After firm establishment of the first models of the "Grand Sedan" ("Große Limousine") (E3) since 1968 in the segment of top-of-the-range sedans, BMW supplemented the model range with the BMW 3.0 S in May 1971. Bodywork, interior design and chassis were based on the highest safety standards of the time. The BMW 3.0 S was built until the series was discontinued in 1977, and after the BMW 2500 it remains the most successful model in the series. More than 50,000 units were sold. These models were also known as BMW Bavaria in the USA.