BMW 3 Series Compact 2001–2005 car dimensions: 4262 mm long, 1751 mm wide and 1408 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,375 kg. Braked towing is 1,600 kg.
Base models get manual air conditioning and a basic stereo with CD. Higher grades add automatic climate control and cruise control. Multi-function steering wheel and rear park distance control are options. Navigation with a display screen is available on some. No modern driver aids like cameras or emergency braking appear in the specs.
Boot holds 310 litres with seats up. Fold the split rear seats and it opens to 1100 litres for larger loads. Space is practical for a compact hatch but access can feel tight.
Braked towing reaches up to 1600 kg on stronger engines, with unbraked around 670-720 kg. Payload sits near 500 kg. Sports suspension is an option on higher models for firmer handling.
The cabin offers five full-sized seats with ergonomically shaped fronts that give firm lateral support. Sports seats add more contouring. Electric multi-way adjustment with memory is available on higher grades. Air conditioning is standard, with automatic climate control on top models. An electric glass sliding roof is optional. Heat-insulating glass is fitted all round.
Combined fuel use starts around 7.0 l/100 km on the 316ti petrol.
Service interval indicator calculates oil and inspection needs from driving conditions.
Euro NCAP four-star adult rating on related E46 sedan after side-impact updates.
Standard kit: dual front airbags, front side and head airbags, ABS with CBC, DSC stability control.
Petrol engines with Valvetronic cut fuel use by about 16 percent versus prior units. The 316ti records 7.0 l/100 km combined. The 320td diesel reaches 51.4 mpg combined. Tank size is 63 litres across the range.
A service interval display in the instruments shows remaining distance to the next oil service or inspection. Intervals adapt to real use rather than fixed mileage, typically near 15 000 miles for oil changes. Brake fluid is due every two years.
Safety gear includes dual-stage front airbags with occupancy sensor, ITS head airbags, front side airbags, ABS, cornering brake control and DSC. Rear side airbags are optional. Seat belts have pretensioners and load limiters. The structure uses crumple zones and side-impact beams.
Keep the car by following the on-board service prompts and changing oil at least yearly. Cooling-system parts and front suspension joints wear with age and need regular checks. Parts remain widely available.
Length 4262 mm, Width 1751 mm, Height 1408 mm, Wheelbase 2725 mm (3 Series Compact 2001–2005)
Sources: manufacturer data, BMW official technical data, autoevolution, auto-data.net, ultimatespecs and others.