the E36 compact nice car- naff car?

Goldryder wrote: The compact IS a real BMW, just a more practical, family orientated one that was designed for the people who wanted plenty of space but not an estate. The hatchback is the middle variant, both sporty and able to carry anything and everything with relative ease. People may think that the hatchback BMW goes against the grain of the marque as a whole but they have definately proved popular, and not just to those wishing to own their first BMW either, they are a damn fine all rounder and its a shame that it gets slated so much. Granted, I was a bit put off by the shape but once I had driven Rhys's, well tbh when driving the car it feels and handles just like any other BMW, that is extremely well for a car of its class. Its an impressive little car, perfect for those who want practicality without losing performance. I think Stephenperry will agree on that one, seeing as his car was matched alot of the time by Rhys's compact in Scotland last year...and I can tell you that Stephen was not holding back either...the compact proved to be a very nimble car.

Lol, family orientated? if you have half a car how can you say family orientated? why compromise on a tourer for a compact? you been drinking?

The compact IS a real BMW, just a more practical, family orientated one that was designed for the people who wanted plenty of space but not an estate. The hatchback is the middle variant, both sporty and able to carry anything and everything with relative ease.

People may think that the hatchback BMW goes against the grain of the marque as a whole but they have definately proved popular, and not just to those wishing to own their first BMW either, they are a damn fine all rounder and its a shame that it gets slated so much.

Granted, I was a bit put off by the shape but once I had driven Rhys's, well tbh when driving the car it feels and handles just like any other BMW, that is extremely well for a car of its class.

Its an impressive little car, perfect for those who want practicality without losing performance. I think Stephenperry will agree on that one, seeing as his car was matched alot of the time by Rhys's compact in Scotland last year...and I can tell you that Stephen was not holding back either...the compact proved to be a very nimble car.

Boy have we hit a raw nerve here?

gadtzzzzzzzzz and theres me thinking they couldnt make it look much worse lol

The rear of this one is a bit shorter than most (as is the front)


What about this? Karmann conversion..

I take your point mate but I know what first attracted me to BMWs was how great I thought they looked - particularly the E30 - when I was growing up.

The Compact struck me as the first car they'd designed that just looked ... wrong. Of course having seen the one series, the Compact now looks relatively handsome ha ha! 

Goldryder wrote: The BMW compact is perfect for the task it was designed to be, spacious, comfy, safe and multi-purpose.

That sounds suspiciously like "You don't look at the mantlepiece when you're poking the fire" to me.

 

Peter Fenwick wrote: mell wrote: hey its just my opinion There are two opinions, mine and the wrong one LOL Only joking of course. On issues of styling it is pointless arguing since beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

very true we cant all be beautiful can we haha j/k

 

the compact just aint my cup of tea

mell wrote: hey its just my opinion

There are two opinions, mine and the wrong one LOL

Only joking of course.

On issues of styling it is pointless arguing since beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

I think BMW entered the SUV market based on the fact that there was no top class performer in this sector and it remains the best in it's class. Don't forget they built the Range Rover aswell which is the another step up in luxury and pretty unbeatable IMO.

As for the compact, being an entry level model meant it was always going to be slated, but it did make the BMW marque more affordable to people who otherwise might not be able to afford a new model. As stated before, i've owned the the E36 version and never regreted a minute. I bought it as it was the cheapest BMW to insure as it was'nt considered a sports model like the coupe. 

5 years on i drive an E36 M3 but i owe it all to the compact putting me on the ladder

I meant to add, the E36 compact was a successful model for BMW as is the X5 but i think they may have got carried away trying to make new niche's in the market like the X3, i mean what is it suppose to rival.....the Freelander? i don't see the point.

Also, the more i see the new models against the old version, the more convinced i am that something special has been lost in design

Edited by Robbie Bradford