BMW 3 Series Compact

}} 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. 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. Some reviewers believed that this arrangement caused the E36/5's to be prone to oversteer. 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. In North America, the sole model available was the 318ti, initially powered by a DOHC 1.8 litre, inline-four BMW M42 engine. 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. This model was known as either the California Top Edition or the Open Air Edition. 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. 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. 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 total production for 1993 to 1999 (ie excluding 2000, the final year of production) is 371,498. ==Second generation (E46/5; 2001)==

}} 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 . 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Diesel engines ==References==