BMW 3 Series Compact#First generation (E36; 1994)
{{Infobox automobile
| name = BMW 3 Series Compact
| image = BMW 325ti (pre-facelift).jpg
| manufacturer = BMW
| production = 1994–2004
| class = compact executive car (C)
| body_style = 3-door hatchback
| layout = Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive
| successor = BMW 1 Series (E87)
}}
The BMW 3 Series Compact was a car which was produced from 1994 through 2004 by BMW. It is a 3-door hatchback version of the BMW 3 Series through two generations, for the E36 platform in 1993 and E46 platform in 2001. Unlike most hatchback competitors which were transverse engine front-wheel drive, the 3 Series Compact uses the longitudinal engine rear-wheel drive layout.{{cite web | url=https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a46199636/1995-bmw-318ti-1995-acura-integra-gs-r-archive-comparison-test/ | title=Archive Comparison Test: 1995 BMW 318ti vs 1995 Acura Integra GS-R | date=30 December 2023 }}
In 2004, the 3 Series Compact was replaced by the 1 Series which encompassed 3-door and 5-door hatchback, coupé and convertible body styles (the coupé and convertible models have been marketed separately as the 2 Series since 2014) as BMW's entry-level cars; a new nameplate was created since the 1 Series is smaller than the contemporary 3 Series despite sharing mechanical components. The 3 Series GT, introduced in 2013, is not a successor to the 3 Series Compact, despite also using a hatchback rear opening.
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{{Anchor|E36|E36/5|E36/5 (1994–2000)}}First generation (E36; 1994)
{{Infobox automobile
| production = 1994–2000
| platform = BMW 3 Series (E36)
| engine = {{unbulleted list
| Petrol:
| Diesel:
| 1.7 L M41 I4
| {{abbr|CNG|Compressed natural gas}}:
| 1.6 L M43 I4
}}
| wheelbase = {{convert|2700|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| length = {{convert|4210|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| width = {{convert|1698|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| height = {{convert|1393|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{convert|1175|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}−{{convert|1290|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}
| image = BMW Museum IMG 20141113 110337 (15859922081) (cropped).jpg
}}
Launched in March 1994, the E36 3 Series Compact (model code E36/5), was BMW's first hatchback since the 2002 Touring model was discontinued in 1974. It reportedly cost BMW $500 million USD to develop the hatchback from the E36 platform.{{cite magazine | url = https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a45441923/1995-bmw-318ti-archive-test/ | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231116113150/https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a45441923/1995-bmw-318ti-archive-test/ | archive-date = 2023-11-16 | title = 1995 BMW 318ti: The Shortest Path to a New BMW | magazine = Car and Driver | first = Don | last = Schroeder | date = February 1995 }}
From the front bumper to the A-pillar, the E36/5 is identical to the E36 saloon. From the A-pillar back, the E36/5 is unique. Although the overall length of the E36/5 is approximately {{convert|200|mm|in|1}} shorter than the rest of the E36 3 Series range, the length of the wheelbase is the same. The doors with framed windows are unique to the E36/5, rather than adopting those of the E36 saloon/wagon or the frameless ones of the E36 coupé.
The interior is mostly similar to the E36 saloon models, apart from the folding rear seats and dashboard which share some elements with the previous generation E30 3 Series. Some cost-cutting was employed in the E36/5 dashboard such as manual air conditioning, compared to the rest of the E36 lineup which had automatic climate control.
The E36/5 front suspension uses the E36's MacPherson strut design, while the rear suspension uses a semi-trailing arm from the previous generation E30 models instead of the Z-Axle multi-link suspension used by the rest of the E36 range. The E36/5's rear suspension arrangement - which was also used on the Z3 - was more compact and cheaper to produce.{{cite web|title=BMW 3 Series Compact (1994 - 2001) used car review|url=https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/car-reviews/bmw/3-series/207833/|website=www.rac.co.uk|accessdate=1 September 2017}} Some reviewers believed that this arrangement caused the E36/5's to be prone to oversteer.{{cite web|title=BMW 3 Series Compact – The Ugly Duckling Of The Family|url=http://www.bmwblog.com/2014/10/17/bmw-3-series-compact-ugly-duckling-family/|website=www.bmwblog.com|date=17 October 2014 |accessdate=1 September 2017}}{{cite web|title=Guilty pleasures: why the 318ti is a baby BMW with potential|url=https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/other/guilty-pleasures-why-the-318ti-is-a-baby-bmw-with-potential/ss-AA2RmL0#image=5|website=www.msn.com|accessdate=1 September 2017}}
The launch models were powered by four-cylinder petrol engines, with the range expanded over the years to include a four-cylinder compressed natural gas engine, four-cylinder diesel engines, and six-cylinder petrol engines.{{cite web|url=http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partgrp.do?model=CH11&mospid=47450&hg=13&fg=25|title=3' E36 316g Diagram Selection|accessdate=23 June 2008|website=www.realoem.com}} In North America, the sole model available was the 318ti, initially powered by a DOHC 1.8 litre, {{cvt|138|hp|kW PS|0}} inline-four BMW M42 engine.{{cite web|title=3'E36 Compact 318ti US model selection|url=http://www.realoem.com/bmw/en/select?product=P&archive=1&series=E36&body=com&model=318ti&market=USA&prod=19940500|website=www.realoem.com|accessdate=10 September 2017}} In 1996, in conjunction with making the car compliant with OBD-II, the M42 was replaced by the 1.9-litre M44 engine.
A large sunroof, covered by a folding canvas roof was available from mid-1995.{{cite web|title=54112267291 COVER, FOLDING TOP SCHWARZ|url=http://www.realoem.com/bmw/en/part?id=CG73-USA-01-1997-E36-BMW-318ti&mg=54&sg=05&diagId=54_0197&q=54112267291|website=www.realoem.com|accessdate=11 September 2017}} This model was known as either the California Top Edition or the Open Air Edition.{{cite web|title=1996 BMW 318ti California Top Edition Manual Transmission For Sale|url=http://www.automobilefinds.com/2016/06/1996-bmw-318ti-california-top-edition.html|website=www.automobilefinds.com|accessdate=11 September 2017|archive-date=11 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170911161801/http://www.automobilefinds.com/2016/06/1996-bmw-318ti-california-top-edition.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=E36 316i 1.9i Compact Individual – Open Air Edition/ California Model|url=https://eseriesbmws.wordpress.com/|website=www.wordpress.com|accessdate=11 September 2017}}
In September 1996 (for model year 1997), the 3 Series Compact received a facelift in line with the remainder of the E36 range. Changes included revised tail-lights, grille, bumpers and mirrors.
File:1998 BMW 316i (E36) hatchback (2011-11-18) 01.jpg|Post-facelift 316i front
File:1998 BMW 316i (E36) hatchback (2011-11-18) 02.jpg|Post-facelift 316i rear
= Models =
| class="wikitable sortable"
! Name !! Years !! Engine !! Power !! Torque !! 0–100 km/h | ||||||
| rowspan=2 | 316i | 1994–1999 | 1.6 L M43 I4 | {{cvt|75|kW|PS hp|0}} at 5,500 rpm | {{cvt|150|Nm|lbft|0}} at 3,900 rpm | 12.3 seconds | {{convert|188|kph|abbr=on}} |
| 1999–2000 | 1.9 L M43 I4 | {{cvt|77|kW|PS hp|0}} at 5,300 rpm | {{cvt|165|Nm|lbft|0}} at 2,500 rpm | 11.9 seconds | {{convert|190|kph|abbr=on|0}} | |
| 316g* | 1995–2000 | 1.6 L M43 I4 | {{cvt|60|kW|PS|0}} at 5,500 rpm | {{cvt|127|Nm|lbft|0}} at 3,900 rpm | 15.6 seconds | - |
| rowspan=2 | 318ti | 1994–1995 | 1.8 L M42 I4 | rowspan=2 | {{cvt|103|kW|PS hp|0}} at 6,000 rpm | {{cvt|175|Nm|lbft|0}} at 4,500 rpm | 9.9 seconds | {{convert|209|kph|abbr=on}} |
| 1995–1998 | 1.9 L M44 I4 | {{cvt|180|Nm|lbft|0}} at 4,300 rpm | 9.9 seconds | {{convert|209|kph|abbr=on}} | ||
| 323ti | 1997–2000 | 2.5 L M52 inline-6 | {{convert|125|kW|PS hp|0|abbr=on}} at 5,500 rpm | {{convert|245|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} at 3,950 rpm | 7.8 seconds | {{convert|230|kph|abbr=on|0}} |
| 318tds (diesel) | 1995–2000 | 1.7 L M41 turbo I4 | {{convert|66|kW|PS hp|0|abbr=on}} at 4,400 rpm | {{convert|190|Nm|abbr=on}} at 2,000 rpm | 13.9 seconds | {{convert|175|kph|abbr=on}} |
== M3 Compact prototype ==
In 1996, to celebrate the 50th birthday of the German automobile magazine Auto, Motor und Sport, BMW M hand-built one M3 Compact.{{cite web|title=Did BMW ever build a one-off E36 M3 3.2 Compact?|url=http://www.bmwblog.com/2010/02/06/did-bmw-ever-build-an-one-off-e36-m3-3-2-compact/|website=www.bmwblog.com|accessdate=8 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120708091913/http://www.bmwblog.com/2010/02/06/did-bmw-ever-build-an-one-off-e36-m3-3-2-compact/|archive-date=8 July 2012|url-status=dead}} The car embodied all the technical and optical characteristics of the standard E36 M3, but in the compact body. Quad exhaust tips, Recaro sports seats, four-point seatbelts, an Alcantara steering wheel and gear lever were specific for this model.{{cite web|title=BMW E36 3-Series and M3 Club - 1996 BMW M3 Compact E36|url=https://drive-my.com/en/component/easysocial/albums/item/2219-1996-bmw-m3-compact-e36/group/59-bmw-e36.html?Itemid=|website=www.drive-my.com|accessdate=8 September 2017}}
= Reception and sales figures =
The E36 Compact received a positive reception, as it retained the ride/handling compromise of the saloon and coupe, with the Compact being more responsive (due to lighter weight) and more prone to oversteer (due to its different suspension), while also having a practical cargo hold. The pricing was also attractive, as the North American base price of the Compact (318ti) was $20,370 USD which undercut the next-cheapest BMW 3 Series (the 318i saloon) by $5070 USD.
The E36 Compact was popular in its home market in Europe, which prompted rival Mercedes-Benz to include a hatchback style for its C-Class lineup, known as the C-Class SportCoupé. Based on the success of the Saab 900 and Acura Integra, BMW imported the E36 Compact for North America in late 1994 (for the 1995 model year) but ceased in 1999 after a comparatively short four-year run due to a combination of poor sales, and BMW's decision to phase out all four-cylinder vehicles in the United States. The failure of the E36 Compact precluded the E46 Compact's entry into the North American market, and prompted BMW to reconfigure the BMW Compact's successor, the BMW 1 Series, from a liftback to a coupe before attempting to market the car in North America again. Similarly, the C-Class SportCoupé had a short sales run in North America and was withdrawn from that market while the saloon/wagon remained available.{{cite web|url=https://www.motor1.com/news/128933/worst-sports-cars-3series-hatchback/|title=Worst Sports Cars: BMW 3 Series Hatchback/Compact|date=2016-11-18|first=Anthony|last=Karr|publisher=Motor1|accessdate=2019-10-13}}
The total production for 1993 to 1999 (ie excluding 2000, the final year of production) is 371,498.{{cite book|last1=Kittler|first1=Eberhard|title=Deutsche Autos seit 1990|date=2001|volume=5|page=134|publisher=Motorbuch Verlag|location=Stuttgart|isbn=3-613-02128-5}}
{{Anchor|E46|E46/5|E46/5 (2001)}}Second generation (E46/5; 2001)
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Second generation (E46/5)
| image = BMW E46 compact front 20071104.jpg
| production = 2001–2004
| platform = BMW 3 Series (E46)
| engine = {{unbulleted list
|1.6 L N45 I4
| 1.8–2.0 L N42 I4
| 1.8–2.0 L N46 I4
| Diesel:
2.0 L M47 I4
}}
| wheelbase = {{convert|2725|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| length = {{convert|4260|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| width = {{convert|1751|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| height = {{convert|1408|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{convert|1300|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}−{{convert|1405|kg|lb||abbr=on}}
}}
File:BMW E46 compact rear 20071104.jpg
The 3 Series Compact was redesigned using the then-new E46 platform. This updated Compact has the model code E46/5. It was first presented at the 2001 Geneva Motor Show, and went on sale in European markets in June 2001.
As per the rest of the E46 range, the wheelbase was increased by {{convert|25|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}. The overall length is also increased by {{convert|52|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}.{{cite web|title=Review: BMW E46 3-Series compact (2001-05)|url=http://australiancar.reviews/reviews.php?_escaped_fragment_=content%3Dreview%26make%3DBMW%26model%3D3-Series%20Compact%26gen%3D100#!content=defreview&make=BMW&model=3-Series%20Compact&gen=100&pno=0|website=www.australiancar.reviews|accessdate=11 September 2017|archive-date=12 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912102240/http://australiancar.reviews/reviews.php?_escaped_fragment_=content%3Dreview&make=BMW&model=3-Series%20Compact&gen=100#!content=defreview&make=BMW&model=3-Series%20Compact&gen=100&pno=0|url-status=dead}}
The exterior styling has several differences to the rest of the E46 3 Series range, notably the distinctive headlights and tail-lights. There is a unique set of doors with framed windows for the E46/5, rather than adopting those of the E46 saloon/wagon or the frameless ones of the E46 coupé.{{cite web|title=BMW 325ti|url=https://www.motoring.com.au/bmw-325ti-4554/|website=www.motoring.com.au|accessdate=11 September 2017}}{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Mechanically, the Compact shares many elements with the rest of the E46 range, however the steering rack has a faster ratio.{{cite web|title=BMW 3 Series Compact (2001 - 2005) used car review|url=https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/car-reviews/bmw/3-series/207668/|website=www.rac.co.uk|accessdate=11 September 2017}}
The E46/5 was not sold in North America as its predecessor didn't prove to be a sales success in that market. The E46/5 was not as successful as the E36/5, even though BMW had fixed many of the E36/5's shortcomings (limited range of engines, rear-seating room). While lauded as a driver's car, the E46/5 received some criticism for its unique headlights and tail-lights which were considered unattractive compared to the rest of the E46 lineup.{{cite web | url=https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/car-reviews/bmw/3-series/3-series-compact-2001-2005/ | title=BMW 3 Series Compact (2001 - 2005) used car review | Car review | RAC Drive }}
= Transmissions =
{{main|BMW 3 Series (E46)#manual transmissions}}
Transmission options are mostly the same as the equivalent E46 coupe/sedan model.
From early 2003, the 325ti was available with a 6-speed SMG-II automated manual transmission.{{cite web|title=3' E46 325ti Manual gearbox GS6S37BZ (SMG)|url=http://www.realoem.com/bmw/en/showparts?id=AT31-EUR-10-2004-E46-BMW-325ti&diagId=23_0928|website=www.realoem.com|accessdate=11 September 2017}}
= Models =
== Petrol engines ==
| class="wikitable sortable" | ||||
| Model | Years | Engine | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| rowspan=4|316ti | 2002–2004 | {{cvt|1596|cc|L|1|order=flip}} N40B16 I4* | {{convert|85|kW|PS hp|abbr=on}} at 6,100 rpm | rowspan="2" |{{convert|150|Nm|abbr=on|0}} at 4,300 rpm |
| 2004 | {{cvt|1596|cc|L|1|order=flip}} N45B16 I4† | {{convert|85|kW|PS hp|abbr=on}} at 6,000 rpm | ||
| 2001–2004 | {{cvt|1796|cc|L|1|order=flip}} N42B18 I4 | rowspan=2|{{convert|85|kW|PS hp|abbr=on}} at 5,600 rpm | rowspan="2" |{{convert|175|Nm|abbr=on}} at 3,750 rpm | |
| 2004 | {{cvt|1796|cc|L|1|order=flip}} N46B18 I4 | |||
| rowspan=2|318ti | 2001–2004 | {{cvt|1995|cc|L|1|order=flip}} N42B20 I4 | rowspan=2|{{cvt|105|kW|PS hp|0}} at 6,000 rpm | rowspan="2" |{{convert|200|Nm|abbr=on|0}} at 3,750 rpm |
| 2004 | {{cvt|1995|cc|L|1|order=flip}} N46B20A I4 | |||
| 325ti | 2001–2004 | {{cvt|2494|cc|L|1|order=flip}} M54B25 I6 | {{cvt|141|kW|PS hp|0}} at 6,000 rpm | {{convert|245|Nm|abbr=on}} at 3,500 rpm |
== Diesel engines ==
| class="wikitable sortable"
! Model !! Years !! Engine !! Power !! Torque | ||||
| 318td | 2003–2004 | {{cvt|1951|cc|L|1|order=flip}} M47D20 turbo I4 | {{convert|85|kW|PS hp|abbr=on}} at 4,000 rpm | {{convert|280|Nm|abbr=on|0}} at 1,750 rpm |
| 320td | 2001–2004 | {{cvt|1951|cc|L|1|order=flip}} M47D20TÜ turbo I4 | {{convert|110|kW|PS hp|abbr=on}} at 4,000 rpm | {{convert|330|Nm|0|abbr=on}} at 2,000 rpm |
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Commons category multi|BMW Compact E36|BMW Compact E46}}
{{BMW cars: 1980s to 2000s}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bmw Compact}}
Category:Cars introduced in 1993
Category:Cars discontinued in 2004