The History of the BMW 3 Series. The History of the BMW 3 Series 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 Generations here have been six generations; their respective chassis codes are: BMW E21 – (1975–1981) 3 Series BMW E30 – (1982–1991) 3 Series BMW E36 – (1992–1999) 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 – (2007–2012) 3 Series Coupé BMW E93 – (2007–2013) 3 Series Convertible BMW F30 – (2012–) 3 Series Saloon BMW F31 – (2012–) 3 Series Touring (Sports Wagon) BMW F34 – (2013–) 3 Series Gran Turismo (Coupé) ...