In the early 1990smore than 35 years have passed BMW no longer offers compact models. Enthusiastic about large sedans, coupes and standard roadsters, the German group only has “entry level” series 3, which is already positioned in the D segment. Only at the end of this millennium, the fashion for smaller, more practical and, of course, more economical cars. Volkswagen is a hit with its Golf, the Italians, English and French multiply models in this segment. “Why not me? BMW is thinking about itself. Especially since at that time there was no offer in the premium segment. Offer an alternative to Golf yes, but more luxurious to be worthy of displaying the logo and name Bayerische Motoren Werke. Here are the features of this new model. He is introduced in late 1993 as the Series 3 Compact.

Redesigned 3 series E36

Smart, BMW uses the name of its bestseller. First of all, this new model is closely derived. To develop its compact sedan quickly and cheaply, the brand did not look very far. Compact is actually a “trimmed” sedan of the 3 series, shortened by 22 centimeters.. The rear axle is borrowed from the older generation (E30)the tank capacity is reduced to 52 liters, the interior is disassembled compared to his older sister. Sobriety is necessary, because it is not about positioning it in too high a price range. Golf is always in sight! Like its competitor, The Compact inherits a hatchback box rather than a traditional trunk. The result, however, is confusing, as it is not upright, but instead displays a Fastback silhouette that is a cross between a coupe and a sedan. Specificity and a nod to the 02 Touring of the 60s.

Six-cylinder drive

Under the hood, it is offered at the start only with 4-cylinder units. Then the range rotates around 316i (102 horsepower) and 318ti (140 horsepower). Of course, and like any self-respecting BMW, it is faithful power plant architecture. And then the 6-cylinder engine, another brand leader? He arrived in 1997, in the village of The 323ti version, where it is accelerated to 170 horsepower. Phew, purists can breathe a sigh of relief… Assembled in Germany, in Munich, the Series 3 Compact will survive a resounding success in Europe, nearly 397,000 copies produced until 2000. An initiative that will inspire others… Audi will respond with the A3 in 1996, Mercedes-Benz with the Class A in 1997. In 2000, the second generation based on the 3 Series E46 will be discontinued. The latter later spawned the model we know very well today: the Series 1, of course!

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