BMW 3 Series Best Selling Model,

                                                                   BMW 3 Series 

The BMW 3 Series is a series of compact executive cars produced by the German automaker BMW since May 1975. It has undergone seven generations of development and serves as the successor to the 02 Series.

Originally introduced as a 2-door saloon, the 3 Series lineup has expanded over the years to include various body styles. These include a 4-door saloon, 2-door convertible, 2-door coupé, 5-door estate, 5-door liftback ("Gran Turismo"), and 3-door hatchback. However, starting from 2013, the coupé and convertible models have been marketed as the 4 Series, and they are no longer part of the 3 Series range.

The 3 Series holds the title of BMW's top-selling model, accounting for approximately 30% of the annual total sales for the BMW brand (excluding motorbikes). It has received numerous accolades and awards throughout its history.

The M3, which is the high-performance version of the 3 Series, made its debut in 1986 with the E30 M3 model.

First generation (E21; 1975)

The E21 model succeeded the 02 Series and was initially offered as a 2-door sedan, often referred to as a coupé as well.

When it was first introduced, all E21 models were equipped with carbureted 4-cylinder engines. However, later in 1975, fuel-injected models were introduced, providing improved performance and efficiency. In 1977, BMW also introduced 6-cylinder engines to the E21 lineup.

From 1978 to 1981, a cabriolet (convertible) body style of the E21 was available. This particular variant was manufactured by Baur, a renowned coachbuilder.

         Second generation (E30; 1982)

Upon its introduction in 1982, the E30 model of the BMW 3 Series was initially available only as a 2-door sedan. However, the lineup expanded in subsequent years to include other body styles.

In 1983, the E30 introduced the 4-door sedan models to the 3 Series range. Convertible variants were then introduced in 1985, followed by estate models, also known as "Touring," in 1987.

The E30 marked several significant firsts for the 3 Series. It was the first generation to offer a wagon (estate) body style and a 4-door sedan alongside the 2-door sedan. Additionally, the E30 was the first 3 Series to feature a diesel engine option. Furthermore, all-wheel drive was introduced to the 3 Series lineup with the 325iX model.

The E30 platform served as the basis for the BMW Z1 roadster, which was developed alongside the 3 Series.

Notably, the E30 platform was also utilized for the creation of the first BMW M3. The E30 M3 boasted the high-revving S14 four-cylinder petrol engine, which generated 175 kW (235 hp) in its final European variant.

Third generation (E36; 1990)

The E36 generation of the BMW 3 Series was offered in various body styles, including sedan, coupé, convertible, wagon (marketed as "Touring"), and hatchback (marketed as "3 Series Compact"). The Compact model, which was smaller than the traditional 4-door sedan, featured BMW's four-cylinder engines developed in the 1990s.

The E36 introduced several firsts for the 3 Series. It was the first generation to include a hatchback body style, known as the 3 Series Compact. Additionally, it was the first to offer a 6-speed manual transmission, available in the 1996 M3 model. The E36 also introduced a 5-speed automatic transmission option and a four-cylinder diesel engine to the 3 Series lineup. Another notable enhancement was the introduction of a multi-link rear suspension system, which represented a significant improvement compared to previous generations of the 3 Series.

The M3 variant of the E36 was powered by the S50 and S52 straight-six engines. It was available in coupé, sedan, and convertible body styles, offering high-performance capabilities.

Furthermore, the BMW Z3 roadster and coupe models were based on the E36 platform, sharing its underlying architecture and components.

Fourth generation (E46; 1997)

The E46 generation of the BMW 3 Series was offered in a range of body styles, including sedan, coupé, convertible, wagon (marketed as "Touring"), and hatchback (marketed as "3 Series Compact").

With the E46, BMW introduced various electronic features to the 3 Series lineup. These included satellite navigation, electronic brake-force distribution, rain-sensing wipers, and LED tail-lights, enhancing the convenience and safety of the vehicle.

All-wheel drive, which had last been available in the E30 3 Series, was reintroduced for the E46 generation. It was offered for the 325xi and 330xi sedan/wagon models, providing improved traction and stability in varying road conditions.

The E46 was also the first 3 Series to feature an engine with variable valve lift technology known as "valvetronic." This technology improved engine performance and efficiency by optimizing the intake valve lift.

In the M3 version of the E46, BMW equipped it with the S54 straight-six engine. The M3 was available in coupé and convertible body styles, offering exceptional performance. Non-M3 variants of the E46 were powered by the M52 or M54 engines. Transmission options included a 6-speed manual gearbox or the 6-speed "SMG-II" sequential manual gearbox, providing drivers with different transmission preferences.

Fifth generation ( 2004)

The fifth generation of the BMW 3 Series was available in various body styles, including sedan, wagon, coupé, and cabriolet. Some refer to this generation as "E9X" due to the different model codes assigned to each body style.

In 2006, the 335i model marked a significant milestone as it became the first 3 Series to feature a turbocharged gasoline engine. Additionally, the E90 generation introduced run-flat tires to the 3 Series lineup. As a result, vehicles equipped with run flats do not come with spare tires.

The M3 variant of the E90/E92/E93 generation was powered by the BMW S65 V8 engine. It was introduced in 2007 and was available in sedan, coupe, and cabriolet body styles, delivering impressive performance.

Production of the fifth-generation BMW 3 Series concluded in 2013, bringing an end to this particular era of the model.

Sixth generation (F30/F31/F34/F35; 2011)

The F30/F31/F35 generation of the BMW 3 Series was produced in multiple body styles, including sedan, coupé, convertible, station wagon, and 5-door hatchback ("Gran Turismo"). In China, a long-wheelbase sedan variant was also available.

With the F30/F31/F34 series, the coupe and convertible models were produced from 2013 until 2014 when they were separated from the 3 Series lineup and rebranded as the BMW 4 Series. Additionally, a new body style called the 3 Series Gran Turismo was introduced, featuring a long-wheelbase hatchback design.

In 2016, the 3 Series welcomed its first plug-in hybrid drivetrain in the form of the 330e model, incorporating electric and combustion engine components for improved efficiency. The same year also saw the introduction of a 3-cylinder engine, a first for the 3 Series.

The M3 variant of the F30 generation, designated as the F80, was launched in 2014 and featured the powerful S55 twin-turbo straight-6 engine.

Production of the F30/F31/F35 generation concluded in 2019, with the last F31 Touring model rolling off the production line in June of

Seventh generation (G20/G21/G28; 2018)

The BMW 3 Series (G20) made its debut at the 2018 Paris Motor Show, which took place on October 2, 2018. Official images of the vehicle were released one day prior to the unveiling. This marked the introduction of the seventh generation of the 3 Series.

The G20 generation includes a station wagon variant, providing additional versatility and practicality for customers who prefer that body style.

In terms of performance, the more powerful M3 and M3 Competition variants were globally released starting in 2021. Notably, the G20 generation introduced the M3 Touring, making it the first 3 Series generation to offer a Touring variant of the M3 model.

To cater to the growing demand for electric vehicles, a battery electric version exclusive to the Chinese market was introduced in 2022 under the name i3. It shares its powertrain with the globally marketed i4.

A facelift for the G20 generation was unveiled in May 2022 and subsequently launched in select markets in November 2022 as the 2023 model year, featuring design and technology updates to enhance the overall driving experience.

                    M version

The BMW M3 is the high-performance version of the 3 Series, developed by BMW's in-house motorsport division, BMW M.

Throughout its history, the M3 has been derived from different generations of the 3 Series, including the E30, E36, E46, E90/E92/E93, F30 (known as F80), and the current generation G20 (known as G80). It has been offered in coupe, sedan, and convertible body styles.

Compared to the standard 3 Series models, the M3 features significant upgrades. These include more powerful and responsive engines, enhanced handling, suspension, and braking systems, aerodynamic body enhancements, lightweight components, and distinct interior and exterior accents carrying the iconic tri-color "M" emblem.

The last M3 coupe was produced in 2013, replaced by the M4 Coupe and Convertible starting from the 2015 model year. However, the M3 name continues to be used for the sedan variant. The latest generation M3, codenamed G80, was reintroduced in 2021, based on the seventh generation 3 Series (G20). The mentioned F80 generation M3 was powered by a BMW N55 engine, delivering 431 horsepower.

In June 2022, BMW unveiled the first-ever BMW M3 Touring, codenamed G81. It is based on the seventh generation 3 Series and marks the debut of a BMW M Touring model. The M3 Touring shares the same engine and interior setup as the M3 sedan but features an extended roofline to create a wagon body style.