- Superb dynamics
- Excellent steering feel
- High standard of fit and finish
- Cramped rear seats
- 316i engine lacks grunt
- Pedals positioned close together
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).
| Engine | Variant | Years | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 316i | 1.6-litre petrol I4 (M43 B16) | N/A | 1995-99 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
75 kW at 5500 rpm | 150 Nm at 3900 rpm |
| Open Air | 1995-98 | |||||
| Contour | 1998-99 | |||||
| 1.9-litre petrol I4 (M43 B19) | N/A | 1999-00 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
77 kW at 5300 rpm | 165 Nm at 2500 rpm | |
| Contour | 1999-00 | |||||
| Exclusive | 2000 | |||||
| 318ti | 1.9-litre petrol I4 (M44 B19) | N/A | 1996-99 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
103 kW at 6000 rpm | 180 Nm at 4300 rpm |
| Sport | 1996-00 | |||||
| Contour | 1998-00 |
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.
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