BMW 3 Series
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The BMW 3 series is a line of compact executive cars manufactured by the German automaker BMW since May 1975. It is the successor to the 02 series and has been produced in seven generations.
The first generation of the 3 Series was only available as a 2-door saloon; the model range expanded to include a 4-door saloon, 2-door convertible, 2-door coupé, 5-door estate, 5-door liftback ("Gran Turismo"; discontinued in 2019) and 3-door hatchback body styles. Since 2013, the coupé and convertible models have been marketed as the 4 Series; these styles no longer being included in the 3 Series.
The 3 Series is BMW's best-selling model line, accounting for around 30% of the BMW brand's annual total car sales,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and has won numerous awards throughout its history. The M version of the 3 series, M3, debuted with the E30 M3 in 1986.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
First generation (E21; 1975)
The E21 replaced the 02 Series and was initially available as a 2-door sedan (also described as coupé).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
At launch, all models used carburetted 4-cylinder engines; however, fuel-injected models were introduced in late 1975 and 6-cylinder engines were added in 1977. A cabriolet body style – manufactured by Baur – was available from 1978 to 1981. Template:Clear
Second generation (E30; 1982)
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On introduction in 1982, the E30 was produced solely in the 2-door sedan body style. Four-door sedan models were introduced in 1983, convertibles were introduced in 1985 and estate ("Touring") models were introduced in 1987.
The E30 was the first 3 Series to be available in wagon and 4-door sedan body styles. It was also the first 3 Series to offer a diesel engine, and all-wheel drive was introduced to the 3 Series range with the 325iX model. The BMW Z1 roadster was based on the E30 platform.
The first BMW M3 was built on the E30 platform. The E30 M3 is powered by the high-revving S14 four-cylinder petrol engine, which produced Template:Convert in its final European-only iteration.<ref name="BMW M3 E30 2.5i 238Hp EVO II">Template:Cite web</ref> Template:Clear
Third generation (E36; 1990)
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The E36 was sold in the following body styles: sedan, coupé, convertible, wagon (marketed as "Touring"), and hatchback (marketed as "3 Series Compact"). The Compact model, which was shorter than the three-box versions, was powered by the BMW's four-cylinder engines developed during the 1990s.
The E36 was the first 3 Series to be offered in a hatchback body style. It was also the first 3 Series to be available with a 6-speed manual transmission (in the 1996 M3), a 5-speed automatic transmission, and a four-cylinder diesel engine. The multi-link rear suspension was also a significant upgrade compared with previous generations of the 3 Series.
The M3 model is powered by the S50 and S52 straight-six engines. It was sold in coupé, sedan and convertible body styles.
The BMW Z3 roadster and coupe models were based on the E36 platform. Template:Clear
Fourth generation (E46; 1997)
The E46 was sold in the following body styles: sedan, coupé, convertible, wagon (marketed as "Touring"), and hatchback (marketed as "3 Series Compact").
The E46 generation introduced various electronic features to the 3 Series, including satellite navigation, electronic brake-force display, ASC/DSC, rain-sensing wipers, LED tail-lights, and Xenon headlights.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> All-wheel drive, last available in the E30 3 Series, was reintroduced for the E46. It was available for the 325xi and 330xi sedan/wagon models.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The E46 generation came with the M52TU/M54 engines with dual Vanos (variable valve timing) and came with a GM 5 speed Automatic (5L40E), ZF 5 speed Manual (S5-31), Getrag 5 speed Manual (S5D-250G), ZF 6 speed Manual (GS6-37BZ/DZ), and ZF 6-speed Automatic Manual (SMG) (GS6S37BZ).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The M3 version of the E46 was powered by the S54 straight-six engine and was available in coupé and convertible body styles (other than that, it was powered with the M52 or M54 in non-M3 cars). The transmissions available were a 6-speed manual or the 6-speed "SMG-II" sequential manual gearbox.<ref name="BMW M3 E30 2.5i 238Hp EVO II"/> Template:Clear
Fifth generation (E90/E91/E92/E93; 2004)
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The fifth generation 3 Series was produced in the sedan, wagon (marketed as "Touring"), coupé and cabriolet body styles. Due to the separate model codes for each body style, the term "E9X" is sometimes used to describe this generation of the 3 Series.
In 2006, the 335i became the first 3 Series model to be sold with a turbocharged gasoline engine. The E90 also saw the introduction of run-flat tires to the 3 Series range. Consequently, cars with run flats are not equipped with spare tires.
The E90/E92/E93 M3 was powered by the BMW S65 V8 engine. It was released in 2007 and was produced in sedan, coupe, and cabriolet body styles.
Production of the fifth-generation BMW 3 Series ended in 2012. Template:Clear
Sixth generation (F30/F31/F34/F35; 2011)
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The F30/F31/F35 has been produced in the sedan, coupé, convertible, station wagon and 5-door hatchback ("Gran Turismo") body styles. A long-wheelbase sedan is also available in China.
For the F30/F31/F34 series, the coupe and convertible models were produced from the 2013 year until 2014 when they were split from the 3 Series, redesigned, and sold as the BMW 4 Series. A new body style was introduced into the 3 Series range: the 3 Series Gran Turismo, a long-wheelbase hatchback.<ref name="carsguide.com.au">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2016, a plug-in hybrid drivetrain was first used in the 3 Series, in the 330e model.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Also in 2016, a 3-cylinder engine was used for the first time in a 3 Series.
The M3 version (designated F80, the first time an M3 has used a separate model designation) was released in 2014 and is powered by the S55 twin-turbo straight-6 engine.
Production ended in 2019 with the end of F31 Touring production in June.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Template:Clear
Seventh generation (G20/G21/G28; 2018)
The BMW 3 Series (G20) was unveiled at the 2018 Paris Motor Show on 2 October 2018. The official images of the vehicle were revealed a day prior to its unveiling. The seventh generation of the 3 Series is also offered as a station wagon.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The more powerful M3 and M3 Competition variants were delivered globally starting in 2021. The G20 is the first 3 Series generation to bring an M3 Touring to market.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref> Since 2022, it gained a battery electric version exclusive for the Chinese market as the i3, sharing its powertrain with the globally marketed i4. A facelift was revealed in May 2022, and launched in select markets in November 2022, for the 2023 model year.
Eighth generation (G50/G51/NA0; 2026)
Template:Main The eighth generation of the BMW 3 Series lineup consists of internationally available ICE (internal combustion engine) and BEV (battery electric) versions - the G50 and NA0 respectively. Prototypes of both models have been spotted testing. In addition, the i3 (NA0) has been officially teased during the launch of the BMW iX3 (NA5), which also revealed that it will be launched some time during early 2026.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The G50 is rumored to receive a touring bodystyle (G51),<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> while the NA0 is rumored to receive a China-exclusive long-wheelbase variant (NA8).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Performance-oriented M3 models for both ICE and BEV versions have been rumored, with the BEV version (ZA0) spied testing.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Both models follow the iX3 (NA5) as one of the first "Neue Klasse" models in BMW's lineup, embracing a radical and retro design makeover, a new interior layout and all-new driving technology.Template:Clear
M versions
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The M3 is the most performance oriented version of the 3 Series. It is designed and developed by BMW's in-house motorsport division, BMW M.
M3 models have been derived from the E30, E36, E46, E90/E92/E93, and F30 (designated F80) 3 series and have been marketed with coupé, sedan and convertible body styles. Upgrades over the "standard" 3 Series automobiles include more powerful and responsive engines, improved handling/suspension/braking systems, aerodynamic body enhancements, lightweight components, and interior/exterior accents with the tri-color "M" (Motorsport) emblem.
The last M3 coupé was produced in Germany on 5 July 2013, replaced by the F82/F83 M4 coupé and convertible starting with the 2015 model year,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> but the M3 name remains in use for the sedan version. The new generation M3 was reintroduced in 2021, codenamed G80 from the 7th generation 3 Series (G20). The M3 represented above (The F80) was powered by a BMW S55 engine producing Template:Cvt at 7,600 rpm.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In June 2022, BMW revealed the first BMW M3 Touring, codenamed G81. Based on the seventh generation 3 Series, it marks the first time a BMW M Touring model reached the market.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The touring version of the M3 contains the same engine and interior setup as the M3 sedan, but extends the roof line to become a wagon.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Awards and recognition
The 3 Series has been on Car and Driver magazine's annual 10 Best list 22 times, from 1992 through 2014, making it the longest-running entry in the list.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In their December 2009 issue, Grassroots Motorsports magazine named the BMW 3 Series as the second-most important performance car built during the previous 25 years. In January 2021, the BMW 330e M Sport (M Sport Pro Package) was named Executive Car of the Year by What Car? magazine.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> What Car? awarded the 3 Series five stars out of five in its review of the car.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The plug-in hybrid version of the car was the UK's best-selling plug-in hybrid car of 2021 having achieved 10,979 new registrations throughout the year, beating the Mercedes A-Class by over 4,000 registrations.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Production and sales
| Year | Production | Sales | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Europe<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | U.S.* | ||
| 1980 | 25,771 | ||
| 1981 | 28,927 | ||
| 1982 | 35,190 | ||
| 1983 | 33,602 | ||
| 1984 | 30,868 | ||
| 1985 | 53,927 | ||
| 1986 | 61,822 | ||
| 1987 | 58,897 | ||
| 1988 | 34,914 | ||
| 1989 | 21,738 | ||
| 1990 | 22,825 | ||
| 1991 | 29,002 | ||
| 1992 | 38,040 | ||
| 1993 | 45,594 | ||
| 1994 | 46,287 | ||
| 1995 | 50,146 | ||
| 1996 | 50,248 | ||
| 1997 | 337,800<ref name="bmwprod">Template:Cite web</ref> | 216,866 | 52,472 |
| 1998 | 376,900<ref name="bmwprod" /> | 247,786 | 57,520 |
| 1999 | 454,000<ref name="bmwprod" /> | 304,983 | 77,138 |
| 2000 | 509,007<ref name="bmwprod" /> | 330,604 | 89,681 |
| 2001 | 533,952<ref name="bmwprod" /> | 343,991 | 103,227 |
| 2002 | 561,249<ref name="bmwprod" /> | 350,606 | 115,428 |
| 2003 | 528,358<ref name="bmwprod" /> | 320,029 | 111,944 |
| 2004 | 449,732<ref name="bmwprod" /> | 269,216 | 106,549 |
| 2005 | 434,342<ref name="bmwprod" /> | 244,886 | 106,950 |
| 2006 | 508,479<ref name="bmwprod" /> | 289,597 | 120,180 |
| 2007 | 555,219<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | 295,063 | 142,490 |
| 2008 | 474,208<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | 251,334 | 112,464 |
| 2009 | 397,103<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | 198,610 | 90,960 |
| 2010 | 399,009<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | 183,122 | 100,910 |
| 2011 | 384,464 | 161,614 | 94,371 |
| 2012 | 406,752 | 175,022 | 99,602 |
| 2013 | 500,332<ref name="prnewswire.com">Template:Cite web</ref> | 200,604 | 119,521 |
| 2014 | 480,214<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | 168,275 | 142,232 |
| 2015 | 444,338<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | 143,023 | 140,609 |
| 2016 | 411,844<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | 144,561 | 106,221 |
| 2017 | 409,005 | 129,053 | 99,083 |
| 2018 | 366,475<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | 106,991 | 75,957 |
| 2019 | 358,643<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | 124,537 | 73,287 |
| 2020 | 381,416<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | 118,369 | 50,937<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| 2021 | 72,398<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | ||
| 2022 | 67,354<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | ||
| 2023 | 84,774<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | ||
*Figures since 2013 includes the BMW 4 Series
See also
References
External links
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