When it was first introduced in 1992, the E36 M3 was initially only available as a coupe. While sedan and convertible versions would be introduced in 1994, the E36 M3 coupe was by far the most common body style, with over 46,000 examples built. While European versions were available from launch, the E36 M3 was not available in North America until 1995. Notably, the European versions received more powerful engines. The 3.0L inline six used between 1992 and 1995 produced 286hp, while the later 3.2L inline six produced 316hp. This contrasted with the North American variants, which used a 240hp 3.0L in 1995, which grew in 1996 to 3.2L without any significant increase in power, and only marginal increases in torque. The E36 M3 Automatic coupe featured a 5 speed automatic transmission that sent drive to the rear wheels, although an optional SMG 6 speed automatic was available in Europe from 1996. Production of the E36 BMW M3 lasted until 1999, when BMW introduced the E46 M3.