Towing capacity, Payload, Ground clearance, Gross vehicle weight rating, Electric range, Battery capacity, Fuel tank, Cargo volume. We leave them out instead of estimating.
Trims and configurations
8 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.
Recalls
No recall campaigns were found in NHTSA data at the last check. Last checked November 7, 2026.
Data sources
- EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved October 21, 2026 · US Government public data
Source checked: October 21, 2026
Data verified: October 21, 2026
Specifications can vary by market, trim, configuration and production date. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying parts or making safety decisions. Report an error.
Related vehicles
- 1987 BMW 3 Series
Sedan, Gasoline
Varies by configuration: 2.5L 6-cylinder ((FFS) (MPFI)), 2.7L 6-cylinder ((FFS) (MPFI)) · 255 hp (190 kW) · RWD
21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km) to 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) - 1989 BMW 3 Series
Sedan, Gasoline
2.5L 6-cylinder ((FFS) (MPFI)) · 255 hp (190 kW) · Varies by configuration: RWD, AWD
18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km)
Frequently asked questions
What engine does the 1988 BMW 3 Series have?
Varies by configuration: 2.3L 4-cylinder ((FFS) (MPFI)), 2.5L 6-cylinder ((FFS) (MPFI)), 2.7L 6-cylinder ((FFS) (MPFI)). Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.
How much horsepower does the 1988 BMW 3 Series have?
255 hp (190 kW), as listed by our sources.
What is the fuel economy of the 1988 BMW 3 Series?
Combined fuel economy is 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) to 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.
Is the 1988 BMW 3 Series front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?
Drivetrain: Varies by configuration: RWD, AWD.
How many seats does the 1988 BMW 3 Series have?
5 seats.
How long is the 1988 BMW 3 Series?
185.6 in (4,713 mm).
Are there recalls for the 1988 BMW 3 Series?
No recall campaigns were found in NHTSA data when we last checked on November 7, 2026. Recall status can change, so confirm with NHTSA or the manufacturer.