History of BMW 3 series

The BMW 3 Series is a mid-sized luxury car produced by the BMW Group in Germany, whose history and features have evolved continuously throughout various generations. The following describes the key history and features of the BMW 3 series for each generation.

1st Generation (E21, 1975-1983):
The BMW 3 series began in 1975 with the E21 model. The E21 was initially launched as a two-door sedan and equipped with a four-cylinder gasoline engine. The E21 was known for offering sporty driving experiences compared to its competitors, with the addition of six-cylinder and diesel engine models.

2nd Generation (E30, 1982-1994):
The E30 model was introduced in 1982, which further boosted the popularity of the BMW 3 series. The E30 offered a variety of body styles, including a two-door, four-door sedan, convertible, and touring (station wagon). In this generation, a high-performance model called the M3 also appeared for the first time. The E30 has had a significant impact on the design and platform development of the future BMW 3 Series.

3rd Generation (E36, 1990-2000):
The 1990 E36 model featured a larger interior space and innovative design. This generation also offered a variety of options, including a two-door sedan, a four-door sedan, a convertible, and a coupe, and the engine was improved more efficiently. The E36 M3 received great attention in the sports car industry, showing off its performance in Nürburgring races.

4th Generation (E46, 1998-2006):
The E46 model revolutionized the design of the three series with greater sophistication and offered a range of engine options, giving customers a greater choice. In this generation, high-performance M3 models such as the M3 CSL have also emerged. The E46 has also gained popularity in the U.S. market due to its excellent driving characteristics and internal quality.

5th Generation (E90/E91/E92/E93, 2005-2013):
E90/E91/E92/E93 was a four-generation development that included three series of different body styles. This generation delivers improved performance, safety and convenience, and introduces innovative navigation and infotainment systems such as iDrive. In addition, efficient diesel engines and hybrid options have also been added to highlight the eco-friendliness.

6th Generation (F30/F31/F34/F35, 2011-2019):
The 2011 F30 model made the BMW 3 series more modern. This generation has improved both fuel efficiency and performance by introducing lightweight structures, efficient engines and 8-speed automatic transmissions. High-performance M-series such as M3 and M4 were also based on the F30 platform.

7th Generation (G20/G21/G28, 2018-present):
The 7th generation is the latest in the BMW 3 series, offering more modern design and advanced technology. The G20 generation includes hybrid and electric vehicle versions as well as a variety of engine options, emphasizing the transition to green mobility. The G20 is a forward-looking model with the latest application of BMW's autonomous driving technology and connectivity capabilities.

Throughout its history, the BMW 3 Series has been highly regarded in the luxury car market, maintaining sporty driving characteristics, high-end interior, innovative technology, and a range of engine options. In the future, the BMW 3 series is expected to attract high attention from car fans and consumers.