The BMW E36 STW 318ti Compact
Unfortunately, not much is known about this limited small series.
These vehicles were produced in a limited edition of a total of 46 vehicles in June and July 1997 for Switzerland. All vehicles were delivered in the color Alpine White III and received the distinctive flag design over the bonnet and the rear section, which had also been applied to the BMW E36 M3 Lightweight in 1995. The “M-Cross” upholstery material with which the seat support surface is covered also comes from the M 3 of the E36 series, while the seat bolsters were made of Alcantara in the color anthracite. The headlining was black, as is usual for vehicles with the M package ex works. These vehicles also had the red/white taillights, white front and side indicators and 18-inch BBS rims.
Pictures Car number 17/46
The vehicle had the M sports package ex works including the M3 mirrors, which were painted in Mugello red ex works, and the Bilstein B6 chassis with 20mm lowering, which was already produced in the 1994 BMW 318Is Class 2, which at the time was the homologation series for the FIA STW were built in a limited number of 2500 pieces, were used. The engine is also identical, M42 with four-valve technology and 140hp.
All BMW E36 STW 318ti Compact also had a rear spoiler, roof spoiler with 3rd brake light and heated seats, as well as the 3 spoke airbag steering wheel known from other BMW E36 models.
The limited number of pieces was also indicated by a plaque with a consecutive number attached above the glove compartment, which revealed which vehicle was produced in this strictly limited special model.
Over the years we have only seen 2 of these vehicles, once the number 17 and once the number 24. Unfortunately, it cannot be answered how many vehicles of these special models actually still exist.
In the following pictures of the vehicle 24/46:
