3 series (318, 320, 325, 328, 323, M3) from '92 to '98 sedan ('99 for coupe/convertible) are e36 models.
3 series (323, 328, 325, 330, M3) from '99 to now are e46.
5 series from '96 to now are e39
etc...
It's like Honda with their Civic EK, EG, Integra DC, etc...
Ed