The history of the iconic BMW
3 series dates back to 1975, when the German carmaker first launched the two-door
saloon model only. Since then, the 3 series has under gone cosmetic and
performance changes. Let’s take a journey through history of 3 series.
First Generation: BMW 3 Series (E21)
Year: 1975–1983
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The E21 is a compact executive
car produced from 1975 to 1983, intended to attract customers seeking both
prestige and economy, nearly doubling BMW's worldwide auto sales figures in
three years, and winning numerous automotive world awards and honours.
The BMW 3 Series (E21) measured
4355 millimeters (171.5 inches) in length, 1610 millimeters (63.4 inches) in
width, and 1380 millimeters (54.3 inches) in height, with wheelbase measuring
2563 millimeters (100.9 in).
E21 was available in three
models: with 316 (1.6-litre), 318 (1.8-litre) and 320 (2.0-litre) versions.
In the mid 1970s, BMW had
invested DM 110 million for a new engine series, named as the M60, but later
renamed as M20 upon the introduction of the E30 in late 1982.
Second Generation: BMW 3 Series (E30)
Year: 1982–1991
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The E30 is compact executive
car with rear-wheel-drive structure produced by BMW in 1982. On the outside,
the appearance is very similar to the E21 predecessor, however there are
various detail changes in styling to the E30. Major changes include interior features
and revised suspension.
The E30 3-Series was produced
as 2-door coupe, 2-door convertible, 4-door saloon and 5-door estate body
styles.
The E30 in 1982, used a 1766
cc M10 engine producing 89 hp, this engine allowed BMW to offer a cheap,
entry-level car in the segment. The BMW M3 was first introduced on the E30
platform.
In 1990, the E30 was replaced BMW
E36, however continued to produce the convertible E30 until 1993 and the
touring until 1994.
Third Generation: BMW 3 Series (E36)
Year: 1990–1999
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The development of the third
generation BMW 3 series began in July 1981, with design being approved in 1988
and was introduced in late 1990. The E36 was a foundation for BMW in terms of
success which reflected in the subsequent years.
The E36 3-Series was produced
as 2-door coupe, 2-door convertible, 4-door saloon, 5-door estate and 3-door
hatchback body styles. BMW used DOHC engines across the range.
In 1998, the E36 3-Series was
replaced by E46 3 Series.
Fourth Generation: BMW 3 Series (E46)
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Year: 1998-2006
The E46 was launched in 1998 worldwide
with a sedan body style, in 1999 a coupé and touring body style was available,
a convertible and hatchback body style was released in 2000.
The E46 3-Series was produced
as 2-door coupe, 2-door convertible, 4-door sedan, 5-door station wagon and 3-door
hatchback body styles. BMW used DOHC engines across the range.
BMW also offered the E46 with
a high performance variant, the M3, This version had a larger, more powerful
engine, sportier suspension, a limited slip differential, and various aesthetic
modifications.
In 2005, The E46 3-Series was
replaced by the BMW 3 Series (E90).
Fifth Generation: BMW 3 Series (E90) (E90/E91/E92/E93)
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Year: 2005–2012
The BMW E90 series is the
fifth generation of the BMW 3 Series range of compact executive cars, the E90
came with sub-names of the series, E90/E91/E92/E93:
Saloon (E90): the E90 came in
two trims, the 325i/xi and 330i/xi models and received an engine boost with the
debuts of 328i/xi and 335i/xi models in 2007, the 335i/xi receiving the new
3.0L twin-turbo inline-6 engine.
Touring (E91): The Touring
model was available with both rear-wheel drive and xDrive AWD.
Coupé (E92): The E92 is
available in the 320i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335is,
335xi, 320d, 325d, 330d, 335d and 330xd trims (availability of certain models
depends on region). The E92 also had a M3 high-performance variant launched in 2007.
Also available was the BMW M3
GTS, high-performance variant of M3 coupe and debuted in November 2009.
Convertible (E93): The first
model with a 3-piece folding aluminum hardtop roof, as previous and existing
convertibles were soft-tops.
Fifth Generation: BMW 3 Series (F30)
Year: 2012
The sixth generation 3 series
is truly an evolution by the iconic German manufacturer. The car is launched
worldwide with sales expected to cross all boundaries set by the predecessors.
The F30 3-Series is produced
as 2-door coupe, 2-door convertible, 5-door touring (F31), 4-door saloon (F30) and
5-door hatchback (GT) body styles. The new 3 Series is also the first to
introduce the new BMW face, with flat headlights reaching the BMW kidney
grille.
The 2012 F30 BMW 3 series is
capturing attention throughout the world by its BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics
variant, widely used vehicle for the London 2012 Olympics.
The BMW 3 Series F30 launched
in India July 27, 2012, by legendary sport star Sachin Tendulkar.
Variants Offered: Diesel, four
different trim levels, BMW 320d, BMW 320d Sports Line, BMW 320d Luxury Line and
BMW 320d Luxury Plus. Petrol, is offered in a single trim, BMW 328i Sports
Line.
The all-new BMW 3 Series sets a
new dimension in dynamism and elegance.
Source: Wiki
