Body style: Hatchback
Segment: Entry Premium
Production years: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
To attract more customers on its side, BMW introduced the 3-Series compact in 1993. The second and last generation was introduced in 2000. It didn't work too well.
While the first generation of the 3-Series Compact was based on the E30 platform, the second generation was based on the E46 platform, which was a way better technical solution. The idea was to build a cheaper BMW, so the young customers will be attracted by the brand and then stick to it. The same thing did Mercedes-Benz with the C-Class Sport Coupe in 2001. And they failed as well.
For the second generation, BMW chose a different front fascia than the regular E46 3-Series. The rounded headlights in the middle and the wider one on the outer side, looked like they were separated, but they were in the same headlight unit. The 3-door bodywork featured the same front doors as the 3-Series Coupe. The rear quarter panels were different since the car was shorter. Instead of a windscreen in the back and a separate trunk-lid, the Compact version featured a tailgate.
Inside, the car was similar to the 3-Series E46 coupe, with the same interior room. Despite the long, 2.75 m (107.3”) wheelbase, since the engine was placed longitudinal, the front seats were pushed rearward. The dashboard was the same as the one found in the regular E46.
For the engine side, the 3-Series Compact was available with a choice of gasoline, and diesel engines ranged between 1.6-liter and 2.5-liter. A 2.0-liter diesel unit also was available. The biggest flaw of the car was the design and the light rear end, which tend the car to oversteer too often.
ENGINE SPECS - 316ti 5AT RWD (116 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1796 cm3 |
Power: | 85.3 KW @ 5500 RPM 116 HP @ 5500 RPM 114 BHP @ 5500 RPM |
Torque: | 129 lb-ft @ 3750 RPM 175 Nm @ 3750 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 16.6 gallons (62.8 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 122 mph (196 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 11.9 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-speed automatic (Steptronic) |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 195/65 R15 91 H |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 167.8 in (4262 mm) |
Width: | 68.9 in (1750 mm) |
Height: | 55.4 in (1407 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58.4/58.8 in (1,483/1,494 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 107.3 in (2725 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.1 in (130 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 10.9 cuFT (309 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.33 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2943 lbs (1335 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4045 lbs (1835 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 22.2 mpg US (10.6 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 37.9 mpg US (6.2 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 30.2 mpg US (7.8 L/100Km) |
ENGINE SPECS - 316ti 5MT RWD (116 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1796 cm3 |
Power: | 85.3 KW @ 5500 RPM 116 HP @ 5500 RPM 114 BHP @ 5500 RPM |
Torque: | 129 lb-ft @ 3750 RPM 175 Nm @ 3750 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 16.6 gallons (62.8 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 125 mph (201 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 10.9 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 195/65 R15 91 H |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 167.8 in (4262 mm) |
Width: | 68.9 in (1750 mm) |
Height: | 55.4 in (1407 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58.4/58.8 in (1,483/1,494 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 107.3 in (2725 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.1 in (130 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 10.9 cuFT (309 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.33 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2810.9 lbs (1275 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3968.9 lbs (1800 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 24.2 mpg US (9.7 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 44.4 mpg US (5.3 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 34.1 mpg US (6.9 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 167 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 318ti 5AT RWD (143 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1995 cm3 |
Power: | 105 KW @ 6000 RPM 143 HP @ 6000 RPM 141 BHP @ 6000 RPM |
Torque: | 148 lb-ft @ 3750 RPM 200 Nm @ 3750 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 16.6 gallons (62.8 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 131 mph (211 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 10.2 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-speed automatic (Steptronic) |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 205/55 R16 91 V |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 167.8 in (4262 mm) |
Width: | 68.9 in (1750 mm) |
Height: | 55.4 in (1407 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58/58.4 in (1,473/1,483 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 107.3 in (2725 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.3 in (109 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 10.9 cuFT (309 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.33 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2943 lbs (1335 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4045 lbs (1835 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
---|---|
City: | 21.2 mpg US (11.1 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 37.9 mpg US (6.2 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 29.4 mpg US (8 L/100Km) |
ENGINE SPECS - 318ti 5MT RWD (143 HP) | |
---|---|
Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1995 cm3 |
Power: | 105 KW @ 6000 RPM 143 HP @ 6000 RPM 141 BHP @ 6000 RPM |
Torque: | 148 lb-ft @ 3750 RPM 200 Nm @ 3750 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 16.6 gallons (62.8 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 133 mph (214 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 9.3 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 205/55 R16 91 V |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 167.8 in (4262 mm) |
Width: | 68.9 in (1750 mm) |
Height: | 55.4 in (1407 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58/58.4 in (1,473/1,483 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 107.3 in (2725 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.3 in (109 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 10.9 cuFT (309 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.33 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2810.9 lbs (1275 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3968.9 lbs (1800 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 23.1 mpg US (10.2 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 42.8 mpg US (5.5 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 32.7 mpg US (7.2 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 175 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 325ti 5AT RWD (192 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L6 |
Displacement: | 2494 cm3 |
Power: | 141 KW @ 6000 RPM 192 HP @ 6000 RPM 189 BHP @ 6000 RPM |
Torque: | 181 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM 245 Nm @ 3500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 16.6 gallons (62.8 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 144 mph (232 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 8.3 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-speed automatic (Steptronic) |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 205/55 R16 91 W |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 167.8 in (4262 mm) |
Width: | 68.9 in (1750 mm) |
Height: | 55.4 in (1407 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58/58.4 in (1,473/1,483 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 107.3 in (2725 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.3 in (109 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 10.9 cuFT (309 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.33 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3175 lbs (1440 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4277 lbs (1940 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 17.4 mpg US (13.5 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 32.2 mpg US (7.3 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 24.5 mpg US (9.6 L/100Km) |
ENGINE SPECS - 325ti 5MT RWD (192 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L6 |
Displacement: | 2494 cm3 |
Power: | 141 KW @ 6000 RPM 192 HP @ 6000 RPM 189 BHP @ 6000 RPM |
Torque: | 181 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM 245 Nm @ 3500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 16.6 gallons (62.8 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 146 mph (235 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 7.1 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 205/55 R16 91 W |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 167.8 in (4262 mm) |
Width: | 68.9 in (1750 mm) |
Height: | 55.4 in (1407 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58/58.4 in (1,473/1,483 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 107.3 in (2725 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.3 in (109 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 10.9 cuFT (309 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.33 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3042.4 lbs (1380 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4199.8 lbs (1905 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 19.1 mpg US (12.3 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 33.6 mpg US (7 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 26.4 mpg US (8.9 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 215 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 318td 5MT RWD (116 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1951 cm3 |
Power: | 85.3 KW @ 4000 RPM 116 HP @ 4000 RPM 114 BHP @ 4000 RPM |
Torque: | 207 lb-ft @ 1750 RPM 280 Nm @ 1750 RPM |
Fuel System: | Turbocharged Common Rail |
Fuel: | Diesel |
Fuel capacity: | 16.6 gallons (62.8 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 127.4 mph (205 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 10.5 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 195/65 R15 91 H |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 167.8 in (4262 mm) |
Width: | 68.9 in (1750 mm) |
Height: | 55.4 in (1407 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58/58.4 in (1,473/1,483 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 107.3 in (2725 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.3 in (109 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 10.9 cuFT (309 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.33 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3020.3 lbs (1370 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4177.8 lbs (1895 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 31.8 mpg US (7.4 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 52.3 mpg US (4.5 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 41.3 mpg US (5.7 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 151 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 320td 5AT RWD (150 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1995 cm3 |
Power: | 110 KW @ 4000 RPM 150 HP @ 4000 RPM 148 BHP @ 4000 RPM |
Torque: | 243 lb-ft @ 2000 RPM 330 Nm @ 2000 RPM |
Fuel System: | Turbocharged Common Rail |
Fuel: | Diesel |
Fuel capacity: | 16.6 gallons (62.8 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
---|---|
Top Speed: | 131 mph (211 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 9.1 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-speed automatic (Steptronic) |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 205/55 R16 91 V |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 167.8 in (4262 mm) |
Width: | 68.9 in (1750 mm) |
Height: | 55.4 in (1407 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58/58.4 in (1,473/1,483 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 107.3 in (2725 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.3 in (109 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 10.9 cuFT (309 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.33 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
---|---|
Unladen Weight: | 3153 lbs (1430 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4255 lbs (1930 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
---|---|
City: | 24.2 mpg US (9.7 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 43.6 mpg US (5.4 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 34.1 mpg US (6.9 L/100Km) |
ENGINE SPECS - 320td 5MT RWD (150 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1995 cm3 |
Power: | 110 KW @ 4000 RPM 150 HP @ 4000 RPM 148 BHP @ 4000 RPM |
Torque: | 243 lb-ft @ 2000 RPM 330 Nm @ 2000 RPM |
Fuel System: | Turbocharged Common Rail |
Fuel: | Diesel |
Fuel capacity: | 16.6 gallons (62.8 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
---|---|
Top Speed: | 133 mph (214 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 8.9 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 205/55 R16 91 V |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 167.8 in (4262 mm) |
Width: | 68.9 in (1750 mm) |
Height: | 55.4 in (1407 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58/58.4 in (1,473/1,483 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 107.3 in (2725 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.3 in (109 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 10.9 cuFT (309 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.33 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
---|---|
Unladen Weight: | 3020.3 lbs (1370 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4177.8 lbs (1895 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
---|---|
City: | 30.9 mpg US (7.6 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 53.5 mpg US (4.4 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 42.8 mpg US (5.5 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 148 g/km |