The third generation BMW 3 Series came to Britain in spring 1991. The bodywork was very aerodynamic which included the fared-in front headlamps. When they were first introduced the petrol-powered saloons BMW offered a four cylinder 318i, six cylinders 320i and a 325i. An entry-level 316i four-cylinder alternatively followed the second quarter of 1991. Once diesels were introduced they became a key part of the saloon range, this was because of the smooth 2.5-litre six-cylinder turbo diesel model they offered,325td (tds) that was launched in may 1993. A four-cylinder turbo diesel variant, the 318tds was launched at the end of 1994. Regarding body styles in January 1992 a coupe version was introduced originally with a 1.8 four cylinder engine, 2.0 litre and a 2.5 litre six cylinder these were all included, (318is,320i,325i).

Once BMW launched the 16v 1.8 litre units, the engine response was a lot better than the 8v engine that was originally used in the saloon, hence the S label after 318i. The fourth coming 318ti compact was to remain the only model in its class until march 1998 when the south African built saloon arrived. A flagship 3.0 litre M3 (Motorsport Tuned) flagship followed in the first quarter of 1993 as well as an entry level 316i version in early 1994. Convertibles were announced in spring of 1994, with a range from the 318i, 320i and the 325i alternative. A powerful M3 version was also introduced to the range the second quarter of that year.

BMW then aimed at the “Affordably priced” range leader by introducing a three door hatchback version, the compact in the third quarter of 1994, which was priced at £13000. This was presented with the entry level 1.6 litre petrol engine and the 16v 1.8-litre petrol unit from the 318iS Coupe. The rare 1.8 litre turbo diesel version was announced the following autumn. The touring estate was then introduced in march 1995 with similar engines from the 318,325tds diesel models, (a petrol version followed soon after in 1996). There also included a revised 2.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine for the 320i alternative and a newly produced 2.8-litre six-cylinder petrol unit for the 328i flagship. This 2.8 litre engine rapidly replaced the 325i saloon, coupe and convertible with 328i alternatives (March 1995 onwards).

BMW then introduced to the coupe range a 323i model which replaced the old 320i. Different to its name, this model had a 2.5 litre six cylinder petrol engine. The engine was used again replacing the 320i models from the saloon range in autumn 1996 and early 1997 in the touring and convertible ranges. The flagship model was then also offered in a saloon version from December 1994 onwards. Then from January 1996 BMW announced they would include a faster 3.2 litre six cylinder engine to all three M3 body styles, and renamed The M3 Evolution. Anti-lock brakes were then fitted as standard in 1992, and airbags were introduced to the models at September 1993. Catalysts were included in the car since it was first introduced in 1991 along with more safety features that have earned the respect of its customers. All models received a minor makeover in September 1997 that included an equipment upgrade and some different front end treatment. The salon range was replaced in September 1998 after 7 years in the market by an all new line up. The new coupe model arrived in may 1999, including the new shape touring model at the third quarter of the same year.

The fourth style of 3 series was introduced in 1998 as the E46. This model had a complete new design with some nice looking interior, and some improved engines. Although BMW put a higher price tag on the E46 when it was released it didn’t matter as it sold well from the start. When released there were five models available including, the 318i, 320i,323i, 328i and the 320d diesel. All of these models were six cylinders expect the 318i and the 320d diesel which were stocked with the 4 cylinder engine. BMW introduced the coupe and the new touring only one year after the introduction of the sedan. All these models were available with the same engines as the sedan although the coupe did not have four cylinders. This means that it was only available as 320ci, 323ci and 328ci. BMW also introduced a newer four cylinder engine for the sedan. This was formally known as the 316i with 105HP but the arrival of the six cylinder diesel 330d was more important. It had 184HP from stock and a top speed of 230KMH. Before the second quarter of 2000, BMW had their convertible ready. First available as a 323ci only because BMW was about to replace the 2.8 litre engine with a new 231HP 3.0 engine, all the 2.8 engines that were made by BMW were going to replace by this engine. With the new engine, BMW decided they were going to introduce the four wheel drive again. The older four wheel drive 3 series was available in 1991 as a 325ix within the E30 3 series. Known as the 330ci it was only available as a sedan or touring. BMWs marketing strategy must have been to promote their four wheel drive system as a 325xi and 330xd diesel followed soon after, but before this happened, BMW replaced the 323i with the 325i which came with 193HP.

The same engine would also be fitted in the compact, which was introduced to the market in 2001. The new car dubbed the “baby BMW” was as similar as the other 3 series but had a whole new look. This is because it had double, round headed lights and clear rear lights which looked different to the original design. The interior was just like any other 3 series and had a similar engine as the sedan. Soon after BMW decided that the sedan and touring needed a facelift.  Both the front and rear lights received a new look as well as the bumpers while the interior received a new navigation system. The BMW engines also received some updates as the 318i received the new valvetronic engine and the 320d diesel also had a similar system. BMW also introduced a 318d diesel.

The car has won many awards over time for being as accessible prestige-badge car, and its reputation has grown significantly from when the first 3 series was launched. by the early 21st century, the E46 3 series BMW was the best selling within the middle class segment. The 3 series also managed to keep its prestigious brand and image whilst being sold commonly in Asia, America and Europe.

The list below contains specifications about the models that were produced by BMW