BMW 3 Series compact (E46)

The BMW 3 Series compact (E46) was launched in the marketplace in June 2001 with the model revision of the BMW 3 Series Sedan (E46). By comparison with the sedan, the compact was graced with an exceptionally unique design, was 21 cm shorter and had a more sporty chassis. The agile handling and the practical, large trunk lid were primarily intended to attract a young circle of customers. Together with the sedan, the car was in the mid-range segment and in spite of the favourable entry-level price customers were presented with a choice from a wide range of special equipment options. Almost 200,000 vehicles of the compact were manufactured with a choice of five different engines until it was replaced by the BMW 1 Series (E87) in 2004.