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.
The BMW 3 Series sedan was unmatched in terms of its dynamic and sporting performance, thereby laying the foundations for a story of success that has continued to this day. An Eye. A new generation of the 3-Series does not come along all that often, so let's take a stroll into BMW history with a look back at the first six generations of the model.
The BMW E21 launched the iconic 3 Series, shaping BMW's success. Though often overlooked, it set the foundation for 50 years of driving excellence. The E21 was the first of the BMW 3 Series generations, and it was sold in the US as four-cylinder cars only from 1977-1983.
For the 1984-1992 model years, a redesign of the BMW 3 Series culminated. 3 Series BMW History E21 3 Series The Birth Of an Icon: The First 3 Series Arrives in the US by Staff February 25, 2025 By the time BMW of North America officially took the reins from Max Hoffman on March 15, 1975, the 2002 had already spent more than seven years winning over American drivers. The Sixth Generation: BMW 3 Series F30, F31 and F34 The BMW 3 Series entered its sixth generation in 2012 with the introduction of it's first offspring into the United States market.
The F30 featured an extended body over the E90 with an wider back track and front as well as an addition of 2 inches to the wheelbase. BMW's 3 Series set a benchmark for driving pleasure in the mid. 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. Thus far, BMW has released six generations of the 3 Series. Things really got into gear with the second generation, the E30, which was produced between 1982 and 1991 and was the first 3 Series BMW to offer a diesel engine.
Then came the E36 in 1990, the first in the series to offer a hatchback. It was also notable for its multi.
