The fourth generation of the compact executive BMW 3 Series line, which was built by the German carmaker
bmw e46 from 1997 to 2006 and was the replacement for the E36, whose manufacturing ended in 2000. The E46 was initially released in November 1997 and came in a variety of body types, including sedan, coupé, convertible, station wagon, and hatchback. The 3 Series Compact name has been used to promote the latter.