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. For seven generations, the BMW 3 Series has been encapsulating the spirit of its times.
In 2019, a new chapter begins. A new generation. Come with us on this journey through time, design and space.
The BMW 3 Series: Overview of the BMW 3 Series models, styles and model history. Find out now. Here's how the BMW 3 Series has evolved over seven generations in the USA.
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 different generations. It's the embodiment of sheer driving pleasure and the world's bestselling premium car: 50 years ago, the first ever BMW 3 Series was unveiled.
The successor to the legendary 02 Series, it offered compact dimensions, a driver-focused cockpit and rear-wheel drive. With its combination of agile handling, dynamism, premium quality and smart technologies, it was the vanguard of a new vehicle. Just a year after its release the 3 Series was named the world's best sedan with an engine displacing fewer than 2.0-liters, but that didn't stop BMW from ramping it all up.
In 1977 it became the first in its segment to offer a six-cylinder engine helping it to become known for its performance, handling and sporty design. BMW's 3 Series set a benchmark for driving pleasure in the mid. Here's every generation of the BMW 3 Series: which is your favourite? 50 years and counting: from humble E21 to tech-laden G20, all seven, um, Threes, are here.
Explore the history of the BMW 3 Series, tracing its development across the decades and highlighting key models and innovations that define this iconic vehicle.