BMW 3 Series Compact

The BMW 3 Series Compact was a car that BMW produced from 1994 through 2004, a three-door hatchback version of the 3 Series across two generations, on the E36 platform from 1993 and the E46 platform from 2001. Unlike most hatchback competitors, which had a transverse engine and front-wheel drive, it kept the longitudinal engine and rear-wheel-drive layout of the 3 Series. Launched in March 1994, the E36/5 was BMW's first hatchback since the 2002 Touring was dropped in 1974, and it reportedly cost BMW 500 million US dollars to develop. From the front bumper to the A-pillar it is identical to the E36 saloon, while the rear is unique and about 200 mm shorter overall with the same wheelbase. In 2004 the 1 Series replaced it.