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BMW: BMW 3 Series Compact Project

Photo: BMW

BMW is hoping, that the new 3 series compact will continue the success story of the old one, of which about 400,000 units were sold. According to BMW sources, a sales volume of more than 70,000 compacts p.a. is forecasted. Facing a tough competition, especially from the Mercedes C-class sports coupe, this will be a challenging target and it cannot yet be predicted, how the new MINI fits into the picture.

When BMW introduced the first 3 series compact in winter 1993/1994, BMW defined itself a new market. It turned out, that the 3 series compact attracted 70% new buyers and BMW could gain new market share without cannibalizing the 3 series saloon.

Enhanced by a 323ti in 1997, the vehicle customers are in average 10% younger than those of the 3 series saloon, but earn 10% more in average. The 3 series compact is strongly favored by women. 40% of the car buyers are women and one third is unmarried.

The 3 series compact was developed within 28 months, when design freeze took place. Most of the interior and the outer panels had to be newly engineered. The cockpit was taken over from the limousine and most parts of the underbody, but everything behind the B-pillar is new. The car is designed, using extensively virtual design technologies. The master model was finished 24 month prior to job 1 and 20 month before the assembly was virtually planned and discussed with the engineers of the Munich plant. Already 17 month prior to the launch, the first car was assembled in the existing 3 series saloon line in Munich parallel to the running car.

The 3 series team: (from left) Tarik Michel (C1), Paul Oost (Product Strategy), Heinz Krusche (Chassis), Juergen Hedrich (Manufacturing),  Wolfgang Epple (Project Management), Graham Thorpe (Design), w/o photo Theo Melcher (Engine)
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According to Wolfgang Epple, Project Management 3 Series BMW, the 3 series compact development was characterized by:

• First time complete virtual development with the complete car computer modeled 24 month prior to the launch, thus enabling

• extended functional testing of components and systems, and

• extensive involvement of the plant engineers, especially first test assembly 17 month prior to the launch in running production with materials control in the running logistics environment.

All Photos: Automotive Intelligence

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