Celebrating 50 Years of the Iconic BMW 3 Series

The legendary BMW 3 Series is celebrating its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of performance, innovation, and driving excellence. First introduced in 1975, the 3 Series built upon the success of the 02 Series, refining BMW's formula for the ultimate driving experience. Over the years, the 3 Series has evolved through seven generations, consistently setting the benchmark for luxury sports sedans.

At its inception, the E21 320i introduced BMW enthusiasts to a more refined and driver-focused cockpit, maintaining the sporty spirit of the 02 Series while adapting to the fuel and safety regulations of the time. Powered by a four-cylinder M10 engine producing 101 horsepower, it quickly became a commercial success, selling over one million units in just six years.

The E30 M3, perhaps the most revered of all 3 Series models, solidified BMW's motorsport dominance with a 2.5L four-cylinder engine producing 360 hp. It remains an icon, having won multiple endurance races, including two Nürburgring 24 Hours victories. The E36 M3 Lightweight, designed for pure performance, featured aluminum doors, an adjustable splitter, and a massive rear wing, enhancing aerodynamics and agility.

The E46 M3 GTR, famed for its 4.0L V8 engine delivering up to 460 hp, brought BMW continued track success, while the E90 M3 became the first M3 to house a V8, blending modern technology with raw performance. BMW further pushed innovation with the F30 generation, introducing turbocharged engines for a balance of power and efficiency, cementing the 3 Series as a leader in its class.

Today, the iconic BMW 3 Series lives on, delivering incomparable safety, style and performance.