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 six different generations and in five different body styles. It is BMW's best-selling model, accounting for around 30% of the BMW brand's annual total sales (excluding motorbikes). The BMW 3 Series has won numerous awards throughout its history.

BMW released its E21 in the wake of the 1973 oil crisis, nearly doubling BMW's worldwide auto sales figures in three years. The 3 series has also maintained BMW's racing heritage. The M version of the 3 series, M3, debuted in 1988.[2]

 There have been six generations; their respective chassis codes are:

• BMW E21 – (1975–1983) 3 Series
• BMW E30 – (1983–1991) 3 Series
• BMW E36 – (1991–2000) 3 Series
• BMW E46 – (1999–2006) 3 Series
• BMW E90 – (2005–2011/EUR, 2006–2011/US) 3 Series saloon BMW E91 – (2005–2011/EUR, 2006–2011/US) 3 Series Touring (Sports Wagon)
• BMW E92 – (2007–2011) 3 Series Coupé
• BMW E93 – (2007–2011) 3 Series Convertible
• BMW F30 – (2012–) 3 Series saloon BMW F31 – (2012–) 3 Series Touring (Sports Wagon)
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• Specifications
• Bodywork
• Length : cm (in): 437 (172)
• Width : cm (in): 161 (63.4)
• Height : cm (in): 138 (54.3)
• Wheelbase : cm (in) : 257 (101.2)
• Weight: kg (lb) : 1160 (2560)
• Mechanics.
• Displacement : straight-six 1990 cc (121 ci), front-mounted
• Valve gear : 12
• Fuel system : 1 Solex carburettor
• Gearbox : 4-speed manual
• Driven wheels : rear-wheel drive
• Maximum power : 121 bhp at 6000 rpm
• Maximum torque : 160 Nm at 4000 rpm
• Top speed : 180 km/h (112 mph)
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