The BMW 3 Series is celebrating its fiftieth birthday, with greater than 18 million vehicles rolling off the production line during that point.
Starting life in Munich in 1975 as a two-door coupe, BMW expanded 3 Series production to 18 plants across 13 countries within the years following, with the favored model eventually available as a convertible, sedan, hatchback, and wagon.
Often known as the E21, the primary 3 Series launched in 1975, with almost 1.37 million cars being produced up until late 1983.
However it was arguably the E30 that basically cemented the three Series inside the automotive zeitgeist, with nearly 2.4 million vehicles made between 1982 and 1994 not only in Germany but in addition South Africa – with production continuing a few years after its successor launched to the world.
CarExpert can prevent 1000’s on a brand new automotive. Click here to get an important deal.
It was the E30 that also saw the launch of the M3, with its laser-sharp handling, which might find yourself becoming probably the most iconic performance cars of all time – partly, because of its hugely successful campaign in touring automotive categories and tarmac rally.
The E36 was a giant step change for the three Series, with the model growing in size, while becoming more luxurious and featuring technology normally seen on much larger limousines – and production growing to 2.7 million. It’s up to now the one 3 Series to have been produced within the US, alongside Germany and South Africa.
With this recent generation got here the E36 M3, which saw the introduction of a straight-six engine for the primary time within the high-performance model, offering similar performance to some Porsche 911s of the identical period – but costing roughly 30 per cent less.
The success of the three Series continued to rise within the late Nineties, with the E46 – and particularly the M3 – critically praised for its ride, handling, construct quality, and powertrains, leading to greater than 3.2 million vehicles produced over nine years in Germany and South Africa.
The three Series continued to evolve, with the E9X being the primary generation to see the introduction of a turbocharged petrol engine with the 225kW/400Nm 335i and the primary to be produced in China alongside existing German and South African production.
Meanwhile, the E9X became the primary and only M3 to be fitted with a naturally aspirated V8, producing greater than 309kW and 400Nm at launch.
The sixth-generation saw many firsts, being the primary 3 Series to depart from the ‘E’ designation – being the F30 sedan and F31 wagon, amongst others – and the primary with available plug-in hybrid power.
It was also the primary with out a coupe, which was spun off together with the convertible under the 4 Series nameplate. Production continued in Germany, South Africa and China.
Unveiled in 2018, the G2X is the newest 3 Series generation on sale and is produced in Germany, China and Mexico.
BMW plans to introduce a brand new 3 Series-sized i3 electric vehicle (EV) on its ‘Neue Klasse’ architecture within the second half of 2026 – marking a shift for the German automaker when it comes to styling, technology, and platforms – though it’ll be sold alongside an overhauled combustion-powered model with similar styling.
This Article First Appeared At www.carexpert.com.au
