BMW E36

The E36 automobile platform was the basis for the 1991-1999 BMW 3 Series entry-level luxury car / compact executive car. It was the successor to the BMW E30 and was eventually replaced by the BMW E46 in 1999. However, because the E46 series 2-door coupes and convertibles were still being developed at the outset of its introduction, BMW continued to produce these models as E36 versions through the 1999 model year. The M3 was produced as an E36 from 1995-1999 in the US, and 1993-1999 in the European market.
The E36 was introduced in late 1990 (1991 model) for Europe and as a 1992 model for US and Canada.
E36 experienced enormous success in the market. It laid strong foundations for the success that the BMW E46 experienced in subsequent years. The E36 is considered the performance benchmark in its class.