To attract more customers on its side, BMW introduced the 3-Series compact in 1993. The second and last generation was introduced in 2000. It didn't work too well.

Before 1994, the last time when BMW offered a hatchback was between 1971 and 1972 with the Touring version of the 1600 series. And it was not a success. But for the 1994 model, it was a different story.