View source for BMW 3 Series

{{Short description|Series of compact executive cars produced by BMW}}
{{Distinguish|BMW i3}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2023}}
{{Infobox automobile
| name = BMW 3 Series
| image = BMW G20 (2022) IMG 7316 (2).jpg
| manufacturer = [[BMW]]
| production = 1975–present
| class = [[Compact executive car]] ([[D-segment|D]])
| predecessor = [[BMW 02 Series]]
| related = 
| successor = 
}}

The '''BMW 3 series''' is a line of [[compact executive car]]s manufactured by the German automaker [[BMW]] since May 1975. It is the successor to the [[BMW 02 Series|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 ("[[BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo|Gran Turismo]]"; discontinued in 2019) and 3-door hatchback [[car body style|body styles]]. Since 2013, the coupé and convertible models have been marketed as the [[BMW 4 Series|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>{{cite web|title=2010 BMW Group Annual Report|url=http://geschaeftsbericht.bmwgroup.com/2010/gb/files/pdf/en/BMW_Group_AR2010.pdf|publisher=BMW AG|access-date=17 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110627011422/http://geschaeftsbericht.bmwgroup.com/2010/gb/files/pdf/en/BMW_Group_AR2010.pdf|archive-date=27 June 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> and has won numerous awards throughout its history. The [[BMW M|M]] version of the 3 series, [[BMW M3|M3]], debuted with the [[BMW 3 Series (E30)|E30]] [[BMW E30 M3|M3]] in 1986.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=66153|title=BMW 3 Series|publisher=Edmunds.com|date=22 January 2009|access-date=3 October 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090831144900/http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId%3D66153|archive-date=31 August 2009}}</ref>

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== First generation (E21; 1975) ==
{{Main|BMW 3 Series (E21)}}
[[File:1981 BMW 320 2.0 Front.jpg|thumb|E21 (front)]]
[[File:1981 BMW 320 2.0 Rear.jpg|thumb|left|E21 (rear)]]
The E21 replaced the [[BMW 02 Series|02 Series]] and was initially available as a 2-door sedan (also described as coupé).<ref>{{cite web|title=BMW E21 3 Series specs|url=http://www.ultimatespecs.com/car-specs/BMW/M58/E21-3-Series|website=ultimatespecs.com|access-date=22 January 2017|archive-date=30 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530182124/https://www.ultimatespecs.com/car-specs/BMW/M58/E21-3-Series|url-status=live}}</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.
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== Second generation (E30; 1982) ==
{{Main|BMW 3 Series (E30)}}
[[File:1990 BMW 318i (E30) 2-door sedan (22028060738).jpg|thumb|E30 saloon]]
[[File:1990 BMW 318i (E30) 2-door sedan (22203078172).jpg|left|thumb|E30 saloon]]
On introduction in 1982, the E30 was produced solely in the 2-door sedan body style. Four-door [[Sedan (automobile)|sedan]] models were introduced in 1983, [[convertible (car)|convertible]]s were introduced in 1985 and [[station wagon|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#E30|BMW M3]] was built on the E30 platform. The E30 M3 is powered by the high-revving [[BMW S14|S14]] four-cylinder petrol engine, which produced {{convert|175|kW|hp|abbr=on}} in its final European-only iteration.<ref name="BMW M3 E30 2.5i 238Hp EVO II">{{cite web |url=http://automobilio.info/en/BMW/M/M3-E30/2.5i-%28238Hp%29-EVO-II/14785 |title=BMW M3 E30 2.5i (238Hp) EVO II |website=automobilio.info |access-date=9 March 2016 |archive-date=2 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191002065006/http://automobilio.info/en/BMW/M/M3-E30/2.5i-(238Hp)-EVO-II/14785 |url-status=live }}</ref>
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== Third generation (E36; 1990) ==
{{Main|BMW 3 Series (E36)}}
[[File:1991-1996 BMW 318i (E36) sedan (2011-04-02) 01.jpg|thumb|E36 sedan]]
[[File:1991-1996 BMW 318i (E36) sedan (2011-04-02) 02.jpg|left|thumb|E36 sedan]]
The E36 was sold in the following body styles: sedan, coupé, convertible, wagon (marketed as "Touring"), and hatchback (marketed as "[[BMW 3 Series Compact|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 [[BMW M3#E36 M3|M3]] model is powered by the [[BMW S50|S50]] and [[BMW S52|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. 
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== Fourth generation (E46; 1997)==
{{Main|BMW 3 Series (E46)}}
[[File:BMW E46 front 20080328.jpg|thumb|224x224px|E46 sedan]]
[[File:BMW E46 rear 20080328.jpg|left|thumb|E46 sedan]]
The E46 was sold in the following body styles: sedan, coupé, convertible, wagon (marketed as "Touring"), and hatchback (marketed as "[[BMW E46/5|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>{{cite web |last1=Pretorius |first1=Martin |title=BMW 3 Series E46 4th Generation 1999-2006 Review |url=https://carbuzz.com/cars/bmw/3-series-e46-4th-gen#facelift |website=CarBUZZ |access-date=9 September 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=2000 BMW E46 M3 Review|url=https://www.topspeed.com/cars/bmw/2000-bmw-e46-m3-review/|website=TopSpeed.com|date=29 June 2006 |access-date=10 February 2017|language=en|archive-date=28 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028212239/https://www.topspeed.com/cars/bmw/2000-bmw-e46-m3-review-ar10614.html#main|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=BMW E46 3 Series Buyer's Guide|url=http://www.reveuro.com/buyers-guide/bmw/3-series/e46.html|website=reveuro.com|access-date=10 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130402062058/http://www.reveuro.com/buyers-guide/bmw/3-series/e46.html|archive-date=2 April 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=BMW 3 Series (E46) – 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005|url=https://www.autoevolution.com/cars/bmw-3-series-e46-2002.html#aeng_bmw-3-series-e46-2002-316i-5at-115-hp|website=autoevolution.com|language=en-us|access-date=14 April 2017|archive-date=3 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190703232140/https://www.autoevolution.com/cars/bmw-3-series-e46-2002.html#aeng_bmw-3-series-e46-2002-316i-5at-115-hp|url-status=live}}</ref> All-wheel drive, last available in the [[BMW E30|E30]] 3 Series, was reintroduced for the E46. It was available for the 325xi and 330xi sedan/wagon models.<ref>{{cite web|title=BMW E46 3 Series|url=http://www.ultimatespecs.com/car-specs/BMW/M804/E46-3-Series|website=ultimatespecs.com|access-date=9 March 2016|archive-date=27 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327112115/https://www.ultimatespecs.com/car-specs/BMW/M804/E46-3-Series|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=BMW E46 3 Series Touring|url=http://www.ultimatespecs.com/car-specs/BMW/M808/E46-3-Series-Touring|website=ultimatespecs.com|access-date=9 March 2016|archive-date=27 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327102347/https://www.ultimatespecs.com/car-specs/BMW/M808/E46-3-Series-Touring|url-status=live}}</ref> The E46 generation came with the [[BMW M52|M52TU]]/[[BMW M54|M54]] engines with dual [[VANOS|Vanos]] (variable valve timing) and came with a GM 5 speed Automatic ([[GM 5L40-E transmission|5L40E]]), ZF 5 speed Manual ([[ZF S5-31 transmission|S5-31]]), Getrag 5 speed Manual (S5D-250G), ZF 6 speed Manual (GS6-37BZ/DZ), and ZF 6-speed Automatic Manual (SMG) (GS6S37BZ).<ref>{{cite web |title=List of BMW engines |url=https://www.engine-specs.net/bmw-engines |website=engine-specs.net |publisher=Engine Specs |access-date=9 September 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=3' E46 330Ci Manual Transmission GS6S37BZ (SMG) |url=https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=BN53-USA-08-2000-E46-BMW-330Ci&diagId=23_0928 |website=RealOEM |access-date=9 September 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=3' E46 323Ci Manual Transmission S5D 250G |url=https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=BM33-USA-06-2000-E46-BMW-323Ci&diagId=23_0116 |website=RealOEM |access-date=9 September 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=3' E46 330Ci Manual transmission GS6-37BZ/DZ |url=https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=BN53-USA-08-2000-E46-BMW-330Ci&diagId=23_0918 |website=RealOEM |access-date=9 September 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=3' E46 330Ci Manual Transmission S5D320Z |url=https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=BN53-USA-08-2000-E46-BMW-330Ci&diagId=23_0121 |website=RealOEM |access-date=9 September 2023}}</ref>

The [[E46 M3|M3]] version of the E46 was powered by the [[BMW S54|S54]] straight-six engine and was available in coupé and convertible body styles (other than that, it was powered with the [[BMW M52|M52]] or [[BMW M54|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"/>
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== Fifth generation (E90/E91/E92/E93; 2004) ==
{{Main|BMW 3 Series (E90)}}
[[File:2005-2008 BMW 320i (E90) sedan (2011-07-17) 01.jpg|thumb|right|E90 sedan]]
[[File:2005-2008 BMW 320i (E90) sedan (2011-07-17) 02.jpg|left|thumb|E90 sedan]]
The fifth generation 3 Series was produced in the [[Sedan (automobile)|sedan]], [[Station wagon|wagon]] (marketed as "Touring"), [[coupé]] and [[retractable hardtop|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 tire]]s to the 3 Series range. Consequently, cars with run flats are not equipped with spare tires.

The E90/E92/E93 [[BMW M3#E90.2F92.2F93 M3|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.
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== Sixth generation (F30/F31/F34/F35; 2011) ==
{{Main|BMW 3 Series (F30)}}
[[File:2012 BMW 320d (F30 MY13) Luxury Line sedan (2015-07-24) 01.jpg|thumb|F30 sedan]]
[[File:2012 BMW 320d (F30 MY13) Luxury Line sedan (2015-07-24) 02.jpg|left|thumb|F30 sedan]]
The F30/F31/F35 has been produced in the [[sedan (automobile)|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 [[BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo|3 Series Gran Turismo]], a long-wheelbase hatchback.<ref name="carsguide.com.au">{{cite web|url=http://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2016-bmw-3-series-gran-turismo-detailed-42038/amp|title=3 series GT configurations|access-date=13 June 2018|archive-date=13 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613160329/https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2016-bmw-3-series-gran-turismo-detailed-42038/amp|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=2017 BMW 3-series Gran Turismo|url=https://www.caranddriver.com/news/2017-bmw-3-series-gran-turismo-photos-and-info-news|website=caranddriver.com|date=June 2016 |access-date=9 May 2018|archive-date=10 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180510050856/https://www.caranddriver.com/news/2017-bmw-3-series-gran-turismo-photos-and-info-news|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=2018 BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo Review|url=https://www.edmunds.com/bmw/3-series-gran-turismo/2018/review/|website=edmunds.com|access-date=9 May 2018|archive-date=10 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180510051426/https://www.edmunds.com/bmw/3-series-gran-turismo/2018/review/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2016, a [[plug-in hybrid]] drivetrain was first used in the 3 Series, in the 330e model.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.autoblog.com/2016/01/28/2016-bmw-330e-plug-in-hybrid-first-drive-review/|title=2016 BMW 330e Plug-In Hybrid First Drive|website=Autoblog|date=28 January 2016 |access-date=28 October 2021|archive-date=13 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413225230/https://www.autoblog.com/2016/01/28/2016-bmw-330e-plug-in-hybrid-first-drive-review/|url-status=live}}</ref> Also in 2016, a 3-cylinder engine was used for the first time in a 3 Series.

The [[BMW M3#F80 M3|M3]] version (designated F80, the first time an M3 has used a separate model designation) was released in 2014 and is powered by the [[BMW N55#S55 engine|S55]] twin-turbo straight-6 engine.

Production ended in 2019 with the end of F31 Touring production in June.<ref>{{cite web |title=BMW spendet letzten produzierten 3er Touring |url=https://www.carzoom.de/info/bmw-spendet-letzten-produzierten-3er-touring/ |website=carzoom.de |access-date=29 July 2019 |language=de |archive-date=29 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729062321/https://www.carzoom.de/info/bmw-spendet-letzten-produzierten-3er-touring/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=BMW 3 Series Touring Set To Debut At 2019 Geneva Motor Show |url=https://carbuzz.com/news/bmw-3-series-touring-set-to-debut-at-2019-geneva-motor-show |website=CarBuzz.com |date=19 October 2018 |access-date=29 July 2019 |language=en-us |archive-date=19 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181019043706/https://carbuzz.com/news/bmw-3-series-touring-set-to-debut-at-2019-geneva-motor-show |url-status=live }}</ref>
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== Seventh generation (G20/G21/G28; 2018) ==
{{Main|BMW 3 Series (G20)|BMW i3 (G28)}}
[[File:2019 BMW 318d SE Automatic 2.0 Front.jpg|thumb|G20 sedan (front)]]
[[File:2019 BMW 318d SE Automatic 2.0 Rear.jpg|left|thumb|G20 sedan (rear)]]
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>{{cite web|url=https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/new-3-series-touring-revealed/46863/|title=New 3 Series Touring Revealed|date=12 June 2019|website=Cars.co.za|access-date=2 August 2019|archive-date=2 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190802175116/https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/new-3-series-touring-revealed/46863/|url-status=live}}</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">{{Cite web |title=The first-ever BMW M3 Touring. |url=https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0399336EN/the-first-ever-bmw-m3-touring?language=en |access-date=2022-08-14 |website=press.bmwgroup.com |language=en}}</ref> Since 2022, it gained a [[Battery electric vehicle|battery electric]] version exclusive for the Chinese market as the [[BMW i3 (G28)|i3]], sharing its powertrain with the globally marketed [[BMW i4|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) ==
{{Main|BMW 3 Series (G50)|BMW i3 (NA0)}}
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>{{Cite web |last=Padeanu |first=Adrian |date=2025-09-05 |title=2027 BMW i3 Sedan Name Confirmed During iX3's Reveal |url=https://www.bmwblog.com/2025/09/05/2027-bmw-i3-sedan-name-confirmed/ |access-date=2025-09-22 |website=BMW BLOG |language=en-US}}</ref> The G50 is rumored to receive a touring bodystyle (G51),<ref>{{Cite web |last=Boeriu |first=Horatiu |date=2023-09-12 |title=2027 BMW 3 Series (G50 / G51): Release Date, Specs and Features |url=https://www.bmwblog.com/2023/09/12/2027-bmw-3-series-g50-g51-release-date-specs-and-features/ |access-date=2025-09-22 |website=BMW BLOG |language=en-US}}</ref> while the NA0 is rumored to receive a China-exclusive long-wheelbase variant (NA8).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Boeriu |first=Horatiu |date=2025-03-28 |title=BMW Targets China with NA8 i3 Long-Wheelbase Electric Sedan |url=https://www.bmwblog.com/2025/03/28/bmw-na8-i3-long-wheelbase-sedan-china-2026/ |access-date=2025-09-22 |website=BMW BLOG |language=en-US}}</ref> Performance-oriented M3 models for both ICE and BEV versions have been rumored, with the BEV version (ZA0) spied testing.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Padeanu |first=Adrian |date=2025-09-19 |title=2027 BMW M3 Electric Kicks Up Dust During Hardcore Test: Video |url=https://www.bmwblog.com/2025/09/19/2027-bmw-m3-electric-kicks-up-dust-hardcore-test/ |access-date=2025-09-22 |website=BMW BLOG |language=en-US}}</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.{{Clear}}

== M versions ==
[[File:2017 BMW M3 (F80) sedan (2018-08-31) 01.jpg|thumb|F80 M3 (front)]]
[[File:2017 BMW M3 (F80) sedan (2018-08-31) 02.jpg|thumb|left|F80 M3 (rear)]]
{{main|BMW M3}}

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 (car)|sedan]] and [[Convertible (car)|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 [[BMW M4|M4 coupé]] and convertible starting with the 2015 model year,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.worldcarfans.com/10605017186/bmw-m3-celebrating-20-years-of-a-sporting-legend | title=BMW M3 Celebrating 20 Years of a Sporting Legend | access-date=2012-02-27 | website=worldcarfans.com | date=2008-02-27 | archive-date=29 March 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329221659/http://www.worldcarfans.com/10605017186/bmw-m3-celebrating-20-years-of-a-sporting-legend | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clubsportiva.com/blog/bmw-m3-the-evolution-of-the-benchmark/ |title=BMW M3 – The Evolution of the Benchmark |access-date=8 April 2013 |publisher=clubsportiva.com |date=2012-02-27 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110918135521/http://www.clubsportiva.com/blog/bmw-m3-the-evolution-of-the-benchmark/ |archive-date=18 September 2011 }}</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 N55|BMW S55]] engine producing {{cvt|431|PS|kW|disp=flip}} at 7,600&nbsp;rpm.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bmw-m.com/en/topics/magazine-article-pool/bmw-m3-f80-and-bmw-m4-f82.html#:~:text=The%20S55B30%20engine%20of%20the,of%20the%203.0%20litre%20motor. |title=BMW M3 and BMW M4.|access-date=5 August 2022| website=BMW-M.com |date = 2020-09-17 }}</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>{{cite web | url=https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0399336EN/the-first-ever-bmw-m3-touring?language=en|title=The first-ever BMW M3 Touring.|access-date=14 August 2022| website=press.bmwgroup.com |date = 2022-06-22 }}</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 [[Station wagon|wagon]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bmw-m.com/en/all-models/overview-m-and-m-performance/bmw-m3-competition-touring/2022/bmw-m3-competition-touring-with-m-xdrive.html |title=BMW M3 Touring.|access-date=14 August 2022| website=BMW-M.com }}</ref>

== Awards and recognition ==
The 3 Series has been on ''[[Car and Driver]]'' magazine's annual [[Car and Driver 10Best|10 Best]] list 22 times, from 1992 through 2014, making it the longest-running entry in the list.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/best_worst_lists/2009_10best_cars_10best_cars+page-2.html |title=2009 10Best Cars – 10Best Cars/Best/Worst Lists/High Performance/Hot Lists/Reviews/Car and Driver |publisher=Car And Driver |date=23 March 2008 |access-date=12 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090629220745/http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/best_worst_lists/2009_10best_cars_10best_cars%2Bpage-2.html |archive-date=29 June 2009 |url-status=dead }}</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>{{Cite web|title=Car of the Year Awards 2021: Executive Car of the Year|url=https://www.whatcar.com/news/car-of-the-year-awards-2021-executive-car-of-the-year/n22437|access-date=2021-12-07|website=whatcar.com}}</ref> ''What Car?'' awarded the 3 Series five stars out of five in its review of the car.<ref>{{Cite web|title=BMW 3 Series Review 2021|url=https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/saloon/review/n91|access-date=2021-12-07|website=whatcar.com}}</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-Benz A-Class|Mercedes A-Class]] by over 4,000 registrations.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.smmt.co.uk/vehicle-data/car-registrations/ |title=SMMT – Car Registrations |publisher=smmt.co.uk |access-date=22 January 2022}}</ref>

== Production and sales ==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! rowspan="2" | Year
! rowspan="2" | Production
! colspan="2" |Sales
|-
!Europe<ref>{{Cite web|date=2014-01-27|title=BMW 3-series European sales figures|url=https://carsalesbase.com/europe-bmw-3-series/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-07-12|website=carsalesbase.com|language=en-US|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712042034/https://carsalesbase.com/europe-bmw-3-series/}}</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">{{Cite web |url=http://www.autointell.com/european_companies/BMW/business-figures/BMW-business-figures-1997-2006-WB.xls |title=BMW (Rover) Sales & Production Databook | date=9 June 2007 |archive-date=17 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717055107/http://www.autointell.com/european_companies/BMW/business-figures/BMW-business-figures-1997-2006-WB.xls |url-status=dead | publisher = Automotive Intelligence }}</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>{{cite web|url=https://www.bmwgroup.com/content/dam/grpw/websites/bmwgroup_com/ir/downloads/en/2008/hv/2007-BMW-Group-Annual-Report.pdf|title=Annual Report 2007|publisher=BMW Group|access-date=12 October 2019|archive-date=12 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191012185107/https://www.bmwgroup.com/content/dam/grpw/websites/bmwgroup_com/ir/downloads/en/2008/hv/2007-BMW-Group-Annual-Report.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
|295,063
|142,490
|-
| 2008
| 474,208<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bmwgroup.com/content/dam/grpw/websites/bmwgroup_com/ir/downloads/en/2008/2008-BMW-Group-Annual-Report.pdf|title=Annual Report 2008|publisher=BMW Group|access-date=12 October 2019|archive-date=12 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191012185121/https://www.bmwgroup.com/content/dam/grpw/websites/bmwgroup_com/ir/downloads/en/2008/2008-BMW-Group-Annual-Report.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
|251,334
|112,464
|-
| 2009
| 397,103<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bmwgroup.com/content/dam/grpw/websites/bmwgroup_com/ir/downloads/en/2009/2009-BMW-Group-Annual-Report.pdf|title=Annual Report 2009|publisher=BMW Group|access-date=12 October 2019|archive-date=12 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191012185052/https://www.bmwgroup.com/content/dam/grpw/websites/bmwgroup_com/ir/downloads/en/2009/2009-BMW-Group-Annual-Report.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
|198,610
|90,960
|-
| 2010
| 399,009<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bmwgroup.com/content/dam/grpw/websites/bmwgroup_com/ir/downloads/en/2010/2010-BMW-Group-Annual-Report.pdf|title=Annual Report 2010|publisher=BMW Group|access-date=12 October 2019|archive-date=12 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191012185101/https://www.bmwgroup.com/content/dam/grpw/websites/bmwgroup_com/ir/downloads/en/2010/2010-BMW-Group-Annual-Report.pdf|url-status=live}}</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">{{Cite web|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bmw-group-us-reports-december-and-2013-sales-238625731.html|title=BMW Group U.S. Reports December and 2013 Sales|last=LLC|first=BMW of North America|agency=PR Newswire|access-date=2016-09-15|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304204710/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bmw-group-us-reports-december-and-2013-sales-238625731.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
|200,604
|119,521
|-
| 2014
| 480,214<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bmwgroup.com/content/dam/grpw/websites/bmwgroup_com/ir/downloads/en/2014/2014-BMW-Group-Annual-Report.pdf|title=Annual Report 2014|publisher=BMW Group|access-date=12 October 2019|archive-date=12 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191012185051/https://www.bmwgroup.com/content/dam/grpw/websites/bmwgroup_com/ir/downloads/en/2014/2014-BMW-Group-Annual-Report.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
|168,275
|142,232
|-
| 2015
| 444,338<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bmwgroup.com/content/dam/grpw/websites/bmwgroup_com/ir/finanzberichte/pdf/en/12784_GB_2015_en_Finanzbericht.pdf|title=Annual Report 2015|publisher=BMW Group|access-date=12 October 2019|archive-date=12 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191012185113/https://www.bmwgroup.com/content/dam/grpw/websites/bmwgroup_com/ir/finanzberichte/pdf/en/12784_GB_2015_en_Finanzbericht.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
|143,023
|140,609
|-
| 2016
| 411,844<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bmwgroup.com/content/dam/grpw/websites/bmwgroup_com/ir/downloads/en/2017/GB/2016-BMW-Group-Annual-Report.pdf|title=Annual Report 2016|publisher=BMW Group|access-date=12 October 2019|archive-date=12 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191012185140/https://www.bmwgroup.com/content/dam/grpw/websites/bmwgroup_com/ir/downloads/en/2017/GB/2016-BMW-Group-Annual-Report.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
|144,561
|106,221
|-
| 2017
|409,005
|129,053
|99,083
|-
| 2018
| 366,475<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bmwgroup.com/content/dam/grpw/websites/bmwgroup_com/ir/downloads/en/2019/gb/BMW-GB18_en_Finanzbericht_190315_ONLINE.pdf|title=Annual Report 2018|publisher=BMW Group|access-date=12 October 2019|archive-date=15 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915012930/https://www.bmwgroup.com/content/dam/grpw/websites/bmwgroup_com/ir/downloads/en/2019/gb/BMW-GB18_en_Finanzbericht_190315_ONLINE.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
|106,991
|75,957
|-
| 2019
|358,643<ref>{{Cite web|title=BMW Group Annual Report 2019|url=https://www.bmwgroup.com/content/dam/grpw/websites/bmwgroup_com/ir/downloads/en/2020/gb/BMW-GB19_en_Finanzbericht.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-24|website=BMW Group|type=Report|archive-date=27 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627090023/https://www.bmwgroup.com/content/dam/grpw/websites/bmwgroup_com/ir/downloads/en/2020/gb/BMW-GB19_en_Finanzbericht.pdf}}</ref>
|124,537
|73,287
|-
| 2020
|381,416<ref>{{Cite web|title=BMW Group Report 2020|url=https://www.bmwgroup.com/content/dam/grpw/websites/bmwgroup_com/ir/downloads/en/2021/bericht/BMW-Group-Bericht-2020-EN.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-24|website=BMW Group|type=Report|archive-date=5 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210705174129/https://www.bmwgroup.com/content/dam/grpw/websites/bmwgroup_com/ir/downloads/en/2021/bericht/BMW-Group-Bericht-2020-EN.pdf}}</ref>
|118,369
|50,937<ref>{{cite web |title=BMW of North America Reports Q4 2020 and Full Year 2020 U.S. Sales Results. |url=https://apnews.com/press-release/business-wire/business-marketing-and-advertising-corporate-news-north-america-new-jersey-e94fb64f47d74515981a53204f7f8e2a |work=Associated Press News|date=5 January 2021 |access-date=7 January 2021 |archive-date=7 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107153717/https://apnews.com/press-release/business-wire/business-marketing-and-advertising-corporate-news-north-america-new-jersey-e94fb64f47d74515981a53204f7f8e2a |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| 2021
|
|
|72,398<ref>{{cite web |title=BMW of North America Reports Q4 2021 and Full Year 2021 U.S. Sales Results. |url=https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/usa/article/detail/T0363602EN_US/bmw-of-north-america-reports-q4-2021-and-full-year-2021-u-s-sales-results?language=en_US |website=www.press.bmwgroup.com}}</ref>
|-
| 2022
|
|
|67,354<ref>{{cite web |title=BMW of North America Reports Q4 2022 and Full Year 2022 U.S. Sales Results. |url=https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/usa/article/detail/T0407207EN_US/bmw-of-north-america-reports-q4-2022-and-full-year-2022-u-s-sales-results?language=en_US |website=www.press.bmwgroup.com}}</ref>
|-
| 2023
|
|
|84,774<ref>{{cite web |title=BMW of North America Reports Q4 2023 and Full Year 2023 U.S. Sales Results. |url=https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/usa/article/detail/T0438942EN_US/bmw-of-north-america-reports-q4-2023-and-full-year-2023-u-s-sales-results?language=en_US#:~:text=In%20the%20fourth%20quarter%20of,332%2C388%20vehicles%20sold%20in%202022. |website=www.press.bmwgroup.com}}</ref>
|}
<nowiki>*</nowiki>Figures since 2013 includes the BMW 4 Series

== See also ==
* [[List of BMW vehicles]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070708042549/http://www.bmw.com/com/en/newvehicles/3series/overview.html Official BMW 3 Series]

{{BMW cars: 1960s to 1980s}}
{{BMW cars: 1980s to 2000s}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Bmw 3 Series}}
[[Category:BMW vehicle series|3 Series]]
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