The BMW 3 Series celebrates 50 years of success. All the models that have made history.

ROME – Over twenty million units have been sold worldwide in fifty years. A true bestseller, especially considering it's not a small car but a premium vehicle. This is how BMW is celebrating 50 years of success for the 3 Series, from its introduction in 1975 as the successor to the BMW 02 to the seventh generation currently on the market. Born to define a new vehicle category and embody driving pleasure, it has become the world's best-selling premium car and a global ambassador for the Munich brand.

Over the decades, the 3 Series has been a benchmark for the brand's technological innovations, standing out for its sportiness, efficiency, safety, comfort and connectivity, introducing new solutions to the mid-size class and paving the way for new vehicle concepts that have expanded the brand's offering.

Its iconic design, characterized by twin circular headlights, a double kidney grille, dynamic lines, and a driver-focused cockpit, has maintained an evolutionary consistency throughout its seven generations. Its reputation for sporting performance has been further strengthened by numerous successes in motorsport, from the 320 to victories with the M3 and in the renowned German DTM championship.

Since the first generation, the 3 Series has stood out for its sporty handling and efficient engines, with rear-wheel drive a defining element of driving pleasure. In 1977, it was the first in its class to offer six-cylinder engines, which was followed by innovations such as advanced injection systems and the use of lightweight materials. Continuous advances in power and performance, combined with reduced fuel consumption and emissions, have kept the 3 Series consistently at the forefront, while in recent years, the introduction of electrified powertrains, such as mild-hybrid technology and plug-in hybrid models with longer ranges, has further improved efficiency and reduced the CO2 footprint.

From its inception, the 3 Series has stood out for its supreme agility and safety, the result of a winning combination: powerful engines, rear-wheel drive, finely balanced weight distribution, and cutting-edge chassis construction. This has allowed it to offer sporty handling superior to any competitor, thanks to sophisticated suspension, precise steering, and powerful brakes. Despite the evolution of individual components over five decades and seven generations, the fundamental concept underlying driving pleasure has remained unchanged, and today, the 3 Series continues to set the benchmark in its segment for sporty performance and agility.

Another key innovation for its leadership in agility and safety was the introduction of all-wheel drive: in 1985, a variant of the 3 Series became the first BMW production car to use all-wheel drive. Currently, the 3 Series Sedan alone offers the intelligent BMW xDrive system in combination with seven different engine variants, available as standard or as an option.

The 3 Series model range has continuously expanded since its introduction, contributing significantly to its success. A four-door version was added to the two-door model in the second generation. Subsequently, the family was expanded with the sporty high-performance M3, the first estate model (Touring), and the first convertible.

The third generation saw the debut of the 3 Series Coupé, with its unmistakable design, and the 3 Series Compact, which opened a new vehicle segment, despite not meeting with widespread acclaim. This growth and diversification nonetheless represented milestones in the history of the propeller brand, introducing innovative concepts that still influence the entire segment today.

With the sixth generation of the bestseller, the selection of body variants has been further expanded and divided for the first time between the 3 Series and 4 Series model lines. Today, the current seventh generation of the 3 Series comprises the Sedan and Touring. The mid-size model range also includes the 4 Series Coupé, the 4 Series Cabriolet, and the 4 Series Gran Coupé. Finally, the first M3 Touring has been available since 2022, combining uncompromising sportiness with high everyday usability.