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, four-cylinder diesel engines and six-cylinder petrol engines. Unlike most hatchback competitors, the 3 Series Compact uses rear-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.
E36/5 (1994–2000)
Launched in 1994, the E36 3 Series Compact, 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. Although the overall length of the E36/5 is approximately 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. This model was known as either the California Top Edition or the Open Air Edition. In September 1996, the 3 Series compact received a facelift. Changes included revised tail-lights, grille, bumpers and mirrors.
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. This rear suspension arrangement - which is also used on the Z3 - is more compact and cheaper to produce. Some reviewers believe that this arrangement causes the E36/5's handling to be prone to oversteer.
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.
Models
* Bivalent drive: The 316g can run either on gasoline or compressed natural gas. when running on gasoline.
Prototype models
M3 Compact
In 1996, to celebrate the 50th birthday of the German automobile magazineAuto, Motor und Sport, BMW M hand-built one M3 Compact. 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.
In North America, the sole model available was the 318ti, initially powered by a DOHC 1.8 litre, inline-fourBMW M42 engine. 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. 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. 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.
Sales figures
The total production for 1993 to 1999 is 371,498.
E46/5 (2000–2004)
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. The overall length is also increased by. The exterior styling has several differences to the rest of the E46 3 Series range, notably the distinctive headlights and tail-lights. Mechanically, the Compact shares many elements with the rest of the E46 range, however the steering rack has a faster ratio. 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.
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.
Models
Petrol engines
* 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.
