BMW 3 Series Compact  

BMW 3 series compact - the verse in diversity

November 2001

For the first time, BMW South Africa is giving local customers access to the entire 3-Series range consisting of sedan, coupe, convertible, touring and Compact – making it the most diverse product range available locally.  

Although it was never sold in South Africa, more than 400 000 examples of the first-generation BMW Compact were sold around the world since its debut in 1994, introducing thousands of new buyers to BMW. The second-generation Compact, based heavily on standard 3-Series mechanics, has landed in SA as a full import and is expected to continue its international success while at the same time, through its competitive pricing and youthful styling, attracting a wide range of new buyers to the BMW brand.

European research showed that with the previous generation Compact, two out of every three Compact owners had not bought a BMW before and 65 per cent of them then went on to buy another car in the BMW range.

With the availability of the Compact, BMW South Africa is also to for the first time giving local customers access to the entire 3-Series range consisting of sedan, coupe, convertible, touring and Compact – making it the most diverse product range available locally.  

Two models spanning a wide price and performance range will initially be available – the 318ti with 105 kW, 2.0 litre four cylinder Valvetronic petrol engine (top speed 211 km/h, 0-100 km/h in 9,6 seconds) and the 325ti with BMW’s fabled 141 kW inline six cylinder engine (top speed 234 km/h, 0-100 km/h in 7,6 seconds). Standard shift is a five-speed manual, but a Steptronic automatic transmission is optional.

The Compact is instantly recognisable from the front by its new headlights (with bi-xenon headlight technology).  Unlike all other BMW models, the Compact has separate high and low beam lamps. Viewed from the rear, round separate lights beneath a clear glass cover add to the individual styling of the new Compact.

As was the case with its predecessors, the new Compact range sets new standards in this competitive segment: With its short body, its own sports-tuned suspension, a high standard of features and equipment as well as ultra-modern engine technology, the Compact offers a unique synthesis of sporting qualities and practical value.

The Compact is the first in the stable to feature BMW’s revolutionary, four cylinder Valvetronic petrol engine built in the UK at BMW’s engine plant at Hams Hall. Its new technology increases power by 10 per cent, while reducing fuel consumption and emissions by the same amount. The VALVETRONIC system is based around BMW’s proven double-VANOS which provides infinite camshaft adjustment and, therefore, valve lift. The variable valve lift adjusts the cam action and, therefore, the duration of the valve opening.  .

A lever, positioned between camshaft and the intake valves, is operated by an electric motor via an eccentric shaft and has infinite adjustment capacity.  Depending on the position of the VALVETRONIC control system, the lever converts the cam contour to produce greater or smaller valve lift.

Despite being 21 cm shorter that the 3-Series sedan (on the same wheelbase), the Compact’s chassis has been developed to be exceptionally responsive, with quick, weighted steering and suspension – in true 3-Series form. The rear benefits particularly from a version of BMW’s exceptional Z-axle. State-of-the-art driving stability aids as standard include ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction), CBC (Cornering Braking Control) and EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution).

Both the 318ti and 325ti have DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) available as an option. This now includes DBC (Dynamic Brake Control) to optimise braking power under heavy braking conditions. Passive safety features include six airbags, ABS, seatbelt pretensioners, belt-force limiters, side impact door beams and rigid occupant safety cage.

There is a choice of 14 interior colours, 13 exterior colours, two fabric upholstery colours, four fabric/leather options and seven full leather choices. Customers can also match the interior trim to the exterior colour of the car with a new design option called Young Line.

As with all other BMWs sold in South Africa, the Compact’s retail price includes a 5 Year/100 000 km Motorplan maintenance contract, and the peace of mind of around-the-clock roadside assistance in case of a breakdown or accident with BMW On-Call for 5 years.