Appeared at the beginning of 1990, this is the 3rd generation of the BMW 3 series, leaving the Munich factories.
The BMW E36 is this time available in 5 versions: coupe, sedan, convertible, station wagon and a new body, the compact.
Motorization side, still 4 cylinders and 6 cylinders (gasoline or diesel), as well as the M3, which will be offered in two engines: 3.0L 286 hp single van, and 3.2L 321 hp double van, available on coupes, sedans and convertibles.
It was with this generation that BMW introduced its variable valve timing, called VANOS, for VAriable NOckenwelle Steuerung. A period of innovation for BMW, since it is also with this generation that we saw the appearance of its robotic gearbox, one of the first on the market, the SMG: Sequential Motorsport Gearbox.