BMW 3 Series Compact

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BMW 3 Series Compact
BMW 325ti (pre-facelift).jpg
Overview
ManufacturerBMW
Production1993–2004
Body and chassis
ClassSubcompact executive car (C)
Body style3-door hatchback
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Chronology
PredecessorBMW 2000 Touring
SuccessorBMW 1 Series (E87)

The BMW 3 Series Compact is a 3-door hatchback version of the BMW 3 Series, which was produced from 1993 through 2004. Initially based on the E36 platform, it switched to the E46 platform in 2001.

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,[1] four-cylinder diesel engines and six-cylinder petrol engines. Unlike most hatchback competitors, the 3 Series Compact uses rear-wheel drive (instead of front-wheel drive).

In 2004, the 3 Series Compact was replaced by the 1 Series. The 3 Series GT, introduced in 2013, is not a successor to the 3 Series Compact, despite also using a hatchback rear opening.

First generation (E36; 1994)[]

E36/5
BMW 318ti.jpg
Overview
Production1993–2000
Body and chassis
PlatformBMW 3 Series (E36)
Powertrain
Engine
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,700 mm (106.3 in)
Length4,210 mm (165.7 in)
Width1,698 mm (66.9 in)
Height1,393 mm (54.8 in)
Curb weight1,175 kg (2,590 lb)−1,290 kg (2,844 lb)

Launched in 1994, the E36 3 Series Compact (model code E36/5), was BMW's first hatchback since the 2002 Touring model was discontinued in 1974.

From the front bumper to the A-pillar, the E36/5 is identical to the E36 saloon. From the A-pillar rearwards, the E36/5 is unique from others in the E36 range.[2] Although the overall length of the E36/5 is approximately 200 millimetres (7.9 in) shorter than the rest of the E36 3 Series range, the length of the wheelbase is the same.

A large sunroof, covered by a folding canvas roof was available from mid-1995.[3] This model was known as either the California Top Edition or the Open Air Edition.[4][5]

In September 1996 (model year 1997), the 3 Series Compact received a facelift. Changes included revised tail-lights, grille, bumpers and mirrors.[6]

  • Post-facelift 316i front

  • Post-facelift 316i rear

Suspension[]

The 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). This rear suspension arrangement - which is also used on the Z3 - is more compact and cheaper to produce.[6] Some reviewers believe that this arrangement causes the E36/5's handling to be prone to oversteer.[7][8]

Interior[]

The interior is mostly similar to the E36 saloon models, apart from the folding rear seats and dashboard which shares some elements with the previous generation E30 3 Series.[6]

Models[]

Name Years Engine Power Torque 0-100 km/h
(62 mph)		 Top speed
316i 1994–1999 1.6 L M43
inline-4		 75 kW (102 PS; 101 hp)
at 5,500 rpm		 150 N⋅m (111 lb⋅ft)
at 3,900 rpm		 12.3 seconds 188 km/h (117 mph)
1999–2000 1.9 L M43
inline-4		 77 kW (105 PS; 103 hp)
at 5,300 rpm		 165 N⋅m (122 lb⋅ft)
at 2,500 rpm		 11.9 seconds 190 km/h (118 mph)
316g* 1995–2000 1.6 L M43
inline-4		 60 kW (82 PS)
at 5,500 rpm		 127 N⋅m (94 lb⋅ft)
at 3,900 rpm		 15.6 seconds -
318ti 1994–1995 1.8 L M42
inline-4		 103 kW (140 PS; 138 hp)
at 6,000 rpm		 175 N⋅m (129 lb⋅ft)
at 4,500 rpm		 9.9 seconds 209 km/h (130 mph)
1995–1998 1.9 L M44
I4		 180 N⋅m (133 lb⋅ft)
at 4,300 rpm		 9.9 seconds 209 km/h (130 mph)
323ti 1997–2001 2.5 L M52
inline-6		 125 kW (170 PS; 168 hp)
at 5,500 rpm		 245 N⋅m (181 lb⋅ft)
at 3,950 rpm		 7.8 seconds 230 km/h (143 mph)
318tds
(diesel)		 1995–2001 1.7 L M41
inline-4 turbo		 66 kW (90 PS; 89 hp)
at 4,400 rpm		 190 N⋅m (140 lbf⋅ft)
at 2,000 rpm		 13.9 seconds 175 km/h (109 mph)

* Bivalent drive: The 316g can run either on gasoline or compressed natural gas (CNG). 75 kW (102 PS) when running on gasoline.

Prototype models[]

M3 Compact
In 1996, to celebrate the 50th birthday of the German automobile magazine Auto, Motor und Sport, BMW M hand-built one M3 Compact.[9] 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.[10]

North American models[]

In North America, the sole model available was the 318ti, initially powered by a DOHC 1.8 litre, 138 hp (103 kW; 140 PS) inline-four BMW M42 engine.[11] In 1996, to make the car compliant with OBD-II, the M42 was replaced by the 1.9 litre M44 engine.

The E36 Compact was popular in its home market in Europe, which prompted BMW to market the car to North America in late 1994 (for the 1995 model year). BMW ceased import of the BMW Compact to North America in 1999 after a very short 4-year run due to a combination of poor sales, and BMW's decision to phase out all 4-cylinder vehicles in the United States.[2] 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.[citation needed]

Sales figures[]

The total production for 1993 to 1999 (ie excluding 2000, the final year of production) is 371,498.[12]

Second generation (E46/5; 2000)[]

Second generation (E46/5)
BMW E46 compact front 20071104.jpg
Overview
Production2000–2004
Body and chassis
PlatformBMW 3 Series (E46)
Powertrain
Engine
  • Petrol:
    1.6 L N40 I4
  • 1.6 L N45 I4
  • 1.8–2.0 L N42 I4
  • 1.8–2.0 L N46 I4
  • 2.5 L M54 I6
  • Diesel:
    2.0 L M47 I4
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,725 mm (107.3 in)
Length4,260 mm (167.7 in)
Width1,751 mm (68.9 in)
Height1,408 mm (55.4 in)
Curb weight1,300 kg (2,866 lb)−1,405 kg (3,097 lb)
Rear view

In 2000, the 3 Series Compact was redesigned using the then-new E46 platform. This updated Compact has the model code E46/5.

As per the rest of the E46 range, the wheelbase was increased by 25 mm (1.0 in). The overall length is also increased by 52 mm (2.0 in).[13]

The exterior styling has several differences to the rest of the E46 3 Series range, notably the distinctive headlights and tail-lights.[14] Mechanically, the Compact shares many elements with the rest of the E46 range, however the steering rack has a faster ratio.[15]

The E46/5 was not sold in North America as its predecessor didn't prove to be a sales success in that market.

Suspension[]

The rear suspension uses a multi-link design, compared with the semi-trailing arm design used by its predecessor.[16]

Transmissions[]

Main article: 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.[17]

Models[]

Petrol engines[]

Model Years Engine Power Torque
316ti 2002–2004 1.6 L N40
inline-4*		 85 kW (116 PS; 114 hp)
at 6,100 rpm		 150 N⋅m (111 lbf⋅ft)
at 4,300 rpm
2004 1.6 L N45
inline-4†		 85 kW (116 PS; 114 hp)
at 6,000 rpm
2001–2004 1.8 L N42
inline-4		 85 kW (116 PS; 114 hp)
at 5,600 rpm		 175 N⋅m (129 lbf⋅ft)
at 3,750 rpm
2004 1.8 L N46
inline-4
318ti 2001–2004 2.0 L N42
inline-4		 105 kW (143 PS; 141 hp)
at 6,000 rpm		 200 N⋅m (148 lbf⋅ft)
at 3,750 rpm
2004 2.0 L N46
inline-4
325ti 2001–2004 2.5 L M54
inline-6		 141 kW (192 PS; 189 hp)
at 6,000 rpm		 245 N⋅m (181 lbf⋅ft)
at 3,500 rpm

* Used instead of the N42 engine in countries where vehicles tax charges favour smaller engines.
† Used instead of the N47 engine in countries where vehicles tax charges favour smaller engines.

Diesel engines[]

Model Years Engine Power Torque
318td 2003–2004 2.0 L M47
inline-4 turbo		 85 kW (116 PS; 114 hp)
at 4,000 rpm		 280 N⋅m (207 lbf⋅ft)
at 1,750 rpm
320td 2001–2004 2.0 L M47
inline-4 turbo		 110 kW (150 PS; 150 hp)
at 4,000 rpm		 330 N⋅m (243 lbf⋅ft)
at 2,000 rpm

References[]

  1. ^ "3' E36 316g Diagram Selection". www.realoem.com. Retrieved 23 June 2008.
  2. ^ Jump up to: a b Karr, Anthony (2016-11-18). "Worst Sports Cars: BMW 3 Series Hatchback/Compact". Motor1. Retrieved 2019-10-13.
  3. ^ "54112267291 COVER, FOLDING TOP SCHWARZ". www.realoem.com. Retrieved 11 September 2017.
  4. ^ "1996 BMW 318ti California Top Edition Manual Transmission For Sale". www.automobilefinds.com. Retrieved 11 September 2017.
  5. ^ "E36 316i 1.9i Compact Individual – Open Air Edition/ California Model". www.wordpress.com. Retrieved 11 September 2017.
  6. ^ Jump up to: a b c "BMW 3 Series Compact (1994 - 2001) used car review". www.rac.co.uk. Retrieved 1 September 2017.
  7. ^ "BMW 3 Series Compact – The Ugly Duckling Of The Family". www.bmwblog.com. Retrieved 1 September 2017.
  8. ^ "Guilty pleasures: why the 318ti is a baby BMW with potential". www.msn.com. Retrieved 1 September 2017.
  9. ^ "Did BMW ever build an one-off E36 M3 3.2 Compact?". www.bmwblog.com. Archived from the original on 8 July 2012. Retrieved 8 September 2017.
  10. ^ "BMW E36 3-Series and M3 Club - 1996 BMW M3 Compact E36". www.drive-my.com. Retrieved 8 September 2017.
  11. ^ "3'E36 Compact 318ti US model selection". www.realoem.com. Retrieved 10 September 2017.
  12. ^ Kittler, Eberhard (2001). Deutsche Autos seit 1990. 5. Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. p. 134. ISBN 3-613-02128-5.
  13. ^ "Review: BMW E46 3-Series compact (2001-05)". www.australiancar.reviews. Retrieved 11 September 2017.
  14. ^ "BMW 325ti". www.motoring.com.au. Retrieved 11 September 2017.
  15. ^ "BMW 3 Series Compact (2001 - 2005) used car review". www.rac.co.uk. Retrieved 11 September 2017.
  16. ^ "BMW 325ti Compact 2001 - Geneva Auto Show". www.caranddriver.com. Retrieved 11 September 2017.
  17. ^ "3' E46 325ti Manual gearbox GS6S37BZ (SMG)". www.realoem.com. Retrieved 11 September 2017.
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