[Bluebimma]

The compact was cheaper than 19$ it was offered as a super base 316i which had drums, no a/c, crank Windows and RWD with a 1.6 Sohc. It didn't fare well with other compacts but gave the BMW market more outreach for less money. A gti walked it along with civics. Sport versions received 1.8/9, then the msport 323ti which could finally be on par with the vr6 golf. By then, us market didn't like the appeal of a slow BMW when the vw was faster and cheaper while doing the same job. I've owned 6 ti's, my most expensive purchased was 29k and still sported the 1.9l.

I also did a small survey years ago, there are a lot of enthusiasts that would've purchased the ti if it just had a 6cyl itself.

Could only imagine that it would sell at base m3 price as a full m sport ti and club sport with a manual and loaded was only 28k.