BMW 3 Series Vehicle Information
The BMW E36 is the third generation of the 3 Series compact executive cars. Development began in July 1981, with design being approved in the late '80s. It was introduced in late 1990 (as a 1991 model) for Europe and in April 1991 (as a 1992 model) for US / Canada. It was the successor to the E30 3 Series and was eventually replaced by the E46 3 Series in 1998, though E36 coupes were still produced for the 1999 model year. The E36 experienced enormous success in the market.
The E36 was sold from 1991 to 1999. All E36 saloons, coupes, and estates employed the 'Z-axle' multilink rear suspension which had been proven in the Z1. The hatchback body style, known as the E36/5 or BMW Compact, was identical to the regular E36 from front bumper to A-pillar. To save space due to its short rear end, the Compact used a rear semi-trailing arm suspension based on the older E30, instead of the Z-Axle Multilink employed in all other E36's.
The hatchback body style, known as the BMW Compact, was introduced in 1995 starting with the 318ti. The 'Touring' estate was sold in Europe from 1995.
DOHC engines were used across the range (except entry level models), with VANOS variable valve timing introduced in 1993. The 2.5 L M50B25 used in the 325i models was replaced in 1996 with the 2.8 L M52B28, creating the 328 line. Another 2.5 L I6 engine, the M52B25, was reintroduced for 1998 but badged as the 323i rather than 325i.
Source: Wikipedia