THE LATEST BMW 3 SERIES.

The sportiest of its class – and with two body styles: BMW 3 Series Sedan, BMW 3 Series Touring.

BMW 3 Series BMW 3 Series Sedan G20 three-quarter side view
BMW M3 Sedan
BMW 3 Series BMW 3 Series Touring G21 three-quarter side view
BMW M3 Touring

BMW 3 Series Sedan

BMW M3 Sedan

BMW 3 Series Touring

BMW M3 Touring

BMW 3 SERIES OVERVIEW.

Sporty, reliable, and successful: For over 40 years, the BMW 3 Series has stood for dynamic driving pleasure like no other vehicle. Thanks to former BMW head of design Paul Bracq, emotions and joy of driving found its way to the middle-class — qualities the BMW 3 Series epitomizes up to this day. With the BMW E21 in the 1970s, he laid the distinctive foundation for an unprecedented success story. Today the success of the BMW 3 Series is one of the reasons that BMW is the leading manufacturer of premium vehicles.

 

Over seven generations to date, the BMW 3 Series has been continuously improved and refined into a vehicle that represents sportiness in the middle class like no other. Not only were aspects such as design, dynamics, and individuality considered in this process, but the motorization as well. In-depth research has made the lively engines of the BMW 3 Series ever more economical and lower in emissions.

 

From the classic Sedan to the wagon marketed as the Touring, to the Coupé and Cabrio and the 3-door compact, the BMW 3 Series has become a favorite for all age groups. Striking a balance between agility, functionality, and safety, all models in the BMW 3 Series are popular to this day. The versatility of this car fascinates consumers and trade press alike, which is also reflected in dozens of accolades. One reason is undoubtedly the BMW 3 Series’ consistently sporty character, which has been refined further in each generation of the vehicle.

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5 POINTS FOR THE BMW 3 SERIES.

  • 01 Unparalleled driving dynamics
  • 02 Sharp design fulfills the desire for pure joy of driving
  • 03 Exceptional vehicle concept
  • 04 Plenty of room for an active lifestyle
  • 05 Connectivity at the highest level
BMW 3 Series models BMW 3 Series Sedan G20 front view in the mountains

OVERVIEW OF THE BMW 3 SERIES’ HISTORY.

Climb aboard! We’ll take you on a journey through time and introduce you to all the models in the BMW 3 Series – from the charming BMW E21 to the innovative BMW G20/G21, the latest addition to a series rich in tradition. We hope you enjoy this overview of 50 years of BMW history.

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OVERVIEW OF THE BMW 3 SERIES’ HISTORY.

THE FIRST GENERATION.

BMW 3 Series models BMW 3 Series Sedan E21 first generation three-quarter front view on the street

(BMW E21)

The BMW E21 owes its sporty appearance to designer Paul Bracq. The characteristic double kidney grille and round headlights in particular lend the vehicle its charm and spirit. With 1.36 million vehicles delivered, the BMW E21 becomes one of the most popular sports Sedans of the 1970s. With a cockpit angled towards the driver, a double bend on the C-pillar (Hofmeister kink), and the striking rear end, the BMW E21 meets the tastes of the sports-inclined consumer classes.

Production period: 1975–1983
Engines: 1.6–2.3 Liter (55–105 kW/75–143 hp), 4- & 6-cylinder
Length/width/height: 4,355 mm/1,610 mm/1,380 mm

THE SECOND GENERATION.

BMW 3 Series models BMW 3 Series Sedan E30 second generation three-quarter front view

(BMW E30)

The distinctive twin headlights are now a standard feature on the BMW E30, and the BMW E30 is also produced as a convertible and a four-door. 2.34 million units sold confirm the massive success of the new BMW 3 Series. No wonder, as the range of models is significantly expanded for the BMW E30: in addition to a two-door and four-door, BMW also produces its first wagon variant of the vehicle – and BMW’s first wagon overall. A convertible with a retractable top also joins the BMW 3 Series family. In 1985, the BMW 325ix rolls off the production line as the first BMW with four-wheel drive. A total of 2.34 million BMW E30s are produced in Munich and Regensburg.

Production period: 1982-1994
Engines: 1.6-3.2 Liter (55-175 kW/75–238 hp), 4- & 6-cylinder
Length/width/height: max. 4,360 mm/1,680 mm/1,380 mm
 

THE THIRD GENERATION.

BMW 3 Series models BMW 3 Series Sedan E36 third generation three-quarter front view

(BMW E36)

The angled A- and C-line on the BMW E36 in the 90s becomes an emblem for temperament and agility. With an extended front end set at an angle, the third generation of the BMW 3 Series not only improves interior comfort, but also provides much better impact protection. The new compact version of the vehicle also contributes to the groundbreaking success of the BMW E36, which is designed as a three-door with a rear section shorter by over 20 centimeters. For the first time in this series, the two-door Sedan of the predecessor is replaced with a standalone Coupé, flatter and wider than the Sedan.

Production period: 1990-2000
Engines: 1.6-3.2 Liter (60-245 kW/81–333 hp), 4- & 6-cylinder
Length/width/height: max. 4,433 mm/1,710 mm/1,393 mm

THE FOURTH GENERATION.

BMW 3 Series models BMW 3 Series Sedan E46 fourth generation three-quarter front view

(BMW E46)

The BMW E46’s curved roof line provides more headroom, and unique design elements are introduced to the coupé, convertible, and compact for an individual design language. In addition to extra sporty agility, the BMW E46 also offers greater safety: ABS, the cornering brake control developed by BMW, and six airbags are part of the standard equipment for the fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series. The compact version also earns points with a brand-new drive generation: the Otto engines with variable valve control (Valvetronic) consume about 10% less fuel than its predecessors.

Production period: 1998-2007
Engines: 1.6-4.0 Liter (77-265 kW/105–360 hp), 4- & 6-cylinder
Length/width/height: max. 4,492 mm/1,780 mm/1,434 mm

THE FIFTH GENERATION.

BMW 3 Series models BMW 3 Series Sedan E90 BMW 3 Series Convertible E93 fifth generation front view on the street

(BMW E90, BMW E91, BMW E92, BMW E93)

In spring of 2005, the BMW E90 is introduced at the Geneva Motor Show. A short time later, the fifth generation of the successful BMW 3 Series advances to become the “World Car of the Year.” The BMW E90 Sedan and the BMW E91 Touring are now significantly more differentiated than their predecessors from the Coupé (BMW E92) and Cabriolet (BMW E93) and are visually more independent. With five more centimeters of length than the BMW E46, the BMW E90 is more mature on the outside without sacrificing its sporty attributes. For the first time, the well-known operating system from the bigger models, iDrive, makes its way into the BMW 3 Series: Navigation, infotainment, and the essential vehicle functions are now operated using a joystick.

Production period: 2005-2013
Engines: 1.6-4.0 Liter (90-309 kW/122–420 hp), 4-, 6-, & 8-cylinder
Length/width/height: max. 4,580mm/1,817 mm/1,421 mm

THE SIXTH GENERATION.

BMW 3 Series models BMW 3 Series Sedan F30 sixth generation three-quarter front view on snow

(BMW F30, BMW F31, BMW F34)

Sporty, classic, and future-oriented: the introduction of the BMW F30 on October 14th, 2011, at the BMW plant in Munich reveals the innovative paths Bayerische Motoren Werke has explored with the sixth version of the BMW 3 Series. The BMW F30's striking appearance is based on the current BMW design line. The BMW 3 Series thus looks sportier and more dynamic than ever. For the first time, an engine with hybrid drive is also available, thanks to BMW EfficientDynamics, the tried and tested combustion engines also boast extremely low consumption values. For diesel vehicles, a particulate filter has become standard. The distinctive headlights are an eye-catcher that has crept closer to the characteristic kidney grille on the BMW F30. A new addition is the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo hatchback (F34). As of this generation, the coupé and convertible in the BMW middle class are marketed as standalone models under the name BMW 4 Series.

Production period: 2011–2019 (Sedan and Touring), Gran Turismo since 2013
Engines: 1.5-3.0 Liter (100-338 kW/136–460 hp), 3-, 4-, & 6-cylinder
Length/width/height: max. 4,753 mm/1,877 mm/1,455 mm

THE SEVENTH GENERATION

BMW 3 Series models BMW 3 Series Sedan G20 seventh generation three-quarter side view

(BMW G20, BMW G21)

At the Mondial Paris Motor Show, BMW presents their vision of a modern and temperamental vehicle with the BMW G20 in spring of 2018. Longer dimensions, improved streamline, and weight-saving components made from high-quality aluminum make the BMW G20 a worthy successor to its BMW 3 Series lineage. New assistance systems are available that allow the 3 Series BMW to drive semi-autonomously. Even when it comes to operation, the BMW G20 sets standards – thanks in part to the adaptive voice and gesture control. Once again, the BMW G20 is ahead of its time in terms of technology. The BMW 3 Series achieves the perfect symbiosis of the best possible safety, innovative operation, and sporty driving pleasure in its seventh generation. Since summer 2019, the BMW 3 Series Touring, known as the G21 internally, has advanced the tradition of sporty BMW middle class wagons. For the first time, a BMW hybrid model is available as a Touring: the BMW 330e has an electric range of up to 65 km with a fully charged battery.

Production period: since 2019
Engines: currently 2.0-3.0 Liter (85-275 kW/116–374 hp), 4- & 6-cylinder
Length/width/height: max. 4,713–4,714 mm/1,827mm/1,440–1,445 mm

BMW 3 Series BMW E90 F30 standing in front of a BMW dealer

BMW APPROVED USED CARS.

BMW 3 Series models BMW 3 Series Sedan G20 seventh generation three-quarter front view

BMW 3 SERIES SEDAN.

BMW 3 Series models BMW 3 Series Touring G21 seventh generation side view

BMW 3 SERIES TOURING.

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Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

  • BMW 3 Series Sedan:
    Fuel consumption in l/100 km (combined): 7.7–2.1
    CO2 emissions in g/km (combined): 177–48

    BMW 3 Series Sedan plug-in hybrids:
    Fuel consumption in l/100 km (combined): 2.1
    CO2 emissions in g/km (combined): 48

    BMW 3 Series Sedan M Automobiles:
    Fuel consumption in l/100 km (combined): 7.7
    CO2 emissions in g/km (combined): 177

    BMW 3 Series Touring:
    Fuel consumption in l/100 km (combined): 8.0–1.7
    CO2 emissions in g/km (combined): 183–39

    The values of fuel consumptions, CO2 emissions and energy consumptions shown were determined according to the European Regulation (EC) 715/2007 in the version applicable at the time of type approval. The figures refer to a vehicle with basic configuration in Germany and the range shown considers optional equipment and the different size of wheels and tires available on the selected model.

    The CO2 efficiency specifications are determined according to Directive 1999/94/EC and the European Regulation in its current version applicable. The values shown are based on the fuel consumption, CO2 values and energy consumptions according to the NEDC cycle for the classification.

    When charging times are shown they can be affected by a number of factors such as type of charger, voltage supplied to the charger/car and type of current (AC or DC) supplied to the charger/car. The car also plays a role in charging times as it can be set by the driver to accept various different amperage and should preconditioning be used to heat or cool the vehicle while charging this will also affect the charging time.

    The basis for the calculation of the charging times for 100 km range is the electric consumption of the vehicle based on the use of a high-Powered Charging station (HPC) or charging type and current as indicted in the literature above. The testing procedure measures are based on a 23 degrees Celsius battery start and ambient temperature with certification values excluding additional auxiliary consuming devices and systems within the vehicle such as seat heating, displays, air conditioning.

    Individual consumption (fuel economy) may differ due to driving profile, vehicle load profile, auxiliary consumer usage, temperature, and ambient conditions. Consumption is based on WLTP or NEDC (whichever is indicated) best case conditions and is independently tested for BMW Group. If you are comparing this range with other models or brands make sure they are stating the same WLTP or NEDC testing regime. These results can be used to compare vehicles on a close to “like for like” basis but are unlikely to be achieved in real world conditions for reasons including temperature variation, driving conditions and the use of the auxiliary systems referred to above.

    Information provided and images displayed on this site include overseas models and may show some features not available in New Zealand. Please contact an authorised BMW dealer for specific information on vehicles and features available in New Zealand. Product changes may have been made since production of this content.

    Note: To obtain NZ CO2 figures for vehicles imported by BMW Group NZ in relation to the NZ Clean Car discount or “FeeBate” you will need to contact your preferred dealer. The Clean Car discount figures sourced from your dealer will differ from those listed in the BMW owner’s handbook and reported figures as they have been converted by the NZ government to WLTP3 from figures derived through one of the following testing procedures: WLTP4 or NEDC or Japanese JC08 mode or Japanese 10-15 mode or CAFE test cycle.

    For all vehicles not imported by BMW NZ (Used vehicle imports) you will need to contact the source market for these CO2 figures as BMW Group NZ has no access to and cannot source this CO2 data.

    For more information on the New Zealand Clean Car Programme, please visit https://www.nzta.govt.nz/vehicles/clean-car-programme/