Body style: Hatchback
Segment: Premium Coupe
Production years: 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000
BMW dug deep into its history books and found the 2002 Touring model from 1971, which was a hatchback based on the 2002 platform, and considered reviving it into the shape of the 1994 E36 Compact.
The German automaker noticed that many customers were interested in buying upscale compact-sized hatchbacks, and there were no European automakers to provide one. As a result, it quickly gathered the engineering team, recycled some already developed parts and engines, and launched the 3 Series Compact in 1994. The result was a three-door vehicle that looked like an E36 3 Series from the front but had a tailgate at the back. It was also cheaper to produce despite the considerable development cost. However, even though the new version of the 3 Series was more affordable, it wasn’t the best-selling among its siblings. Furthermore, the concept of a rear-wheel drive vehicle that competed against the front-wheel drive Golf didn’t work as expected. To add insult to injury, the rear axle was carried over from the previous generation of the 3 Series, the E30, which used a semi-trailing arm system instead of the fully independent type installed in the E36.
To cut production costs, all the body panels from the car’s front were taken from the same basket as those installed on the E36. As a result, the 1994 3 Series Compact sported rectangular headlights fitted with corner-mounted turn signals. The kidney grille was integrated into the wrapped around plastic bumper, and was encircled by chromed trims. Depending on the grade and options, the car could sport fog lamps in the front apron.
From its profile, the car looked identical to the E36 sedan up to the B-post. Its short overhang and flared wheel arches made it look sporty. Its doors had frames for the windows, unlike the coupe and the convertible versions of the E36, which had those frameless. Behind them, the rear side windows featured a pop-out compass-style mechanism that allowed customers to vent the cabin efficiently. Finally, at the back, the raked-forward tailgate was new for a Bimmer. It also featured a wiper, but the taillights that flanked it were carried over from the E36 as well. The car came fitted with 15-inch steel wheels or available alloys of the same size.
Inside, the overall look resembled the E36 coupe. Its tilt-forward front seats could be wrapped in fabric or leather, depending on the options. The dashboard looked identical to the one in the rest of the E36, albeit it was made from lower-quality materials. Between the front occupants, the automaker placed a narrow center console that housed the buttons for the power windows and the gear stick (or gear selector, depending on the transmission). At the same time, in the back, BMW placed a new split-folding (50/50) bench seat. It provided minimal legroom and headroom for adult-sized passengers, but it was perfectly fine for kids. BMW created a decently-sized trunk for a compact hatchback. To make it roomier, the automaker placed the spare wheel under the car.
Under the hood, the 1994 BMW 3 Series Compact (E36/5) was available with a choice of gasoline and diesel engines, with four or six cylinders. All versions were paired with a five-speed manual, while a four-speed automatic was available.
ENGINE SPECS - 316i 4AT RWD (102 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1596 cm3 |
Power: | 75 KW @ 5500 RPM 102 HP @ 5500 RPM 101 BHP @ 5500 RPM |
Torque: | 111 lb-ft @ 3900 RPM 150 Nm @ 3900 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 14.5 gallons (54.9 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 114 mph (183 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 13.8 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 185/65 HR15 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 165.7 in (4209 mm) |
Width: | 66.9 in (1699 mm) |
Height: | 54.7 in (1389 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 55.9/55.9 in (1,420/1,420 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 106.3 in (2700 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.5 in (140 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 11.5 cuFT (326 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.33 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2679 lbs (1215 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3693 lbs (1675 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 18.7 mpg US (12.6 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 34.6 mpg US (6.8 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 26.4 mpg US (8.9 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 211 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 316i 4AT RWD (105 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1895 cm3 |
Power: | 77.3 KW @ 5300 RPM 105 HP @ 5300 RPM 104 BHP @ 5300 RPM |
Torque: | 122 lb-ft @ 2500 RPM 165 Nm @ 2500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 14.5 gallons (54.9 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
---|---|
Top Speed: | 115 mph (185 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 13.9 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 185/65 HR15 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 165.7 in (4209 mm) |
Width: | 66.9 in (1699 mm) |
Height: | 54.7 in (1389 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 55.9/55.9 in (1,420/1,420 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 106.3 in (2700 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.5 in (140 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 11.5 cuFT (326 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.33 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
---|---|
Unladen Weight: | 2679 lbs (1215 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3693 lbs (1675 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
---|---|
City: | 19.6 mpg US (12 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 33.1 mpg US (7.1 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 26.4 mpg US (8.9 L/100Km) |
ENGINE SPECS - 316i 5MT RWD (102 HP) | |
---|---|
Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1596 cm3 |
Power: | 75 KW @ 5500 RPM 102 HP @ 5500 RPM 101 BHP @ 5500 RPM |
Torque: | 111 lb-ft @ 3900 RPM 150 Nm @ 3900 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 14.5 gallons (54.9 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 116.8 mph (188 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 12.3 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 185/65 HR15 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 165.7 in (4209 mm) |
Width: | 66.9 in (1699 mm) |
Height: | 54.7 in (1389 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 55.9/55.9 in (1,420/1,420 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 106.3 in (2700 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.5 in (140 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 11.5 cuFT (326 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.33 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
---|---|
Unladen Weight: | 2590 lbs (1175 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3605 lbs (1635 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
---|---|
City: | 21.8 mpg US (10.8 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 39.9 mpg US (5.9 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 30.5 mpg US (7.7 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 182 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 316i 5MT RWD (105 HP) | |
---|---|
Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1895 cm3 |
Power: | 77.3 KW @ 5300 RPM 105 HP @ 5300 RPM 104 BHP @ 5300 RPM |
Torque: | 122 lb-ft @ 2500 RPM 165 Nm @ 2500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 14.5 gallons (54.9 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
---|---|
Top Speed: | 118 mph (190 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 11.9 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 185/65 HR15 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 165.7 in (4209 mm) |
Width: | 66.9 in (1699 mm) |
Height: | 54.7 in (1389 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 55.9/55.9 in (1,420/1,420 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 106.3 in (2700 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.5 in (140 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 11.5 cuFT (326 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.33 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
---|---|
Unladen Weight: | 2590.4 lbs (1175 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3604.5 lbs (1635 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
---|---|
City: | 21.8 mpg US (10.8 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 40.6 mpg US (5.8 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 30.9 mpg US (7.6 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 183 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 318ti 4AT RWD (140 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1796 cm3 |
Power: | 103 KW @ 6000 RPM 140 HP @ 6000 RPM 138 BHP @ 6000 RPM |
Torque: | 129 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM 175 Nm @ 4500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 14.5 gallons (54.9 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
---|---|
Top Speed: | 126 mph (203 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 10.8 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 205/60 VR15 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 165.7 in (4209 mm) |
Width: | 66.9 in (1699 mm) |
Height: | 54.7 in (1389 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 55.9/55.9 in (1,420/1,420 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 106.3 in (2700 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.5 in (140 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 11.5 cuFT (326 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.33 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
---|---|
Unladen Weight: | 2734 lbs (1240 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3704 lbs (1680 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
---|---|
City: | 18.4 mpg US (12.8 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 36.2 mpg US (6.5 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 26.7 mpg US (8.8 L/100Km) |
ENGINE SPECS - 318ti 5MT RWD (140 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1796 cm3 |
Power: | 103 KW @ 6000 RPM 140 HP @ 6000 RPM 138 BHP @ 6000 RPM |
Torque: | 129 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM 175 Nm @ 4500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 14.5 gallons (54.9 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
---|---|
Top Speed: | 129.9 mph (209 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 9.9 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 205/60 VR15 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 165.7 in (4209 mm) |
Width: | 66.9 in (1699 mm) |
Height: | 54.7 in (1389 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 55.9/55.9 in (1,420/1,420 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 106.3 in (2700 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.5 in (140 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 11.5 cuFT (326 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.33 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
---|---|
Unladen Weight: | 2646 lbs (1200 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3660 lbs (1660 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
---|---|
City: | 20.8 mpg US (11.3 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 39.9 mpg US (5.9 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 29.8 mpg US (7.9 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 198 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 323 5MT RWD (170 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L6 |
Displacement: | 2494 cm3 |
Power: | 125 KW @ 5500 RPM 170 HP @ 5500 RPM 168 BHP @ 5500 RPM |
Torque: | 181 lb-ft @ 3950 RPM 245 Nm @ 3950 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 14.5 gallons (54.9 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
---|---|
Top Speed: | 142.9 mph (230 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 7.8 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 225/50 WR16 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 165.7 in (4209 mm) |
Width: | 66.9 in (1699 mm) |
Height: | 54.7 in (1389 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 55.9/55.9 in (1,420/1,420 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 106.3 in (2700 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.5 in (140 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 11.5 cuFT (326 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.33 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2766.8 lbs (1255 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3869.1 lbs (1755 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
---|---|
City: | 17.8 mpg US (13.2 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 34.1 mpg US (6.9 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 25.3 mpg US (9.3 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 221 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 323ti 5AT RWD (170 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L6 |
Displacement: | 2494 cm3 |
Power: | 125 KW @ 5500 RPM 170 HP @ 5500 RPM 168 BHP @ 5500 RPM |
Torque: | 181 lb-ft @ 3950 RPM 245 Nm @ 3950 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 14.5 gallons (54.9 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
---|---|
Top Speed: | 140 mph (225 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 8.6 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 225/50 WR16 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 165.7 in (4209 mm) |
Width: | 66.9 in (1699 mm) |
Height: | 54.7 in (1389 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 55.9/55.9 in (1,420/1,420 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 106.3 in (2700 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.5 in (140 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 11.5 cuFT (326 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.33 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
---|---|
Unladen Weight: | 2844 lbs (1290 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3858 lbs (1750 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
---|---|
City: | 15.3 mpg US (15.4 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 30.5 mpg US (7.7 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 22.4 mpg US (10.5 L/100Km) |
ENGINE SPECS - 318tds 5MT RWD (90 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1665 cm3 |
Power: | 66 KW @ 4400 RPM 90 HP @ 4400 RPM 89 BHP @ 4400 RPM |
Torque: | 140 lb-ft @ 2000 RPM 190 Nm @ 2000 RPM |
Fuel System: | Turbocharged Indirect Injection |
Fuel: | Diesel |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 108.7 mph (175 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 13.9 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 185/65 TR15 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 165.7 in (4209 mm) |
Width: | 66.9 in (1699 mm) |
Height: | 54.7 in (1389 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 55.9/55.9 in (1,420/1,420 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 106.3 in (2700 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.5 in (140 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 11.5 cuFT (326 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.33 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
---|---|
Unladen Weight: | 2679 lbs (1215 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3693 lbs (1675 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
---|---|
City: | 27.3 mpg US (8.6 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 47 mpg US (5 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 36.7 mpg US (6.4 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 168 g/km |