In the medium-size class it is considered the embodiment of the sports sedan and has maintained this leading role for many years unchallenged at the top of the premium segment.
Since debuting in 1975, more than 12 million customers worldwide have purchased a BMW 3 Series, even though the car cannot be associated with any typical customer segment. So the reasons for this remarkable success are manifold.
Then as now, the BMW 3 Series concept was unique - a compact and elegant body design, modern and efficient engines, a classic rear-wheel drive concept and a sporty suspension setup.
The result was a maximum degree of driving dynamics and agility. Moreover, BMW demonstrated a strong sense for the spirit of the time and the individual wishes of potential customers. This in turn resulted in innovative body concepts and additional technical features that competitors were unable to offer.
In this respect as well, the BMW 3 Series was the first to set the benchmark in the midrange sports sedan segment. The latest examples of this are the measures implemented within the framework of BMW Efficient Dynamics, thanks to which the BMW 3 Series achieves the lowest fuel consumption and emission levels in its class.
The BMW 3 Series Convertible, the BMW 3 Series Touring, the BMW 3 Series Coupe and the BMW 3 Series Compact eventually followed the sedan - the best-selling model variant in the global market.
In addition, BMW designed the high-performance sports sedan BMW M3. The success story of the world's most widely sold premium car began 36 years ago with a two-door version.
1975: The first generation
With the presentation of the first BMW 3 Series in July 1975, BMW opened a new chapter in the history of the automobile. Right from the start, the two-door sedan with compact dimensions and a sporty character has its very own distinctiveness.
The kidney grille dominates the front end and with a length of 4,355mm, a width of 1,610mm and a height of 1,380mm, the new car has a compact but at the same time 'grown up' appearance. Track widths of 1,364 min at the front and 1,377 mm at the rear provide the car with a powerful look.
The car is powered by four-cylinder engines with a displacement of 1,573, 1,766 and 1,990cc respectively. The model designations are 316, 318, 320 and 320i.
With the exception of the fuel-injected engine, all power units are designed to run on regular petrol.
An absolute novelty is the interior design with a cockpit inclined towards the driver, this remaining a typical feature of the BMW interior for many years.
1982: The second generation
The new BMW 3 Series reflects advancement and diversity in all respects. A new design, optimised aerodynamics, more space and comfort, higher power output as well as additional body and engine variants. BMW has consistently extended its most successful model range, offering bespoke solutions to suit customer tastes.
This generation celebrates the debut of a family-friendly four-door car (1983), the BMW 3 Series Convertible and the BMW M3 sports car (both 1985). Today, the first BMW 3 Series Convertible is a classic car that is extremely popular with many fans of the brand.
With the attractively styled 1987 touring version, BMW proves that driving fun and high utility value as well as space and functionality need not contradict each other.
Furthermore, the first diesel and the first four-wheel drive models are incorporated into the BMW 3 Series. The successful result of this strategy: With more than 2.3 million units sold, sales of the predecessor model is even exceeded by a million.
1990: The third generation
In 1990, the four-door sedan marks the launch of the third generation. The car boasts a high-level of elegance and innovative technology. It has also become significantly larger and more spacious.
The two-door version follows in 1992, but this time as an extremely elegant coupe. Just a few months later, BMW adds two further highlights -the new convertible and the new BMW M3.
With the BMW 3 Series Compact of 1994, BMW designers succeed in realising yet another conceptual innovation. It appeals predominantly to fans that attach importance to economy, without wishing to forego dynamics and comfort. The tailgate of the 4.21-metre-long BMW is a particularly practical feature.
1998: The fourth generation
May 1998 sees the arrival of the fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series, offering yet a further increase in power, comfort and safety. The new model is four centimetres longer and wider than its predecessor, the interior also having grown accordingly. At the end of 1999, the BMW 3 Series climbs to third place in the registration statistics, something a car in this class has never achieved before.
The brand's first diesel direct injection engine makes its debut in the 320d and the 318i is equipped for the first time with two balance shafts. The technically most prominent measure implemented on the six-cylinder petrol engines is the introduction of double VANOS.
2005: The fifth generation
The fifth and latest generation of the BMW 3 Series celebrates its world premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show. The new combination of powerful engines, dynamic and refined handling characteristics, a distinctive design and innovative equipment features is well received all over the world.
The BMW Efficient Dynamics development strategy is now demonstrating how the pleasure of driving a BMW 3 Series can be brought into line with exemplary fuel economy and low emission levels.
For example, all petrol engines feature direct injection technology High Precision Injection, which is utilised in the six-cylinder models 330i and 325i and in the four-cylinder versions 320i and 318i in fuel-efficient lean-burn operation.
In the BMW 335i, the injection system is combined with TwinPower Turbo technology and fully variable valve control Valvetronic. In order to optimise weight, BMW utilises an aluminium crankcase or an even lighter magnesium-aluminium composite.
In the model year 2010, all engines fulfil the EU5 emission standard. The BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition proves to be by far the most efficient medium-class car.
During the course of the past 36 years, BMW has constantly continued to extend its lead in the midrange sports segment. The BMW 3 Series displays its sporting origins in various variants and performance classes more convincingly than any other vehicle in its class.
At the same time, BMW again and again proves to be an innovative trendsetter and forerunner, not only with engines and drive technology. The success story will continue as the sixth generation will soon be in the starting blocks.
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