BMW series

The BMW 3 Series is a compact executive car manufactured by the German automaker BMW since May 1975. Successor to the BMW New Class, it has been produced in five different generations and in no less than five different body styles. It is BMW's best selling automobile, accounting for nearly 40% of the company's auto sales in 2005.

Social and marketing significance

BMW released its E21 in the wake of the 1973 oil crisis, attracting customers seeking both prestige and economy, nearly doubling BMW's worldwide auto sales figures in three years, and winning numerous automotive world awards and honors.

Three decades later, the 3 Series is still the best-selling of its class,[1] as commonplace in Asia, America and Australia as in Europe, and it has even outsold some cheaper models, like Ford Mondeo in the UK.

While some argue that the popularity of the car had reduced its prestigious image, the 3 Series still remains the benchmark and its competitors are often judged on how close they come to this car.

The 3 series has also maintained BMW's racing heritage. The M version of the 3 series, M3, debuted in 1988.[2]

The 3 series cars usually sell well, but two-door versions usually do not sell as well as sedan versions.

3 Series vehicles can be largely differentiated by the series number:

* BMW E21 - (1975–1983) 3 Series
* BMW E30 - (1983–1991) 3 Series
* BMW E36 - (1991–2000) 3 Series
* BMW E46 - (1998–2007) 3 Series
* BMW E90 - (2005–) 3 Series Sedan
* BMW E91 - (2006-) 3 Series Touring
* BMW E92 - (2007-) 3 Series Coupé
* BMW E93 - (2007-) 3 Series Convertible