Generation history · BMW

BMW 3 Series

The 3 Series is a line of compact executive cars made by BMW since May 1975, produced in eight generations.[8]

5 of 7 entries illustrated · 7 generations. Entries are ordered by generation, with regional versions listed together. Dates are labelled by what the sources state — production, introduction or market — and photos are checked for the right generation.

  1. BMW 3 Series (E21)First generationE21Production 1975–1983
  2. BMW 3 Series (E30)Second generationE30Production 1982–1994
  3. E36No checked photo yetThird generationE36Production 1990–2000
  4. E46No checked photo yetFourth generationE46Production 1997–2006
  5. BMW 3 Series (E90)Fifth generationE90Production 2004–2013
  6. BMW 3 Series (F30)Sixth generationF30Production 2011–2018
  7. BMW 3 Series (G20)Seventh generationG20Production 2018–2026
BMW 3 Series (E21) Photo: Calreyn88 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons · licence
First generation

BMW 3 Series (E21)

Production June 1975–December 1983[1]

  • Paul Bracq, BMW design director from 1970 to 1974, is credited with setting the design direction of the E21.[1]

More about the E21

BMW 3 Series (E30) Photo: Erik Drost · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons · licence
Second generation

BMW 3 Series (E30)

Production 1982–1994[2]

No sourced summary of the changes from the previous generation yet.

  • The E30 is the second generation of the BMW 3 Series, produced from 1982 to 1994, and the first 3 Series offered as a four-door saloon and as an estate.[2]
  • The first BMW M3 was built on the E30 platform.[2]

More about the E30

E36No checked photo yet
Third generation

BMW 3 Series (E36)

Production 1990–2000[3]

Changes described by the sources

  • The E36 was the first 3 Series offered as a hatchback.[3]
  • It introduced a multi-link rear suspension described as a significant upgrade over earlier 3 Series.[3]
E46No checked photo yet
Fourth generation

BMW 3 Series (E46)

Production December 1997–November 2006[4]

Changes described by the sources

  • The E46 was the first 3 Series available with an engine using Valvetronic variable valve lift.[4]
BMW 3 Series (E90) Photo: M 93 · CC BY-SA 3.0 de · Wikimedia Commons · licence
Fifth generation

BMW 3 Series (E90)

Production December 2004–October 2013[5]

Changes described by the sources

  • The E90 series is larger than its predecessor, with a longer wheelbase, wider tracks and a roomier interior.[5]

Facelift: September 2008 — Facelift (LCI) versions of the saloon and estate were released in September 2008 for the 2009 model year.[5]

More about the E90

BMW 3 Series (F30) Photo: Mikes Photos at Pexels · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons · licence
Sixth generation

BMW 3 Series (F30)

Production October 2011–October 2018[6]

Changes described by the sources

  • The F30 was the first 3 Series powered exclusively by turbocharged engines and with electric power steering.[6]

Facelift: 2015 — The 2015 facelift brought the first three-cylinder engine in a 3 Series.[6]

More about the F30

BMW 3 Series (G20) Photo: Vauxford · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons · licence
Seventh generation

BMW 3 Series (G20)

Production October 2018–2026[7]

Changes described by the sources

  • Compared with the F30, the G20 is 55 kg lighter, 85 mm longer and 16 mm wider.[7]

Facelift: July 2022 — A facelift followed in July 2022.[7]

More about the G20

Gaps in this history

References

  1. BMW 3 Series (E21) — Wikipedia Reference work (read 13 October 2026)
  2. BMW 3 Series (E30) — Wikipedia Reference work (read 11 October 2026)
  3. BMW 3 Series (E36) — Wikipedia Reference work (read 13 October 2026)
  4. BMW 3 Series (E46) — Wikipedia Reference work (read 13 October 2026)
  5. BMW 3 Series (E90) — Wikipedia Reference work (read 13 October 2026)
  6. BMW 3 Series (F30) — Wikipedia Reference work (read 13 October 2026)
  7. BMW 3 Series (G20) — Wikipedia Reference work (read 13 October 2026)
  8. BMW 3 Series — Wikipedia Reference work (read 13 October 2026)

Wikipedia sources link to the exact revision that was read. Specifications differ between markets, years and versions; each figure is shown with the market and version its source states.