Starting production in May 1975, the BMW 3 Series replaced the 02 series (not to be confused with the BMW 2 series). This compact executive car has spanned seven interesting generations since its inception. The 3 Series still maintains the appeal of the previous model while also including high-end technology, spaciousness, and premium cabin interior. It infuses a blend of performance with economy, although the price of this model has risen significantly.
The 3 Series has been BMW's most successful model making up about a third of the company's annual sales. It has also won various accolades over the years.
Performance and Engines
BMW chose a lineup of three different engines including three petrol engines, three diesel engines, and a plug-in hybrid. The 320i comes with a 2L 4-cylinder petrol engine, an automatic gearbox and can quickly sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in about 7 seconds. With the 330i, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes about 5.7 seconds. Comparatively, the impressive M340i that comes with a 3L 6-cylinder engine can reach 0-100 km/h in only 4.4 seconds.
If you would prefer a diesel engine, you should check out the 318d and 320d. The two models have a 2L 4-cylinder engines with an option of a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed auto gearbox. It takes about 8.4 seconds for the manual 318d to attain 0-100 km/h while the 320d takes about 7 seconds for the manual car.
Body Styles
While you could only get a 2-door sedan in the first generation, subsequent generations have included different body styles. These include a 2-door convertible, 2-door coupe, 3-door hatchback, 4-door sedan, 5-door station wagon, and a 5-door hatchback. However, the coupe and convertible body styles have been regarded as 4 Series and are not part of the 3 Series anymore. An M model of this series dubbed the M3 was unveiled in 1986, together with the E30 M3.
Model range
First Generation (E21)
With production spanning from 1975 to 1983, the E21 replaced the BMW 02 Series. It was initially available as a coupe only (2-door sedan) with carburetted 4-cylinder engines. Later in 1975, the company introduced fuel-injected engines. 6-cylinder engines were also introduced in 1977.
Second Generation (E30)
The E30 was a significant upgrade from the previous generation. Production of the second-generation 3 Series began in 1982 till 1994. Initially, all models were 2-door sedans, but BMW began to produce 4-door sedans in 1983. In 1985, BMW introduced the convertible body style and a subsequent touring model in 1987.
It is the first BMW 3 Series to get a wagon and 4-door sedan body style. The E30 was also first of the series to get a diesel engine with the 325iX, in particular, having an all-wheel-drive layout.
Some models based on the E30 platform include the BMW M3 and Z1.
Third Generation (E36)
In the third generation, the BMW 3 series also got some significant improvement. For example, the E36 was first among the 3 Series to have a 6-speed manual transmission, a 4-cylinder diesel engine, and a 5-speed auto transmission. It was sold in five body styles including the convertible, touring, hatchback, coupe, and sedan.
The E36 has been a favourite vehicle for many and always made it to the Car and Driver Magazine's 10 Best List from 1990 to 2000 when it was in production.
Fourth Generation (E46)
In production from 1997 to 2006, the E46 got electronic features that were non-existent in the 3 Series before. These include LED taillights, rain-sensing wipers, an electronic brake-force distribution and satellite navigation. The fourth-generation 3 Series also came in five body styles. This model range also carried the all-wheel-drive variant introduced in the E30.
A unique feature of this generation is that it was first to get the Valvetronic (a variable valve lift). An M3 version of this generation was also introduced with a 6-cylinder engine and coupe/convertible style.
Fifth Generation (E90/E91/E92/E93)
Unlike the previous generations, this model range did not get a hatchback. It was only available as a sedan, coupe, convertible and wagon. Run-flat tires were introduced in the 3 Series with the E90 although vehicles with such tires do not get spare tires.
The robust BMW S65 V8 engine was made available to this model range, except for the E92, in 2007.
Sixth Generation (F30/F31/F34)
This lineup, produced from 2011 to 2019, consists of the newer models of the BMW 3 Series. The cars in this generation are available as station wagons, 5-door hatchbacks, and sedans. A 3 Series Gran Turismo was later introduced. While there were coupe and convertible models, BMW started marketing them as the BMW 4 series.
It was also the first time that an entire generation in this series got turbocharged engines. Later in 2016, BMW adopted a 3-cylinder engine and a plug-in hybrid drivetrain in the 330e. Both instances were the first in the 3 Series model.
The F31 was the last to be designed in this generation which ended in June 2019.
Seventh Generation (G20)
This mysterious sedan was launched recently in 2018 at the 2018 Paris Motor Show. The term mysterious pops up since only a few people knew about its launch prior to the show. Its pictures were unveiled only a day before. Regardless, it is a stunning car available as both as a sedan and a station wagon.
BMW M
The company's motorsport division created the M3, which is arguably the most powerful model range in the 3 Series. Since these models are derived from some of the designated 3 Series, they feature several upgrades. These include lightweight components, more powerful engines, better braking, improved handling, and even aerodynamic body styles.