BMW Compact

The BMW Compact is a small family car from the BMW 3Series, produced between 1994 and 2004. It was produced by German automaker and was only available as a 3-door hatchback, widely known as a 318ti. Its structure is based on the BMW E36 platform, which was introduced in Europe as 316i. The BMW compact is identical to E36 from front bumper to A pillar. Its 1995 model was equipped with a .8 litre, 138 bhp four-cylinder M42 engine and was sold in North America. It was the much appreciated car, after E36, and was known as the lightest, fastest, best handling and least expensive car.

In 1996, the BMW Compact engine was expanded to 1.9 litres (M44) with certain modifications like the car was made OBD-II compliant and power curve adjustments were added. This compact executive car came in different trim levels like Active and Sport. Sport package looked similar to BMW sedan and gave suspension upgrade to the cars. However, Active package offered comfort items such as OBC (On-board computer), cruise control and remote keyless entry. In 1996, the sports package was added with the M-aerodynamic package with the exception using the standard side mirror. The Clubsport edition of 318ti had upgraded suspension, limited slip differential, sport seats and full M-aerodynamic package including front and rear bumpers as well as side mirrors and was the only model of 1995.

There were many versions of BMW compact, the last one of which was 320dt with diesel engine after which it was it was replaced by the BMW 1 Series.