Following the 3 Series Sedan (1990), Coupé (1991), Convertible (1993) and Touring (1995) versions, BMW launched a new variant on the market as early as 1994, the 3 Series Compact. The body was 23 cm shorter than the sedan, and the rear-wheel drive made the Compact a unique product. From 1995, customers also had the option of a diesel version, the BMW 318tds Compact. The four-cylinder diesel engine generated a power output of 90 hp and was fitted with charge-air cooling.