BMW 3 Series Compact (E36)

At the end of 1993, BMW presented a completely new body version based on the BMW 3 Series (E36). The car was in dealer showrooms from April 1994. The new Compact was a two-door hatchback sedan shortened by approximately 23 cm. It had a large tailgate and space for four or five people. It was practical and manoeuvrable but it also possessed the sporty character so typical of BMW. The Compact was primarily aimed at a young target group or intended as a second vehicle for married couples or families. It was positioned to compete in the Golf class and the price was targeted as the new entry-level model for the BMW brand. After the sedan and the coupé, the Compact was in fact the version of the BMW 3 Series (E36) with the highest sales figures. Almost 400,000 units were sold.