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Changes in the BMW 3 Series

The BMW 3 Series has been in production since 1975 with models that fall into the classification of compact executive cars. This series replaces the BMW New Class and in now in its fifth generation with at least five unique body styles. The 3 Series is accounted for almost 40 percent of BMWs sales in 2005 and has the highest sales volume of any vehicle in its class.
The oil crisis of 1973 inspired BMW to release the E21. It was a move that attracted customers who wanted economy and prestige and nearly doubled the company's auto sales throughout the world in a mere three years. More than thirty years later the 3 Series still lays claim to having the highest sales volume in its class and is as common in Asia, America, Australia and Europe as some less expensive models. The 3 Series has helped BMW retain its heritage in the world of racing.

History of the BMW 3 Series

To date the 3 Series has produced cars for five generations.
The following shows those models by year of production:

E21 (1975-1983)
E30 (1983-1991)
E36 (1991-2000)
E46 (1998-2005)
E90 (2005 Europe, 2006 U.S.) Saloon
E91 (2005 Europe, 2006 U.S.) Touring
E92 (2007-Present) Coupe
E93 (2007-Present) Convertible

E21 (1975-1983)

BMW began production on the E21 on May 2, 1975 (1977 in the United States) and continued through 1983. The original concept was for it to replace the BMW 2002, so the first model was solely a 2-door in the saloon body style. There was also a cabrio version available.
The E21's design was a new one for BMW beginning with the console being directed toward the driver instead of in a forward facing direction. Since that beginning this concept has been followed in all later models. In addition, to protect the safety of all occupants interior edges and control panels were padded and rounded.

E30 (1982-1992)

The E30 was available for sale from 1982-1991 in the saloon body style and through 1993 as a convertible. While the vehicle offered many options, those in Europe were different than the ones available for vehicles in United States production facilities.
In 1986 BMW introduced an all-wheel drive variant of the E21 called the 325ix, and a touring model joined in the latter part of 1987 the latter of which was extremely popular up until 1994. The M3 laid claim to having more power than any other E30 in America in 1989 and used 192 horsepower in a straight-4 with fuel injection.

E36 (1992-1998)

The BMW E36 is an entry-level luxury car or compact executive car. It was originally a replacement for the E30 and achieved a great deal of success in the buyer's marketplace. The model actually entered the market in 1990 and continued through 2000 depending where you lived in the world. The 4-door model began production in 1990 and was open for European sales only—the following year it entered the worldwide markets. The coupe body style began production in 1991, the Cabriolet in 1992, and the three-door hatchback in 1994. BMW began producing the "Touring" estate variant but it was never available in the U.S.A.

E46 (1998-2005)

The E46 is a classified as an entry-level luxury car or compact executive car. In 1998 the saloon version came on the market; the following year it replaced the E36 saloon. BMW released the touring and coupe models in 1999; the convertible and M3 came on the scene in 2000. The 3-door hatchback variant was released in 2001, but it was only available in Europe and Australia. BMW introduced an optional all-wheel drive in 2001, but it was not available in the United Kingdom or other countries using right-hand drive.

E90 (2005-2011)

The E90 entered the market in March 2005 as a saloon model (E90) and a touring model (E91) for the 2006 model year. The coupe (E92) and hardtop convertible (E93) were introduced in August 2006 for the 2007 model year. With this release the coupe now has its own design rather than being fashioned after the sedan/wagon like its predecessors. The hardtop retractable convertible is a new entry for the 3 Series. There are twelve engine options available for this model. The BMW 3 Series M3 is a popular model.

F30 (2012-)

The F30 is due to arrive on the market for sale during the 2012 model year. The F01 7 Series and F10 5 Series are the inspiration for the car's exterior design. There will be a re-entry of the saloon, wagon, couple and convertible body styles and possibly a five-door hatchback. It is scheduled to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 2012 and be available on the market later that year.