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BMW 3 Series

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BMW 3 Series
G20 LCI
Overview
ManufacturerBMW
Production1975–2026
Body and chassis
ClassCompact executive car (D)
Chronology
PredecessorBMW 02 Series

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 eight generations.

The first generation of the 3 Series was only available as a 2-door saloon; the model range expanded to include a range of body styles - 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 (named "Compact"). Since 2004, the Compact has been spun off and became the 1 Series. In 2013, both the coupé and convertible models have been marketed as the 4 Series. All three of these styles are no longer 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,[1] and has won numerous awards throughout its history. The M version of the 3 series, M3, debuted with the second generation 3 Series (E30 M3) in 1986.[2]

First generation (E21; 1975)

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E21 (rear)
E21 (front)

The E21 was launched in 1975 and replaced the 02 Series, borrowing the naming convention first introduced with the first generation E12 5 Series. The body style was designed by Paul Bracq and was initially available as a 2-door saloon (also described as coupé),[3] with a convertible version made available through collaboration with Karosserie Baur.

At launch, all models used carburetted 4-cylinder M10 engines; with fuel-injected models introduced in late 1975 and 6-cylinder engines powered by the all-new M20 were added in 1977; which were unavailable in the North American market. Three transmission types were available; a 3 speed automatic and a 4 or 5 speed manual gearbox.

The E21 was discontinued in December of 1983 with the release of the E30.

Second generation (E30; 1982)

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E30 saloon
E30 saloon

On its introduction in 1982, the E30 was produced solely as a 2-door sedan. 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 E30 reused the M10 and M20 engines from the E21, albiet with many models now receiving fuel-injection. A diesel was also introduced to the 3 Series with the M21 with a turbocharged variant, making it also the first turbocharged 3 Series. The BMW Z1 roadster was based on the E30 platform, and features of the rear suspension would be reused in the E36 'Compact' and Z3.

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 175 kW (235 hp) in its final European-only iteration.[4]

The E30 was slowly phased out starting in 1990 with the release of the E36, but Convertible and Touring models continued to be manufactured until 1993 and 1994 respectively. This also marked the end of production of the M20 engine.

Third generation (E36; 1990)

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E36 sedan
E36 sedan

The E36 arrived in 1990 and was sold in an enlarged variety of models: a sedan, coupé, convertible, wagon (marketed as "Touring"), and hatchback (marketed as a "Compact").

The E36 was the first 3 Series to be offered a 6-speed manual transmission (in the 1996 M3), a 5-speed automatic transmission, a four-cylinder diesel engine and to be available with stability control (ASC). The E36 was also the first of only two generations to be sold with the Compact nameplate. The multi-link rear suspension (dubbed Z-Axle) that was first seen on the Z1 was introduced to the 3 Series and was a significant upgrade compared to previous generations.

The M3 model is powered by the S50 and S52 straight-six engines. It was sold in coupé, sedan and convertible body styles; with a one-off concept 'M3 Compact' variant also built. The BMW Z3 Roadster and Coupé models were also based on the E36 platform.

The E36 was phased out starting with the 4-door sedan 1998 with the release of the E46, but other models continued to be made through 1999 and Compact models continued to be manufactured until 2000.[5]

Fourth generation (E46; 1998)

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E46 sedan
E46 sedan

At the turn of 1998, the E46 was launched as a sedan, with later coupé, convertible, wagon (marketed as "Touring"), and hatchback (marketed as "3 Series Compact") models being added.

The E46 generation introduced various electronic features to the 3 Series, including the CANBUS protocol, satellite navigation, DSC, rain-sensing wipers, LED tail-lights, and Xenon headlights.[6][7][8][9] All-wheel drive, last available in the E30 3 Series, was reintroduced for the E46 as the 325xi and 330xi sedan/wagon models.[10][11] For the first time since the introduction of the 3 Series, North American markets did not receive 4-cylinder or diesel E46 models. The E46 has the widest range of transmission options; ranging from 4, 5 or 6 speed automatics, a 5 or 6 speed manual and an automatically-actuated 6-speed sequential manual gearbox (dubbed 'SMG').[12][13][14][15][16]

The E46 was the last of two generations of 3 Series available with a Compact variant. The M3 version of the E46 was powered by the S54 straight-six engine and was available in coupé and convertible body styles, with a one-off concept 'M3 Touring' variant also built. The transmissions available were a 6-speed manual or the 6-speed "SMG-II" sequential manual gearbox.[4]

The E46 was phased out starting in late 2004 with the release of the E9x, but the coupé and convertible continued to be manufactured until 2006. The Compact nameplate was also discontinued in 2004 with the release of the first generation 1 Series.

Fifth generation (E90/E91/E92/E93; 2004)

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E90 sedan
E90 sedan

The E9x was first made available in 2004; 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 the first mass-produced 3 Series powered by the a V8 engine; namely the BMW S65. It was released in 2007 and was produced in sedan, coupe, and cabriolet body styles.

The E90 began being phased out starting with North America in late 2012 with the release of the F3x, but the coupé and convertible continued to be manufactured until 2013. This also marked the end of the original nomenclature; as all models from this point mark their model numbers by relative power, rather than following the engine displacement.

Sixth generation (F30/F31/F34/F35; 2011)

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F30 sedan
F30 sedan

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.[17][18][19]

In 2016, a plug-in hybrid drivetrain was first used in the 3 Series, in the 330e model.[20] 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.

The F3x began being phased out starting 2018 with the release of the G2x, but the Touring continued production until June 2019.[21][22]

Seventh generation (G20/G21/G28; 2018)

[edit]
G20 sedan (front)
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.[23] 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.[24] 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.

M versions

[edit]
F80 M3 (front)
F80 M3 (rear)

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,[25][26] 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 317 kW (431 PS) at 7,600 rpm.[27]

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.[28] 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.[29]

Awards and recognition

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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.[30] 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.[31] What Car? awarded the 3 Series five stars out of five in its review of the car.[32]

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.[33]

Production and sales

[edit]
Year Production Sales
Europe[34] U.S.* China Malaysia[35][i] Indonesia[36]
3-series i3
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 2,059
1991 29,002 2,307
1992 38,040 1,197
1993 45,594 1,160
1994 46,287 2,183
1995 50,146 2,596
1996 50,248 3,077
1997 337,800[37] 216,866 52,472 2,855
1998 376,900[37] 247,786 57,520 680
1999 454,000[37] 304,983 77,138 456
2000 509,007[37] 330,604 89,681 1,791 2,096
2001 533,952[37] 343,991 103,227 1,745 2,429
2002 561,249[37] 350,606 115,428 1,803 1,609
2003 528,358[37] 320,029 111,944 1,503 1,546
2004 449,732[37] 269,216 106,549 1,771 1,367
2005 434,342[37] 244,886 106,950 2,248 600
2006 508,479[37] 289,597 120,180 2,217 235
2007 555,219[38] 295,063 142,490 2,181 565
2008 474,208[39] 251,334 112,464 2,150 399
2009 397,103[40] 198,610 90,960 2,548 531
2010 399,009[41] 183,122 100,910 2,500 523
2011 384,464 161,614 94,371 2,315 528
2012 406,752 175,022 99,602 3,597 760
2013 500,332[42] 200,604 119,521 3,965 915
2014 480,214[43] 168,275 142,232 4,237 1,143
2015 444,338[44] 143,023 140,609 4,075 1,201
2016 411,844[45] 144,561 106,221 3,631 825
2017 409,005 129,053 99,083 3,700 912
2018 366,475[46] 106,991 75,957 3,396 641
2019 358,643[47] 124,537 73,287 2,572 590
2020 381,416[48] 118,369 50,937[49] 2,621 571
2021 72,398[50] 2,487 543
2022 67,354[51] 2,327 529
2023 84,774[52] 147,073[53] 53,774[53] 2,847 488
2024 73,938[54] 146,362[55] 47,503[55] 2,548 797
2025 72,410[54] 157,596[56] 22,784[56] 1,328 164

*Figures since 2013 include the BMW 4 Series

See also

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Notes

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  1. ↑ Figures based on registration (Malaysia)

References

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  1. ↑ "2010 BMW Group Annual Report" (PDF). BMW AG. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 June 2011. Retrieved 17 October 2011.
  2. ↑ "BMW 3 Series". Edmunds.com. 22 January 2009. Archived from the original on 31 August 2009. Retrieved 3 October 2010.
  3. ↑ "BMW E21 3 Series specs". ultimatespecs.com. Archived from the original on 30 May 2019. Retrieved 22 January 2017.
  4. 1 2 "BMW M3 E30 2.5i (238Hp) EVO II". automobilio.info. Archived from the original on 2 October 2019. Retrieved 9 March 2016.
  5. ↑ "BMW classic models – information & specifications under 'BMW 3 Series Compact (E36)'". www.bmwgroup-classic.com. Retrieved 7 September 2026.
  6. ↑ Pretorius, Martin. "BMW 3 Series E46 4th Generation 1999-2006 Review". CarBUZZ. Retrieved 9 September 2023.
  7. ↑ "2000 BMW E46 M3 Review". TopSpeed.com. 29 June 2006. Archived from the original on 28 October 2021. Retrieved 10 February 2017.
  8. ↑ "BMW E46 3 Series Buyer's Guide". reveuro.com. Archived from the original on 2 April 2013. Retrieved 10 February 2017.
  9. ↑ "BMW 3 Series (E46) – 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005". autoevolution.com. Archived from the original on 3 July 2019. Retrieved 14 April 2017.
  10. ↑ "BMW E46 3 Series". ultimatespecs.com. Archived from the original on 27 March 2019. Retrieved 9 March 2016.
  11. ↑ "BMW E46 3 Series Touring". ultimatespecs.com. Archived from the original on 27 March 2019. Retrieved 9 March 2016.
  12. ↑ "List of BMW engines". engine-specs.net. Engine Specs. Retrieved 9 September 2023.
  13. ↑ "3' E46 330Ci Manual Transmission GS6S37BZ (SMG)". RealOEM. Retrieved 9 September 2023.
  14. ↑ "3' E46 323Ci Manual Transmission S5D 250G". RealOEM. Retrieved 9 September 2023.
  15. ↑ "3' E46 330Ci Manual transmission GS6-37BZ/DZ". RealOEM. Retrieved 9 September 2023.
  16. ↑ "3' E46 330Ci Manual Transmission S5D320Z". RealOEM. Retrieved 9 September 2023.
  17. ↑ "3 series GT configurations". Archived from the original on 13 June 2018. Retrieved 13 June 2018.
  18. ↑ "2017 BMW 3-series Gran Turismo". caranddriver.com. June 2016. Archived from the original on 10 May 2018. Retrieved 9 May 2018.
  19. ↑ "2018 BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo Review". Edmunds. Archived from the original on 10 May 2018. Retrieved 9 May 2018.
  20. ↑ "2016 BMW 330e Plug-In Hybrid First Drive". Autoblog. 28 January 2016. Archived from the original on 13 April 2021. Retrieved 28 October 2021.
  21. ↑ "BMW spendet letzten produzierten 3er Touring". carzoom.de (in German). Archived from the original on 29 July 2019. Retrieved 29 July 2019.
  22. ↑ Rosenholtz, Jared (19 October 2018). "BMW 3 Series Touring Set To Debut At 2019 Geneva Motor Show". CarBuzz. Archived from the original on 19 October 2018. Retrieved 29 July 2019.
  23. ↑ "New 3 Series Touring Revealed". Cars.co.za. 12 June 2019. Archived from the original on 2 August 2019. Retrieved 2 August 2019.
  24. ↑ "The first-ever BMW M3 Touring". press.bmwgroup.com. Retrieved 14 August 2022.
  25. ↑ "BMW M3 Celebrating 20 Years of a Sporting Legend". worldcarfans.com. 27 February 2008. Archived from the original on 29 March 2012. Retrieved 27 February 2012.
  26. ↑ "BMW M3 – The Evolution of the Benchmark". clubsportiva.com. 27 February 2012. Archived from the original on 18 September 2011. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
  27. ↑ "BMW M3 and BMW M4". BMW-M.com. 17 September 2020. Retrieved 5 August 2022.
  28. ↑ "The first-ever BMW M3 Touring". press.bmwgroup.com. 22 June 2022. Retrieved 14 August 2022.
  29. ↑ "BMW M3 Touring". BMW-M.com. Retrieved 14 August 2022.
  30. ↑ "2009 10Best Cars – 10Best Cars/Best/Worst Lists/High Performance/Hot Lists/Reviews/Car and Driver". Car And Driver. 23 March 2008. Archived from the original on 29 June 2009. Retrieved 12 June 2009.
  31. ↑ "Car of the Year Awards 2021: Executive Car of the Year". whatcar.com. Retrieved 7 December 2021.
  32. ↑ "BMW 3 Series Review 2021". whatcar.com. Retrieved 7 December 2021.
  33. ↑ "SMMT – Car Registrations". smmt.co.uk. Retrieved 22 January 2022.
  34. ↑ "BMW 3-series European sales figures". carsalesbase.com. 27 January 2014. Archived from the original on 12 July 2021. Retrieved 12 July 2021.
  35. ↑ "Car Popularity". data.gov.my.
  36. ↑ "Indonesian Automobile Industry Data". files.gaikindo.or.id.
  37. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 "BMW (Rover) Sales & Production Databook". Automotive Intelligence. 9 June 2007. Archived from the original on 17 July 2011.
  38. ↑ "Annual Report 2007" (PDF). BMW Group. Archived (PDF) from the original on 12 October 2019. Retrieved 12 October 2019.
  39. ↑ "Annual Report 2008" (PDF). BMW Group. Archived (PDF) from the original on 12 October 2019. Retrieved 12 October 2019.
  40. ↑ "Annual Report 2009" (PDF). BMW Group. Archived (PDF) from the original on 12 October 2019. Retrieved 12 October 2019.
  41. ↑ "Annual Report 2010" (PDF). BMW Group. Archived (PDF) from the original on 12 October 2019. Retrieved 12 October 2019.
  42. ↑ LLC, BMW of North America. "BMW Group U.S. Reports December and 2013 Sales". PR Newswire. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 15 September 2016.
  43. ↑ "Annual Report 2014" (PDF). BMW Group. Archived (PDF) from the original on 12 October 2019. Retrieved 12 October 2019.
  44. ↑ "Annual Report 2015" (PDF). BMW Group. Archived (PDF) from the original on 12 October 2019. Retrieved 12 October 2019.
  45. ↑ "Annual Report 2016" (PDF). BMW Group. Archived (PDF) from the original on 12 October 2019. Retrieved 12 October 2019.
  46. ↑ "Annual Report 2018" (PDF). BMW Group. Archived (PDF) from the original on 15 September 2020. Retrieved 12 October 2019.
  47. ↑ "BMW Group Annual Report 2019" (PDF). BMW Group (Report). Archived (PDF) from the original on 27 June 2021. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
  48. ↑ "BMW Group Report 2020" (PDF). BMW Group (Report). Archived (PDF) from the original on 5 July 2021. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
  49. ↑ "BMW of North America Reports Q4 2020 and Full Year 2020 U.S. Sales Results". Associated Press News. 5 January 2021. Archived from the original on 7 January 2021. Retrieved 7 January 2021.
  50. ↑ "BMW of North America Reports Q4 2021 and Full Year 2021 U.S. Sales Results". www.press.bmwgroup.com.
  51. ↑ "BMW of North America Reports Q4 2022 and Full Year 2022 U.S. Sales Results". www.press.bmwgroup.com.
  52. ↑ "BMW of North America Reports Q4 2023 and Full Year 2023 U.S. Sales Results". www.press.bmwgroup.com.
  53. 1 2 "【易车销量榜】全国2023年宝马终端量销量榜-易车榜-易车". car.yiche.com. Retrieved 11 February 2026.
  54. 1 2 "BMW of North America Reports Full Year 2025 U.S. Sales Results". BMW Group Pressclub USA (Press release). 5 January 2026. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
  55. 1 2 "【易车销量榜】全国2024年宝马终端量销量榜-易车榜-易车". car.yiche.com. Retrieved 11 February 2026.
  56. 1 2 "【易车销量榜】全国2025年宝马终端量销量榜-易车榜-易车". car.yiche.com. Retrieved 11 February 2026.
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