3series
The 3 Series defines the compact luxury sport sedan segment since 1975, establishing BMW's reputation for driving dynamics while evolving into the benchmark against which all competitors are measured.
E21 1975 1983
1.6L M10 inline-4 producing 90hp to 2.3L M20 inline-6 with 143hp. Four and five-speed manual transmissions. MacPherson strut front suspension with semi-trailing arm rear. Rear-wheel drive with 50/50 weight distribution. 2563mm wheelbase. Only two-door body style available. First use of 3 Series designation replacing 02 Series. Lightweight construction at 1030kg.
Powertrain Configurations (2)
E30 1982 1994
1.8L M40 inline-4 producing 113hp to 2.5L S14 in M3 with 192hp (215hp Sport Evolution). Five-speed manual transmission standard. Four-door sedan, two-door coupe, convertible, and touring wagon body styles. First M3 establishing motorsport heritage. Z-axle multi-link rear suspension. All-wheel drive xi models introduced. 2570mm wheelbase. M3 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds.
Powertrain Configurations (3)
E36 1990 2000
1.8L M43 inline-4 producing 115hp to 3.0L S50 in M3 with 240hp (321hp in Euro spec). Six-speed manual transmission on M3. Multi-link rear suspension refined. Compact hatchback body style added. M3 with VANOS variable valve timing. Available automatic stability control. 2700mm wheelbase. M3 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds. First 3 Series with six-cylinder standard.
Powertrain Configurations (3)
E46 1998 2006
2.0L N46 inline-4 producing 143hp to 3.2L S54 in M3 with 333hp (338hp CSL). Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) option. Double-pivot front suspension with fully independent rear. M3 CSL with carbon fiber roof and 1385kg weight. DSC dynamic stability control. 2725mm wheelbase. M3 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds. Considered by many enthusiasts as peak 3 Series.
Powertrain Configurations (3)
E90 2005 2013
2.0L N46 inline-4 producing 129hp to 4.0L S65 V8 in M3 with 414hp. Six-speed manual or seven-speed DCT transmission. First turbocharged 3 Series with 335i using N54 twin-turbo inline-6 producing 300hp. iDrive infotainment system with controller. Run-flat tires standard. 2760mm wheelbase. M3 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds. Aluminum suspension components.
Powertrain Configurations (3)
F30 2011 2019
1.5L B38 three-cylinder turbo producing 136hp to 3.0L S55 twin-turbo in M3 with 425hp. Eight-speed automatic transmission standard. Gran Turismo hatchback (F34) body style. EfficientDynamics technology with auto start-stop. Electric power steering replacing hydraulic. 2810mm wheelbase. M3 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds. Increased use of aluminum and high-strength steel.
Powertrain Configurations (3)
G20 2018 present
2.0L B48 turbo producing 184hp to 3.0L S58 twin-turbo in M3 with 473hp (503hp Competition). Eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual (M3 only). Operating System 7.0 with digital cluster. M340i with 382hp inline-6. xDrive AWD option on M3 for first time. Laser headlights option. 2851mm wheelbase. M3 Competition 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds. Carbon fiber reinforced plastic in structure.