BMW 3 Series Compact
| BMW 3 Series Compact | |
|---|---|
_hatchback_(2015-08-07)_01.jpg) |
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | BMW |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact car |
| Body style | 3-door liftback |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | BMW 1 Series |
| E36/5 | |
|---|---|
_hatchback_01.jpg) |
|
| Overview | |
| Production | 1993–2000 371,498 built |
| Body and chassis | |
| Platform | BMW 3 Series (E36) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.6 L I4 1.6 L I4 Petrol/Biogas 1.8 L I4 1.9 L I4 2.5 L I6 1.7 L I4 diesel |
| 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 (2,840 lb) |
| E46/5 | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Production | 2000–2004 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 3-door liftback |
| Platform | BMW E46 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.6 L I4 1.8 L I4 2.0 L I4 2.5 L I6 2.0 L I4 diesel |
| 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 (2,900 lb)−1,405 kg (3,097 lb) |
The BMW 3 Series Compact is a small family car, basically a truncated liftback version of the BMW 3 Series, produced by the German automaker BMW between 1993 and 2004. Initially based on the BMW E36 platform, it switched to the BMW E46 platform in 2001. Production of the 3 Series Compact ceased in 2004 when it was virtually succeeded by the 1 Series.
The car was available in 316i, 316g (compressed natural gas), 318ti, 318tds (diesel) and later as a 323ti. The title 'Ti' (Turismo Internazionale), was unique to the Compact range and was used on the more powerful versions, harking back to the BMW New Class 'Ti' models of the sixties.
The 3 Series GT, based on the later, newest 3 Series, is not a successor to the 3 Series Compact, apart from their hatchback body style.
From the front bumper to the A pillar, the 3 Series Compact is identical to the BMW 3 Series (E36) saloon. As with the entire E36 range, the E36/5 also shares an identical wheelbase. From the A pillar rearwards, the E36/5 is unique from others in the E36 range.
The E36/5 shares its suspension with the BMW Z3; the front suspension employs the E36's standard MacPherson strut design, while the rear suspension uses a semi trailing arm from the previous model BMW 3 Series (E30).
The E36/5 made use of the older semi-trailing arm rear axle, as opposed to the E36's Z-Axle Multi-link suspension. As the trailing arm design was smaller, it allowed for a lower trunk floor height, fold-down rear seats, and an exterior undermounted compact spare tire.
The inherent design of the trailing arm suspension was that it favoured oversteer. Consequently, the BMW 3 Series Compact received mixed reviews from the automotive press; with some claiming the chassis was the most balanced of the E36 range, whilst others said that the car wandered and darted in a straight line, and was uncomposed in the corners.
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Wikipedia