BMW 3 Series Overview
The BMW 3 Series was introduced in 1975, first as a 2-door sedan-styled car and then, through successive generations, as a coupe, convertible, station wagon, and more. The 3 Series is now in its sixth generation and is most well known for its compact size, excellent driving dynamic, and executive car status. The 3 Series is BMW's best-selling vehicle globally. All 3 Series vehicles' model numbers designate their engine size. The first- and second-generation BMW 3 Series are the cars most-associated with BMW in the United States, with the signature round headlamps and central three-line grille that preceded the "kidney bean" grille of today. The 1975 model was introduced with a four-cylinder engine and a six-cylinder was introduced two years later. The second-generation started in 1982 and helped usher in the Euro-sedan look of many of that era's cars. The third-generation BMW 3 Series was introduced in 1992, bringing a sedan, wagon, coupe, convertible, and hatchback to the line. This generation also brought the more modern, sleek styling associated with BMW's more saloon-like look that continues today. This generation of the 3 Series also ushered in the car's global success and high-volume U.S. sales. The fourth-generation came in 1998 and continued the model success of the previous generation. All-wheel drive was re-introduced as the "xDrive" model option. This generation is known as the most performance-oriented 3 Series offering from BMW to that point. The fifth-generation BMW 3 Series introduced in 2006 and ran until 2013 and brought the first turbocharged gasoline engine option to the line. Run-flat tires, now often standard on BMW vehicles, were introduced with this generation of the 3 Series as well. The fifth-generation is closely associated with the sixth-generation, which introduced in 2012. Turbocharged engines became the norm with the fifth-gen 3 Series and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model was introduced with this generation as well. Introduced for the 2019 model year, the highly-acclaimed seventh generation of the 3 Series is bigger and wider than the outgoing generation and features a newly designed interior and exterior, a more efficient and powerful engine, better suspension, and more advanced technology. The BMW 3 Series holds a reputation for performance, executive luxury, and excellent reliability. With the exception of very aged BMW 3 Series cars, the expectation from consumers is that the 3 Series is an excellent used car purchase.
The BMW 3 Series has set the benchmark for the compact luxury category for some time, offering one of the most well-balanced models in the BMW lineup. With beautiful styling, a great road presence, and plenty of powertrain and efficiency options to choose from, the 3 Series continues to lead the way forward for the segment.
The 2016 BMW 3 Series sees only a few updates from the 2015 model year, including some styling cue changes and a couple of chassis tweaks for better performance. Key upgrades are in some of the engine options and the infotainment. Some package shuffling includes new standard features that bolster the value proposition for this car.
This five-seat luxury sedan or wagon has something for everyone and it's in a value package that is likely much more affordable than might be expected of a BMW.
The best-selling luxury car in America and the most lauded sport sedan ever, the 2013 BMW 3 Series sedan is joined this year by a redesigned 3 Series wagon that picks up the next-generation sedan design that debuted last year. Coupe and convertible models are not yet restyled. New for 2013 is an ActiveHybrid 3 model. Although more expensive than many rivals in its class, the 2013 BMW 3 Series offers powerful engines, good fuel economy, a roomy back seat (in sedans and wagons), and unrivaled handling. The plethora of options can cause prices to soar.
