BMW 3 Series models BMW 3 Series Saloon G20 front view in the mountains

THE BMW 3 SERIES

THE BMW 3 SERIES

For over 40 years, since the original BMW E21, the BMW 3 Series has stood for dynamic driving pleasure like no other vehicle. Today, the success of the BMW 3 Series is one of the reasons that BMW has kept its status as a maker of truly premium vehicles. Over seven generations to date, the BMW 3 Series range has continuously improved and evolved, currently  boasting the classic Saloon and the Touring.

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THE LATEST BMW 3 SERIES.

Find the model that's perfect for your lifestyle, with two sporty body styles – the BMW 3 Series Saloon and the BMW 3 Series Touring.

BMW 3 SERIES SALOON.

This is BMW's most refined and responsive driving experience yet.

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BMW 3 SERIES TOURING.

The BMW 3 Series Touring comes with outstanding performance, beautiful handling and innovative lifestyle solutions.

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THE FIRST GENERATION (BMW E21)

BMW 3 Series models BMW 3 Series Saloon E21 first generation three-quarter front view on the street

The BMW E21 owed its sporty appearance to designer Paul Bracq. The characteristic double kidney grille and round headlights in particular lent the vehicle its charm and spirit. With 1.36 million vehicles sold, the BMW E21 was one of the most popular sports saloons of the 1970s. With a cockpit angled towards the driver, a double bend on the C-pillar (Hofmeister kink), and the striking rear end, the BMW E21 was athletic from every angle.

DETAILS:
Production period: 1975–1983
Engines: 1.6–2.3 Litre (75–143 hp), 4 & 6-cylinder
Length/width/height: 4,355 mm/1,610 mm/1,380 mm

THE SECOND GENERATION (BMW E30)

BMW 3 Series models BMW 3 Series Saloon E30 second generation three-quarter front view

With the introduction of the distinctive twin headlights – now a standard feature – and also the new Convertible and four-door models, the success of the BMW 3 Series, with 2.34 million units sold, was little surprise. The range also expanded to include BMW's first wagon (Touring) variant of the vehicle. What's more, in 1985, the BMW 325ix rolled off the production line as the first BMW with four-wheel drive.

DETAILS:
Production period: 1982-1994
Engines: 1.6-3.2 Litre (75–238 hp), 4 & 6-cylinder
Length/width/height: max. 4,360 mm/1,680 mm/1,380 mm

THE THIRD GENERATION (BMW E36)

BMW 3 Series models BMW 3 Series Saloon E36 third generation three-quarter front view

With an extended front end set at an angle, the third generation of the BMW 3 Series not only improved interior comfort, but also provided much better impact protection. The new hatchback model also contributed to the groundbreaking success of the BMW E36, which was designed as a three-door with a rear section shorter by over 20 centimetres. For the first time in this series, the two-door Saloon of the predecessor was replaced with a standalone Coupé, with it being flatter and wider than the Saloon.

DETAILS:
Production period: 1990-2000
Engines: 1.6-3.2 Litre (81–333 hp), 4 & 6-cylinder
Length/width/height: max. 4,433 mm/1,710 mm/1,393 mm

THE FOURTH GENERATION (E46)

BMW 3 Series models BMW 3 Series Saloon E46 fourth generation three-quarter front view

The BMW E46 ushered in a new modern design language with its curved roof line and raft of unique elements. Available as a Coupé, Saloon, Convertible and Hatchback, the extra sporty looks and agility of the BMW E46 also offered greater safety. This included ABS, the cornering brake control developed by BMW, and six airbags are part of the standard equipment.  The BMW E46 Hatchback model also earned points for its brand-new Otto engines with variable valve control (Valvetronic), which consume about 10% less fuel than its predecessors.

DETAILS:
Production period: 1998-2007
Engines: 1.6-4.0 Litre (105–360 hp), 4 & 6-cylinder
Length/width/height: max. 4,492 mm/1,780 mm/1,434 mm

THE FIFTH GENERATION (E90)

BMW 3 Series models BMW 3 Series Saloon E90 BMW 3 Series Convertible E93 fifth generation front view on the street

In 2005, the BMW E90 was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show. A short time later, it was awarded the "World Car of the Year." The range included the BMW E90 Saloon, the BMW E91 Touring, the Coupé (BMW E92) and Convertible (BMW E93). This was the first BMW 3 Series to include the iDrive operating system, which operated the Navigation, infotainment and essential vehicle functions.

DETAILS:
Production period: 2005-2013
Engines: 1.6-4.0 Litre (122–420 hp), 4, 6 & 8-cylinder
Length/width/height: max. 4,580mm/1,817 mm/1,421 mm

THE SIXTH GENERATION (F30)

BMW 3 Series models BMW 3 Series Saloon F30 sixth generation three-quarter front view on snow

Introduced on October 14th, 2011, the BMW F30's striking appearance was heavily inspired by the previous BMW design. However, for the first time, an engine with hybrid drive was also available, and thanks to BMW EfficientDynamics, offered extremely low consumption values. For diesel vehicles, a particulate filter became standard. A new addition to the range included the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo hatchback (F34). As of this generation, the Coupé and Convertible became standalone models under the name BMW 4 Series.

DETAILS:
Production period: 2011–2019 (Saloon and Touring), Gran Turismo since 2013
Engines: 1.5-3.0 Litre (136–460 hp), 3, 4 & 6-cylinder
Length/width/height: max. 4,753 mm/1,877 mm/1,455 mm

THE SEVENTH GENERATION (G20/G21)

BMW 3 Series models BMW 3 Series Saloon G20 seventh generation three-quarter side view

At the Paris Motor Show, BMW presented the BMW G20 in spring of 2018. Longer dimensions, improved streamline, and weight-saving components made the BMW G20 a worthy successor. New assistance systems are available that allow the 3 Series BMW to drive semi-autonomously. The BMW G20 also introduced new adaptive voice and gesture control. Since the summer of 2019, the BMW 3 Series Touring, known as the G21 internally, became available as a BMW hybrid model; named the BMW 330e, it  has an electric range of up to 40 miles with a fully charged battery.

DETAILS:
Production period: since 2019
Engines: currently 2.0-3.0 Litre (116–374 hp), 4 & 6-cylinder
Length/width/height: max. 4,709mm/1,827mm/1,445 mm