Introduction to the BMW 3- and 5-Series The E30 3-Series range first became available in the UK in March 1983, andcontinued in production until April 1991, whenthe revised E36 3-Series range (not coveredby this manual) was introduced. Convertibleand Touring (Estate) models were introducedfor 1988, and these models have continued inE30 form to date. The E28 5-Series models were introduced in October 1981, and were superseded inJune 1988 by the revised E34 5-Series range,Touring versions of which became availablefrom March 1992. Throughout this manual,E28 models are also referred to as “old-shape”, while E34 models are designated“new-shape”.