Review: BMW E36 3-Series Compact (1995-00)

Overview

Released in March 1995, the BMW E36 3-Series Compact was a three-door liftback. Manufactured in Germany, the rear-wheel drive 3-Series Compact range initially consisted of the 316i, which was powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. In August 1996, however, the range was expanded with the introduction of the 318ti models which had a more powerful 1.9-litre engine. In April 1999, a 1.9-litre engine was made standard for the 316i; the full range is given in the table below.

Compared to the E36 3-Series sedan on which it was based, the 3-Series Compact was 223 mm shorter (at 4210 mm), 12 mm narrower (1698 mm), the same height (1393 mm) and had the same length wheelbase (2700 mm). The 3-Series Compact had a single-joint spring strut front axle and independent rear suspension with semi-trailing arms (rather than the multi-link Z-axle of E36 3-Series sedan).

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment included dual front airbags, ABS and front seatbelt pretensioners. From January 1998, traction control was fitted as standard across the range.

Features

Standard features for the 316i included a four speaker stereo, air conditioning, split and folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, central locking, power windows and heated mirrors and an immobiliser. The 316i Open Air was further equipped with a power sunroof.

When released in 1996, the 318ti had similar features relative to the 316i, but added 15-inch alloy wheels. Beyond this, the 318ti Sport added 17-inch alloy wheels with sports suspension, contoured front sports seats, leather trim and front fog lights.

January 1998 update and Contour variants

In January 1998, standard features were upgraded to include a six speaker stereo and remote central locking. Furthermore, the newly introduced Contour variants were fitted with 15-inch alloy wheels, a ten-disc CD changer, leather trim, front fog lights, floor mats and scuff plates.

316ti Exclusive

In January 2000, a limited-run 316ti Exclusive variant was released. Compared to the standard 316ti, the Exclusive was equipped with front side airbags and featured 16-inch alloy wheels, a CD player and leather seats.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: BMW E36 3-Series

Recalls: BMW E36 3-Series Compact

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: BMW E36 3-Series Compact

• In July 1996, a recall was issued for certain BMW E36 vehicles due to a fault in the brake light switch which could result in the brake lights not cancelling after the vehicle has stopped braking, or not illuminating at all (PRA 1996/2870).
• In November 1998, a recall was issued for certain BMW E36 vehicles due to a defective radiator cap (PRA 1998/3726).

Problems and faults: BMW E36 3-Series compact

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

BMW E36 3-Series: rear floor cracks at sub-frame mount area

For the BMW E36 3-Series, the rear floor was susceptible to cracks in the area of the rear sub-frame mounts. Due to bending of the rear chassis and movement that was allowed by rubber bushings, the chassis mounting points for the sub-frame would flex, weaken and, eventually, tear from the chassis.

The original, standard mounts were a flat plate that had an internally threaded tube and were welded to the chassis. The flex of the rear sub-frame caused this threaded tube and mounting bolt to act as a lever arm where the plate was welded to the chassis – this weakened the surrounding sheet metal. Due to the torque applied by the drivetrain on the sub-frame, the right side front mount would fail first, followed by the left side rear mount.

For the E36 M3, BMW developed a chassis reinforcement kit – which consisted of four reinforcement plates – that were welded to the underside of the chassis and significantly stiffened the mounts (it is understood, however, that some early 1994 BMW E36 M3 vehicles may not have been fitted with these reinforcement plates). To prevent cracks, these reinforcement plates can be fitted to other E36 3-Series vehicles.

To weld the reinforcement plates, the rear suspension, rear sub-frame, exhaust and driveshaft had to be removed. It is was also recommended that the back seat, rear interior, boot interior and fuel tank were also removed and all fuel lines were capped to prevent a fire hazard.

Problems and faults: BMW E36 3-Series Compact

• The automatic transmission may be slow to engage gears after sitting overnight because the fluid drains out of the torque converter.
• The hazard lights may start flashing by themselves and the turn signals may flash at twice the normal speed due to condensation shorting out the circuit board.
• If the central locking system unlocks itself after being locked or locks itself after being unlocked, the actuators could be defective; alternatively, the boot lock may need to be adjusted.
• The starter motor may fail because it keeps running after the engine starts and eventually burns out – this can occur due to a sticking ignition switch. To fix, the whole lock and switch must be replaced.

Released in March 1995, the BMW E36 3-Series Compact was a three-door liftback. Manufactured in Germany, the rear-wheel drive 3-Series Compact range initially consisted of the 316i, which was powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. In August 1996, however, the range was expanded with the introduction of the 318ti models which had a more powerful 1.9-litre engine. In April 1999, a 1.9-litre engine was made standard for the 316i… Read full BMW E36 3-Series compact review

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