Introduced in Europe as the Compact, the BMW 3 Series 318ti was first imported to North America in 1995. The body style of the 318ti Compact is that of a 3-door hatchback. Never very popular in the US market, it has received a good reception in the rest of the world, where this body style is better received. The official designation of the model is E36/5.

In Europe there are a number of engine options, including a 1.6 liter and diesel models, but in North America only the larger 1.8 liter was brought over when it debuted in 1995. It was enlarged to 1.9 liters in 1996 for more torque. Originally only made with a solid roof, in 1996 a "California" model with a large canvas sunroof was introduced. The canvas roof was still an option on all 1997 ti's.

Repair, installation and modification tips from 318ti.org:

• Alignments
• ASC+
• Brake Squeal
• Differentials
• Driving In The Wind
• Exhaust
• Foglights
• Install Arm Rest
Door
• Torque
• Install K and N Airfilter
• Foglights
• Install Heated Seats
• Dual Intake
• Install Nutserts
• Install Short Shift
• Install ///Spoiler
• Install Sun Shade
• Install SuperSprint Exhaust
• Install VDO Gauges
• Install X-brace
• Double Up Brake Lights
• Replace a Microfilter
• Replace an Exhaust
• Remove the Door
• Gateway Tech 1998
• ModifyM42 Intake
• ModifyM44 Dual Air Intake
• Motoronics 5.2 (M44)
• Mototronic 5.2 Reprogramming
• OBD II
• Shifting Techniques
• Shift Points
• Suspension
• Swap Differentials
• Torque and Horsepower
• Twitching Rear
• Suspension
• Underhood Temperature
  

Some reviews from the Internet archives:

Please don't call it a hatchback and Bad Boys On Dirt from the Roundel.

1998 BMW 318ti from the Auto Channel.

Short Test of 1995 BMW 318ti from Motor Week.

BMW has got your number from the Detroit News, October 25, 1995.

Inside an itty-bitty BMW from the Washington Post, July 19, 1995.

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