autoevolution
 

Body style: Hatchback
Segment: Premium Coupe
Production years: 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000

BMW 3 Series Compact (E36) 1994-2000 31 Photos
BMW 3 Series Compact (E36) (1994-2000)BMW 3 Series Compact (E36) (1994-2000)BMW 3 Series Compact (E36) (1994-2000)BMW 3 Series Compact (E36) (1994-2000)BMW 3 Series Compact (E36) (1994-2000)BMW 3 Series Compact (E36) (1994-2000)BMW 3 Series Compact (E36) (1994-2000)BMW 3 Series Compact (E36) (1994-2000)BMW 3 Series Compact (E36) (1994-2000)BMW 3 Series Compact (E36) (1994-2000)BMW 3 Series Compact (E36) (1994-2000)BMW 3 Series Compact (E36) (1994-2000)BMW 3 Series Compact (E36) (1994-2000)BMW 3 Series Compact (E36) (1994-2000)BMW 3 Series Compact (E36) (1994-2000)BMW 3 Series Compact (E36) (1994-2000)BMW 3 Series Compact (E36) (1994-2000)BMW 3 Series Compact (E36) (1994-2000)BMW 3 Series Compact (E36) (1994-2000)BMW 3 Series Compact (E36) (1994-2000)BMW 3 Series Compact (E36) (1994-2000)BMW 3 Series Compact (E36) (1994-2000)BMW 3 Series Compact (E36) (1994-2000)BMW 3 Series Compact (E36) (1994-2000)BMW 3 Series Compact (E36) (1994-2000)BMW 3 Series Compact (E36) (1994-2000)BMW 3 Series Compact (E36) (1994-2000)BMW 3 Series Compact (E36) (1994-2000)BMW 3 Series Compact (E36) (1994-2000)BMW 3 Series Compact (E36) (1994-2000)BMW 3 Series Compact (E36) (1994-2000)

Before 1994, the last time when BMW offered a hatchback was between 1971 and 1972 with the Touring version of the 1600 series. And it was not a success. But for the 1994 model, it was a different story.

In 1994 there was no premium hatchback on the market, but the hatchbacks market share in the compact segment was big. So, BMW tried the market with a car that was based upon two different 3-Series models on a 3-door hatchback bodywork.

The first generation of the 3-Series compact was launched in 1994 to get the premium customers from the hatchback segment. The front of the car was identical to the BMW 3-series from the third generation (E36). But from there on, it was a mix of new and old parts. The rear suspension was taken from the second 3-Series generation (the E30). The doors were different than the rest of the E36 range, even though they looked the same. The rear windows were hinged in the front so they could open a little. The tailgate and the rear end were different than any other BMW vehicle of those days.

The interior featured a dashboard inspired by the E30 and with some parts taken from that generation. The front seats were from the E36 coupe and the rear seats could have been folded in a split 60/40 manner.

Under the bodywork, there was an E36 front suspension and an E30 rear suspension. It featured only fuel-injected engines, with displacements that varied from a small, 1.6-liter unit to the top-of-the-range 2.5-liter inline-six unit. It was available with a standard 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic.

BMW 3 Series Compact (E36) 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000
  8 gasoline engines
  • 316i 4AT RWD (102 HP)
  • 316i 4AT RWD (105 HP)
  • 316i 5MT RWD (102 HP)
  • 316i 5MT RWD (105 HP)
  • 318ti 4AT RWD (140 HP)
  • 318ti 5MT RWD (140 HP)
  • 323 5MT RWD (170 HP)
  • 323ti 5AT RWD (170 HP)
  1 diesel engine
  • 318tds 5MT RWD (90 HP)

BMW 3 Series Compact (E36)
316i 4AT RWD (102 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 316i 4AT 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
Top Speed:114 mph (183 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):13.8 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-speed automatic
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:2679 lbs (1215 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3693 lbs (1675 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
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

BMW 3 Series Compact (E36)
316i 4AT RWD (105 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 316i 4AT 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: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)

BMW 3 Series Compact (E36)
316i 5MT RWD (102 HP)

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
Top Speed:116.8 mph (188 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):12.3 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
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

BMW 3 Series Compact (E36)
316i 5MT RWD (105 HP)

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

BMW 3 Series Compact (E36)
318ti 4AT RWD (140 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 318ti 4AT RWD (140 HP)
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)

BMW 3 Series Compact (E36)
318ti 5MT RWD (140 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 318ti 5MT RWD (140 HP)
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

BMW 3 Series Compact (E36)
323 5MT RWD (170 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 323 5MT RWD (170 HP)
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
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

BMW 3 Series Compact (E36)
323ti 5AT RWD (170 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 323ti 5AT RWD (170 HP)
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)

BMW 3 Series Compact (E36)
318tds 5MT RWD (90 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 318tds 5MT RWD (90 HP)
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
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
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