The BMW 3 Series

The BMW Series 3 is the longest running series that is offered by BMW. It has been in production since 1975, and is the one way in which the automakers makes the majority of their profit, with sales of the Series 3 making up around forty percent of their total profits. The Series 3 contains five generations that contain five different models in the series.

The first generation of Series 3 was from 1975 to 1983. The E21 when first released, was available in three different versions, each with a different liter of engine. This was a car that was received well by the public and one that increased the brand image of BMW throughout the world. The car is defined with its two doors and round headlights that were a main thing that set off the car belonging to the BMW group. The car was available in the sedan model or the convertible model, both of which were very popular.

The second generation of the Series 3 was from 1982 through 1994. The model was given the name of the E30. This car that replaced the E21 was almost double the price, however, this did not seem to hurt the sales of the four door sedan. And it was the best selling BMW that they had produced in the United State since the days of the 2002 Ti. The E30 became available in a two door coupe and convertible model as well, for those that were interested. As well as a five door touring model. However, most of those that stay up-to-date on what BMW does, will state that the four door sedan was the reason that this is a generation that will be remembered by all.

The third generation of the Series 3 was from 1990 through 2000. The E36 took over for the E30 and was the luxury small compact car model that BMW pushed during the time. There were many models of the E30 that was available, including a two door coupe, two door convertible, four door salon and five door touring. However, the most popular of the options was the two door coupe and convertible. These had a sportier look that screamed performance, which was why so many people loved these.

The fourth generation of the Series 3 was produced from 1998 to 2005. This was the time of E46 and was described as a luxury sub compact car. Throughout the years that this model was produced, the car received many face lifts to make it more appealing to the buyer. There were many models available, including the two door coupe, two door convertible, four door saloon, and five door touring. The most popular of which seemed to be the four door salon.

The fifth generation of the Series 3 started in 2005 and is currently in use. The E90 is the main model, however they have introduced the E93, E92, and E91. The car is available as a two door, four door or five door, with the options of convertibles, coupes, saloon and touring. The sixth generation is set to start in 2012 with many more surprises in the future.