In America the BMW 3 Series was released in 1977 as chassis code 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 honours. The 3 series has also maintained BMW's racing heritage. The M version of the 3 series, M3, debuted in 1988.

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The 3 Series in America

Generation 1 / E21 (offered only as a coupe)
Model Years 1977-1983

Generation 2 / E30 (offered as coupe, sedan, and convertible)
Model Years 1984-1991

Generation 3 / E36 (offered as coupe, sedan, and convertible)
Model Years 1992-1999

Generation 4 / E46 (offered as coupe, sedan, and convertible)
Model Years 1999-2005

Generation 5 / E90 (sedan), E91 (wagon), E92 (coupe), E93 (convertible)
Model Years 2006-2011

Generation 6 / F30 (sedan)
Model Years 1984-1991

The 5 Series

Generation 1 / E28 (offered only as a sedan)
Model Years 1984-1988

Generation 2 / E34 (offered only as a sedan)
Model Years 1988-1995

Generation 3 / E39 (offered only as a sedan)
Model Years 1998-2003

Generation 4 / E60 (offered only as a sedan)
Model Years 2004-2010

Generation 5 / F10 (offered only as a sedan)
Model Years 2011-on

BMW Chassis Codes

E3 – 2500, 2800, Bavaria, 3.0s/si
E9 – 2500cs, 2800cs, 3.0cs
E10 – 1600, 2002, 2002tii
E12 – 528i, 530i through 1981
E21 – 3 series (320i, 323i) 1977-1983
E23 - 7 series 1978-1987
E24 – 6 series 1977-1989
E26 - M1 1978-1981
E28 – 5 series 1982-1988
E30 – 3 series 1984-1991
E31 – 8 series 1990-1997
E32 – 7 series 1988-1994
E34 – 5 series 1989-1995
E36 – 3 series 1992-1999
E36/5 – 3 series 318ti 1995-1999
E36/7 – Z3 roadster 1996-2002
E36/8 – Z3 coupe 1998-2002
E38 – 7 series 1995-2001
E39 – 5 series 1997-2003
E46 – 3 series 1999-2006
E52 – Z8 roadster 2000-2003
E53 – X5 1999-2006
E60 – 5 series 2004-2010
E61 – 5 series wagon 2004-2010
E63 – 6 series 2004-on
E64 – 6 series convertible 2004-on
E65 – 7 series 2002-2008
E66 – 7 series Li 2002-2008
E70 – X5 2007-on
E71 – X6
E81 - 1 series three-door hatchback 2007-2011
E82 – 1 series coupe 2008-on
E83 – X3 2003-on
E85 – Z4 roadster 2003-2008
E86 – Z4 coupe 2006-2008
E87 - 1 series five-door hatchback 2004-2011
E88 – 1 series convertible 2008-on
E89 – Z4 2009-on
E90 – 3 series sedan 2006-on
E91 – 3 series wagon 2006-on
E92 – 3 series coupe 2007-on
E93 – 3 series convertible 2007-on
F01 – 7 series 2009-on
F02 – 7 series Li 2009-on
F07 – 5 series GT 2011-on
F10 – 5 series 2011-on
F20 - 1 series five-door hatchback 2011-on
F30 - 3 series sedan 2012-on