BMW 316i/BMW 318i/BMW 318Ci/BMW 318d/BMW 320i/BMW 320Ci/BMW 320d/BMW 323i/BMW 323Ci/BMW 325i/BMW 325Ci/BMW 328i/BMW 328Ci/BMW 330i/BMW 330Ci/BMW 330d/BMW M3/BMW Alpina B3S (E46). 1998–2006 (prod. n/a). 4-door saloon, 5-door estate, 2-door coupé, 2-door convertible. F/R, F/A, 1596, 1796 cm³ petrol, 1951 cm³ diesel (I4 DOHC), 1895 cm³ (I4 OHC), 1990, 1995, 2171, 2494, 2793, 2979, 3246, 3300, 3346 cm³ petrol, 2926, 2993 cm³ diesel (I6 DOHC), 3997 cm³ (V8 DOHC). To many, the quintessential junior executive car, considered the best in class at the time thanks to excellent rear-wheel-drive handling, powerful engines, and prestige image. A bit sparse equipment-wise at the lower end, and some turbo issues with the diesels. Rear seats a bit tight, as was boot space. Spawned a second-generation BMW 3er Compact (E46), covered separately. Saloons to 2005; coupé and convertible deleted 2006.

Manufacturing locations: Leipzig, Sachsen, Germany; München, Bayern, Germany; Regensburg, Bayern, Germany; Rosslyn, South Africa; Shenyang, Liaoning, China

Marque: BMW | Model: BMW 3er-Reihe | Predecessor: BMW 3er-Reihe (E36) | Successor: BMW 3er-Reihe (E90)