The BMW 3 Series was designed by the manufacturer as a car for those people wanting to buy a BMW but not wanting to or ready to pay for an expensive car. The 3 Series was a successor to the 2002 coupe when it was introduced. The 2 door coupe had a 2.0 Liter, 110HP engine. The first car that was designated as BMW E series was a BMW E 21 that was replaced by the BMW E30 In 1983. The E30 was manufactured in four different styles, a sedan that was four doors, a two door coupe, a five door vehicle that was better known as the touring model and a two door convertible. Though the production of the E30 was stopped in 1991, the convertible continued until 1993 and the touring model until 1994. In 1991 the third generation 3 Series was introduced. This car was designated as the E36. This car was a big success and it also led to the popularity of its successor the E46.

The E46 was introduced in 1998 as a sedan model. In 2000, the Touring and coupe model types were introduced, while in 2001 the M3 version was released. In 2002, the E46 was given a completely new look with new headlights, new bumpers and a stronger body. The same year the 316i and 318i got newer more powerful engines. The changes continued in 2004 when the coupe and convertible versions got new headlights and an updated range of colors from which to choose. The coupe, convertible and M3 versions of the E46 continued to be produced until 2006.

The E46 was followed by the E90 in 2005. The new car was offered in the sedan, coupe, convertible and wagon body styles. One can get all four styles in the rear-wheel drive version designated as the 328i. Another rear-wheel drive model, the 335i is available in the coupe and sedan body styles. The 328i models feature 16 inch tires, automatic climate control, leather seats, a CD player with 10 speakers and an access point where an MP3 can be placed. The coupe and convertible come with 17 inch tires and new headlights, while the 335 series has power front seats. The BMW 3 Series has been a successful vehicle in all the markets it was released in. It sold a record of over five hundred thousand vehicles worldwide in 2002.