BMW 3 Series â from the old to the new, through E90. E46, E36, E30. BMW released its E21 in the wake of the 1973 oil crisis, nearly doubling BMW's worldwide auto sales figures in three years.The 3 series has also maintained BMW's racing heritage. The M version of the 3 series, M3, debuted in 1988.t is BMW's best-selling model, accounting for around 30% of the BMW brand's annual total sales (excluding motorbikes). The BMW 3 Series has won numerous awards throughout its history.