| BMW 3 Series Compact | |
|---|---|
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | BMW |
| Production | 1994–2004 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | compact executive car (C) |
| Body style | 3-doorhatchback |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | BMW 1 Series (E87) |
TheBMW 3 Series Compact is a car which was produced from 1994 through 2004 byBMW. It is a 3-doorhatchback version of theBMW 3 Series through two generations, for theE36 platform in 1993 andE46 platform in 2001. Unlike most hatchback competitors which weretransverse enginefront-wheel drive, the 3 Series Compact uses thelongitudinal enginerear-wheel drive layout.[1]
In 2004, the 3 Series Compact was replaced by the1 Series which encompassed 3-door and 5-doorhatchback,coupé andconvertible body styles (the coupé and convertible models have been marketed separately as the2 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. The3 Series GT, introduced in 2013, is not a successor to the 3 Series Compact, despite also using ahatchback rear opening.
| BMW 3 Series Compact | |
|---|---|
_(cropped).jpg) | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1994–2000 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Platform | BMW 3 Series (E36) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,700 mm (106.3 in) |
| Length | 4,210 mm (165.7 in) |
| Width | 1,698 mm (66.9 in) |
| Height | 1,393 mm (54.8 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,175 kg (2,590 lb)−1,290 kg (2,844 lb) |
Launched in March 1994, the E36 3 Series Compact (model code E36/5), was BMW's first hatchback since the2002 Touring model was discontinued in 1974. It reportedly cost BMW $500 million USD to develop the hatchback from the E36 platform.[2]
From the front bumper to theA-pillar, the E36/5 is identical to the E36 saloon. From the A-pillar back, the E36/5 is unique.[3] Although the overall length of the E36/5 is approximately 200 millimetres (7.9 in) shorter than the rest of theE36 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.[2]
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 generationE30 3 Series.[4] 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.[2]
The E36/5 front suspension uses the E36'sMacPherson strut design, while the rear suspension uses asemi-trailing arm from the previous generationE30 models instead of the Z-Axlemulti-link suspension used by the rest of the E36 range. The E36/5's rear suspension arrangement - which was also used on theZ3 - was more compact and cheaper to produce.[4] Some reviewers believed that this arrangement caused the E36/5's to be prone tooversteer.[5][6]
The launch models were powered by four-cylinder petrol engines, with the range expanded over the years to include a four-cylindercompressed natural gas engine, four-cylinder diesel engines, and six-cylinder petrol engines.[7] In North America, the sole model available was the 318ti, initially powered by aDOHC 1.8 litre, 138 hp (103 kW; 140 PS)inline-fourBMW M42 engine.[8] In 1996, in conjunction with making the car compliant withOBD-II, the M42 was replaced by the 1.9-litreM44 engine.
A large sunroof, covered by a folding canvas roof was available from mid-1995.[9] This model was known as either theCalifornia Top Edition or theOpen Air Edition.[10][11]
In September 1996 (formodel year 1997), the 3 Series Compact received afacelift in line with the remainder of the E36 range. Changes included revised tail-lights, grille, bumpers and mirrors.[4]
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_hatchback_(2011-11-18)_02.jpg)
| Name | Years | Engine | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h (62 mph) | Top speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 316i | 1994–1999 | 1.6 LM43 I4 | 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 LM43 I4 | 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 LM43 I4 | 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 LM42 I4 | 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 LM44 I4 | 180 N⋅m (133 lb⋅ft) at 4,300 rpm | 9.9 seconds | 209 km/h (130 mph) | ||
| 323ti | 1997–2000 | 2.5 LM52 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) | 1995–2000 | 1.7 LM41 turbo I4 | 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 orcompressed natural gas (CNG). 75 kW (102 PS) when running on gasoline.
In 1996, to celebrate the 50th birthday of the German automobile magazineAuto, Motor und Sport,BMW M hand-built one M3 Compact.[12] 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.[13]
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.[2]
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 theC-Class SportCoupé. Based on the success of theSaab 900 andAcura Integra, BMW imported the E36 Compact for North America in late 1994 (for the 1995model 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, theBMW 1 Series, from aliftback to acoupe 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.[3]
The total production for 1993 to 1999 (ie excluding 2000, the final year of production) is 371,498.[14]
| Second generation (E46/5) | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 2001–2004 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Platform | BMW 3 Series (E46) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,725 mm (107.3 in) |
| Length | 4,260 mm (167.7 in) |
| Width | 1,751 mm (68.9 in) |
| Height | 1,408 mm (55.4 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,300 kg (2,866 lb)−1,405 kg (3,097 lb) |
The 3 Series Compact was redesigned using the then-newE46 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 25 mm (1.0 in). The overall length is also increased by 52 mm (2.0 in).[15]
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.[16] Mechanically, the Compact shares many elements with the rest of the E46 range, however the steering rack has a faster ratio.[17]
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.[18]
Transmission options are mostly the same as the equivalentE46 coupe/sedan model.
From early 2003, the 325ti was available with a 6-speed SMG-IIautomated manual transmission.[19]
| Model | Years | Engine | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 316ti | 2002–2004 | 1.6 L (1,596 cc) N40B16I4* | 85 kW (116 PS; 114 hp) at 6,100 rpm | 150 N⋅m (111 lbf⋅ft) at 4,300 rpm |
| 2004 | 1.6 L (1,596 cc) N45B16 I4† | 85 kW (116 PS; 114 hp) at 6,000 rpm | ||
| 2001–2004 | 1.8 L (1,796 cc) N42B18 I4 | 85 kW (116 PS; 114 hp) at 5,600 rpm | 175 N⋅m (129 lbf⋅ft) at 3,750 rpm | |
| 2004 | 1.8 L (1,796 cc) N46B18 I4 | |||
| 318ti | 2001–2004 | 2.0 L (1,995 cc) N42B20 I4 | 105 kW (143 PS; 141 hp) at 6,000 rpm | 200 N⋅m (148 lbf⋅ft) at 3,750 rpm |
| 2004 | 2.0 L (1,995 cc) N46B20A I4 | |||
| 325ti | 2001–2004 | 2.5 L (2,494 cc) M54B25I6 | 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 N46 engine in countries where vehicles tax charges favour smaller engines.
| Model | Years | Engine | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 318td | 2003–2004 | 2.0 L (1,951 cc) M47D20turboI4 | 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 (1,951 cc) M47D20TÜ turbo I4 | 110 kW (150 PS; 150 hp) at 4,000 rpm | 330 N⋅m (243 lbf⋅ft) at 2,000 rpm |
