BMW’s philosophy is to build driving machines that respond faithfully and enjoyably to their driver’s commands while also providing the safety, practicality, style, quality, reliability, and durability that help make long-term ownership a rewarding experience. It was BMW’s policy to develop new platforms for its series of cars every 7 to 8 years. New platforms were not simply modifications, but completely new structures. According to Friedrich Nitschke, manager for the BMW 3 series development project, there were three goals for the new 3 series platform that came to market in the 1999 model year.

First, it was to generate the highest level of customer satisfaction in its class. Second, it was to utilize the best processes available within BMW. Third, it was to generate the most profit of any BMW series.

Source: www.auburn.edu
Download PDF of BMW’s 3-Series: Developing a Tradition Manual