The third generation of the BMW 3 Series was introduced in 1990. Known as the E36, the third generation of 3 Series was available with a series of inline four and inline six engines as well as a variety of body styles. The E36 was the first generation to feature the 3 Series Compact hatchback, although only the 318Ti variant was available in North America. E36 variants included the 316i, 318i, 318is, 318tds, 320i, 323i, 323is, 325i, 325is, 325tds, 328i, and 328is, while the most notable offering was the performance focused E36 M3. Due to the popularity of the E36, many examples were converted into Race Cars. The E36 3 Series was phased out by the fourth generation E46 3 Series starting in 1998. Although production of the standard 3 Series variants ended in 1999, the E36-based 3 Series Compact was built until 2000.