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Free BMW 3 Series Compact (E36/5) VIN Decoder

Decode your BMW 3 Series Compact (E36/5) VIN number free for full specifications, engine, power, transmission and body, plus recalls and safety ratings. Covers 9 variants (1994+). No registration.

1994+ 9 variants Hatchback PetrolDiesel
BMW 3 Series Compact (E36/5)
Photo: nakhon100, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

BMW 3 Series Compact (E36/5) specs by variant

Engine, power, transmission and emissions for each 3 Series Compact (E36/5) variant in our database.

VariantYearsFuelEnginePowerGearboxDriveCO₂
323 5MT RWD (170 HP) 1994 Petrol 2.5 L 168 bhp MANUAL 5sp RWD
323ti 5AT RWD (170 HP) 1994 Petrol 2.5 L 168 bhp AUTOMATIC 5sp RWD
318ti 4AT RWD (140 HP) 1994 Petrol 1.8 L 138 bhp AUTOMATIC 4sp RWD
318ti 5MT RWD (140 HP) 1994 Petrol 1.8 L 138 bhp MANUAL 5sp RWD
316i 4AT RWD (105 HP) 1994 Petrol 1.9 L 104 bhp AUTOMATIC 4sp RWD
316i 5MT RWD (105 HP) 1994 Petrol 1.9 L 104 bhp MANUAL 5sp RWD
316i 4AT RWD (102 HP) 1994 Petrol 1.6 L 101 bhp AUTOMATIC 4sp RWD
316i 5MT RWD (102 HP) 1994 Petrol 1.6 L 101 bhp MANUAL 5sp RWD
318tds 5MT RWD (90 HP) 1994 Diesel 1.7 L 89 bhp MANUAL 5sp RWD

Specifications are indicative, from open data (cardata.wiki). Decode your VIN above to confirm the exact build.

Why decode a BMW 3 Series Compact (E36/5) VIN?

The VIN confirms the exact engine, gearbox and trim, exposes outstanding recalls, and verifies the car matches its paperwork, so you can be sure a used 3 Series Compact (E36/5) is what the advert claims before you buy.

Other 3 Series Compact generations and versions

The same nameplate across body styles and chassis generations.

Other BMW models

Decode another BMW, or see all BMW models.

BMW 3 Series Compact (E36/5) VIN FAQ

What does a BMW 3 Series Compact (E36/5) VIN tell you?+
A BMW 3 Series Compact (E36/5) VIN decodes to the exact variant, engine, transmission, body type, model year and factory options. Our free decoder also checks recalls and available safety ratings.
Where is the VIN on a BMW 3 Series Compact (E36/5)?+
Look at the base of the windscreen on the driver's side, on the driver's door-jamb sticker, and on the vehicle registration document (V5C / title).
What years was the BMW 3 Series Compact (E36/5) made?+
Our database covers the BMW 3 Series Compact (E36/5) for model years 1994+, across 9 variants.
Is the BMW 3 Series Compact (E36/5) VIN check free?+
Yes, decoding specifications, recalls and safety ratings is completely free and needs no registration. A paid full-history report (mileage, theft, accidents) is optional.

Decode your BMW 3 Series Compact (E36/5) VIN

Enter the 17-character VIN for instant specifications, recalls and safety data. Free, no registration.

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