BMW 3-Series History
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The BMW 3-Series is a mid-size executive car built since 1975 and is currently in its fifth generation. It’s BMW’s most popular model to date and for years has been the benchmark for rivals to match in the executive class. Today the car is available in Sedan, Coupe, Convertible and Touring wagon bodystyles, as well as a high-performance M3 guise.
While overseas the BMW 3-Series is available with a range of four-cylinder gasoline and diesel units, in the U.S. the base model comes with a six-cylinder gasoline unit. Space in the 3-Series is adequate for four adults, although a fifth can be squeezed in should the need arrive. Pricing in this segment is very competitive, with the 3-Series starting from $33,150. This puts it on par with rivals like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which starts at $33,600 and Infiniti G37 at $33,250. Another rival, the Audi A4 starts at just $31,450, but its base model only comes with a four-cylinder engine.
The first generation 3-Series, the E21, was launched in 1975 but didn’t arrive in the U.S. until 1977. It served as the replacement for the 2002 and was originally only available as a two-door and with four-cylinder engines. The first BMW straight-six in the 3-Series didn’t arrive until 1977.
The E21 was replaced by the E30 BMW 3-Series in 1982. This second generation model came in a Sedan bodystyle and with both four and six-cylinder engines. This model also saw the introduction of the 3-Series Touring wagon, which was introduced in 1987, as well as a 3-Series Convertible in 1993. Another highlight of the E30 BMW 3-Series was the addition of the vaunted M3 in 1989, which came packing a 192 horsepower four-cylinder engine.
The third generation E36 BMW 3-Series arrived on the market in 1991. It didn’t deter much from the design of the E30 but it did see the introduction of a new entry-level 318ti Hatchback model in some markets as well as a straight-six engine in the M3. This was followed by the fourth generation E46 BMW 3-Series in the 1999 model year, which experienced enormous success in most markets, selling a total of 561,249 units worldwide in 2002 alone.
The current generation E90 BMW 3-Series came onto the market in the 2006 model year and has since seen a facelift, which occurred in the 2009 model year. It is based on a completely different platform to the outgoing E46, including changes to engines, transmission, the passenger compartment, suspension technology, as well as the addition of a host of high-tech features and options. Coupe and Convertible models were launched in the 2007 model year and have just been updated for the 2011 model year. The E90 BMW 3-Series also saw the M3 model pick up a new V-8 engine. Other engine options available in the U.S. include a pair of six-cylinder gasoline units as well as a turbodiesel. Both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations are also offered.
The sixth generation of the BMW 3-Series is currently in development and is due on the market in time for the 2013 model year. It is expected that this model will see the return of a four-cylinder engine option on the 3-Series in the U.S. market.
