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BMW: BMW 3 Series Compact 2001

Get yourself into a 325 compact, fasten the seatbelt and push down the accelerator. Go onto a nice and winding mountain road and you instantaneously perceive, what's meant with "Freude am Fahren". Or for those from west of the Channel rather than east of the Rhine, pleasure of driving.

The 325ti comes with 141 kW/192 bhp, a straight-six, four valves, double-VANOS, 245 Nm/181 lb-ft engine and expects a standardized 8.9 litres/100km. Once you hit the button down, you should be able to run 235 km/h (146 mph), possibly nowhere out of Germany.

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You can also buy the compact as a 316ti, which delighted us with a VALVETRONIC equipped engine. Announced as a quantum leap, we agree that this engine certainly defines history among combustion engines.

The 85 kW/115 bhp four-cylinder, four valves, VALVETRONIC, double-VANOS, 175 Nm/129 lb-ft engine is equipped with fully variable intake valve lift reducing fuel consumption especially under standard driving conditions for the customer by at least 10 per cent, irrespective of fuel quality. We enjoyed a highly direct engine response and low fuel consumption of 7,5 liters/100km - driving a moderate sporty style. The 316ti should be able to run at 201 km/h.

The backrests tilting forwards about 12^o more than on the former model while the front seats slide approximately 90 millimeters or 3.5´´ further to the front and move upwards at the same time, giving rear-seat passengers an opening 234 millimeters or 9.6´´ wider at knee level. This makes the 3 series compact a true a five-seater and comes with five full-size seats.

The 3 series compact interior is tasteful and very much like the saloon.

But the 3 series compact combines a lot of  intelligent concepts. For example, the rear lid opens automatically to provide access to the new loading package. We enjoyed the nets on the front-seat backrests take up all the odds and ends which so often get in the way and tend to fly around inside the car. The compartment for glasses in the centre console, in turn, keeps sunglasses safe and sound, without the risk of breakage.

An option specially available for transporting large objects is the loading package, another new development exclusive to the 3 Series compact: This is a variable storage compartment beneath a flap in the parcel shelf just perfect for discreetly stowing away and safely transporting even sensitive items.

The 3 series compact is the premium model in its segment of the market. Apart from the particularly sophisticated materials finished to the highest standard of quality on the compact, this superiority is also borne out by the wide range of standard equipment, the following list presenting only some of the most important features:

• Frontal, side and head airbags actuated as a function of accident severity for protection optimized to the highest standard; belt latch tensioner and belt force limiter.

• ABS, wheel-specific brake force distribution (EBFD + CBC).

• ASC+T Automatic Stability Control.

• DSC Dynamic Stability Control (optional on the 316ti).

• Car Memory/Key Memory for individual programming of vehicle functions for each driver.

• Radio remote control with a self-charging key and central locking; no need to change or recharge a battery; works also with the car fully iced over.

• Light Control Module (LCM) activating an additional signal in the event of a lights defect.

• Service Interval Indicator displaying residual mileage.

• Heating electronically controlled, complete with microfilter and air recirculation button.

• Air conditioning (optional on the 316ti).

• Light-alloy wheels in V-spoke styling, 16 inches (optional on the 316ti).

• Leather sports steering wheel and a leather gearshift knob (optional on the 316ti).

• Sports seats at the front (optional on the 316ti).

• Electric window lifts.

• Vent windows at the rear.

• Through-loading system with asymmetrically divided rear seat bench.

• ISOFIX child seat fastening system.

• Exterior mirrors in aspheric design, tinted and electrically adjustable.

• Heated screenwasher nozzles.

• All-round parking protection.

• Bumpers regenerating to their original shape in impacts at up to 4 km/h.

• Impact units between the bumpers and longitudinal arms returning to their original position in impact speeds up to 15 km/h.

• Heat-insulating glass all round.

• On-board computer (optional on the 316ti).

• Radio.

• Digital clock.

• Courtesy lights with automatic dimming function.

• Bumpers and exterior mirrors in body colour.

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