A rare glimpse into BMW’s experimental past reveals the automaker once explored a radical redesign of the E36 Compact, testing a prototype with two rear doors—a departure from the conventional hatchback layout. The unconventional 316i model, though never mass-produced, showcases how manufacturers occasionally push boundaries in pursuit of innovative vehicle concepts. Designers sought to rethink practicality and access without altering the car’s core structure, though the idea ultimately fell by the wayside. For enthusiasts of automotive history, the surviving prototype offers a fascinating look at what might have been.
BMW considered adding two rear doors to the E36 Compact, but the unusual 316i prototype never made it to production.
