The third-generation BMW 3 Series – codenamed ‘BMW E36′ – was another massive seller for the Munich-based carmaker.
The car’s design saw huge improvements in engineering and chassis development, with BMW showcasing the newest incarnation of its famous ‘Z’ rear-axle setup.
A host of bodystyles were launched, including the ‘Touring’ estate, convertible, and four-door, while the two-door model was now badged as a ‘coupe’, marking the subtle styling differences.
But keen drivers were waiting for the hardcore M3 to be reborn in a newer, fresher body – and in 1992 BMW rolled out the new BMW M3 coupe.
The old 2.5-litre four-cylinder motor had been junked in favour of a high-revving 3-litre straight-six engine developing 286bhp.
And in 1995, the company rolled out the most potent M3 of this generation – the M3 Evolution, which came with a 3.2-litre six-cylinder engine developing 321bhp. This meant the new M3 could sprint from 0-60mph in around 5.4 seconds and bounce off the 155mph speed limiter.
And while this M3 may have lacked the racing pedigree of the original, it was a hit with buyers. More than 2.7 million E36 3 Series were sold, and of these, 70,000 were M3s.