Newbie with some E36 compact questions

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   Hi all
Just thought I'd say hello introduce myself. I'm living in Dublin and I work for an Information Security company. I recently bought my first BMW, a 1996 318TDS Compact. I've had it a month and it's really impressed me so far. I've started making a few improvements by fitting M3 style rear lights, clear indicators and side repeaters. I've also fitted a Pioneer CD head-unit. 
I've just a few questions I was hoping you could help me with:
1. Would I be correct in assuming that the Compact and Coupe have the same wheelbase and as such the sideskirts from a coupe will fit the Compact?
2. I want to upgrade the rear speakers but I don't want to go cutting up the rear parcel shelf unless its necessary. The original Nokia speakers are fairly small and mounted on unusual adapters. Has anyone fitted uprated rear speakers in the original mounting positions?
3. Is the interior of a Compact interchangeable with that of a Coupe? I know the dashboards are different but will the seats, door trims, rear seats and rear side trims from a Coupe fit a Compact?
4. I've found lots of information on installing alarms (both OEM and aftermarket) for the E36, especially on US BMW sites. Most focus on the Coupe which seems to be pre-wired for alarm installation. Is this the case with the Compact, is it just a matter of fitting the control unit to the wiring harness located behind the glovebox and installing the LED?
Any info on the above will be much appreciated.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all 
James

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JamesIE Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 21-December-2003 Location: Ireland Status: Offline Points: 10	Topic: Newbie with some E36 compact questions Posted: 24-December-2003 at 12:22
	Hi all Just thought I'd say hello introduce myself. I'm living in Dublin and I work for an Information Security company. I recently bought my first BMW, a 1996 318TDS Compact. I've had it a month and it's really impressed me so far. I've started making a few improvements by fitting M3 style rear lights, clear indicators and side repeaters. I've also fitted a Pioneer CD head-unit. I've just a few questions I was hoping you could help me with: 1. Would I be correct in assuming that the Compact and Coupe have the same wheelbase and as such the sideskirts from a coupe will fit the Compact? 2. I want to upgrade the rear speakers but I don't want to go cutting up the rear parcel shelf unless its necessary. The original Nokia speakers are fairly small and mounted on unusual adapters. Has anyone fitted uprated rear speakers in the original mounting positions? 3. Is the interior of a Compact interchangeable with that of a Coupe? I know the dashboards are different but will the seats, door trims, rear seats and rear side trims from a Coupe fit a Compact? 4. I've found lots of information on installing alarms (both OEM and aftermarket) for the E36, especially on US BMW sites. Most focus on the Coupe which seems to be pre-wired for alarm installation. Is this the case with the Compact, is it just a matter of fitting the control unit to the wiring harness located behind the glovebox and installing the LED? Any info on the above will be much appreciated. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all James

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