The convertible derived from the second-generation 3 Series with no roll-over bar ranked among the most successful models of its kind in the world between 1986 and 1993. BMW launched the Type 325i Convertible as the first full convertible based on the 3 Series in 1986. It was the first factory-developed convertible since the legendary BMW 503 Convertible was launched in 1956. Since then, convertibles have been firmly established in the BMW range and have played a key role in the success of the brand.