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Drawing of the BMW 3 Series

BMW 3 Series

BMW's best-selling family, with more than 20 million sold since 1975.12

Researched October 22, 2026 from 39 sources

Also called

  • GushesheSouth African slang for E30 and E36 models, tied to spinning culture; the name echoes revving engines and screeching tires.3
  • The Smoke QueenA name earned by the E30 325i in South African spinning culture, where tight donuts produce clouds of tire smoke.3

At a glance

0300600
74–550 hpPower
07.515
3.4–14.8 s0–100 km/h
01,0002,000
1,020–1,825 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.4111214

Layout
Front engine; rear-wheel drive, with AWD from the E30 325iX512
Gearbox
4–6-speed manual; 3–8-speed automatic; E90 M3: 7-speed dual-clutch41012
Built at
2025 US models: BMW Group Plant San Luis Potosí, Mexico13

The story

Built to replace the 02 Series in 1975, the 3 Series became BMW's best-selling family. The first E21 set the cabin's direction literally: its center console and dashboard angled toward the driver.14

1975: E21 replaces the 02 Series19751985: 325iX brings all-wheel drive19851987: Touring escapes the garage19872006: 335i introduces turbo gasoline power20062007: N43 and N47 change the E9020072016: 330e plugs in for North America20162018: G20 grows onto CLAR20182024: Plug-in hybrids reach 101 km electric20242025: 7:29.490 for the M3 CS Touring2025 BMW 02 Series: 1966–1977BMW 02 SeriesBMW 3 Series (E21): 1975–1983E21BMW 3 Series (E30): 1982–1994E30BMW 3 Series (E36): 1990–2000E36BMW 3 Series (E46): 1997–2006E46BMW 3 Series (E90/E91/E92/E93): 2004–2013BMW 3 Series (F30/F31/F34/F35): 2011–2020BMW 3 Series / BMW i3 (G50/NA0): 2027– (planned) 197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones145812152223
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1966–1977BMW 02 Series
1975–1983BMW 3 Series (E21)
1982–1994BMW 3 Series (E30)
1990–2000BMW 3 Series (E36)
1997–2006BMW 3 Series (E46)
2004–2013BMW 3 Series (E90/E91/E92/E93)
2011–2020BMW 3 Series (F30/F31/F34/F35)
2027– (planned)BMW 3 Series / BMW i3 (G50/NA0)
1975E21 replaces the 02 Series
1985325iX brings all-wheel drive
1987Touring escapes the garage
2006335i introduces turbo gasoline power
2007N43 and N47 change the E90
2016330e plugs in for North America
2018G20 grows onto CLAR
2024Plug-in hybrids reach 101 km electric
20257:29.490 for the M3 CS Touring
  1. 1975

    E21 replaces the 02 Series

    Paul Bracq's two-door launched the family, with its dashboard and center console turned toward the driver.14

  2. 1985

    325iX brings all-wheel drive

    The E30 325iX became BMW's first production all-wheel-drive car. A factory convertible also joined the E30 range.25

  3. 1987

    Touring escapes the garage

    A 1984 garage project by engineer Max Reisböck became the production E30 Touring, adding a wagon to the family.5

  4. 2006

    335i introduces turbo gasoline power

    The 335i introduced turbocharged gasoline power to the family. For 2007, its twin-turbo N54 delivered 300 hp.16

  5. 2007

    N43 and N47 change the E90

    N43 replaced N46 outside the US, while N47 replaced M47N diesels. N53 replaced N52 sixes, but the US kept N52.7

  6. 2016

    330e plugs in for North America

    North American 330e sales began, pairing a four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor and a 7.6-kWh battery.68

  7. 2018

    G20 grows onto CLAR

    The G20 grew 3.0 inches in length and 1.6 inches in wheelbase, combining a stiffer CLAR platform with a lower center of gravity.19

  8. 2024

    Plug-in hybrids reach 101 km electric

    Updated plug-in hybrids gained batteries enabling up to 101 km of WLTP electric driving; production phased in from July.10

  9. 2025

    7:29.490 for the M3 CS Touring

    Jörg Weidinger broke 7:30 with the M3 CS Touring at the Nürburgring, beating the M3 Touring's 2022 mark of 7:35.060.11

Every generation

  • BMW 02 Series
    BMW 02 Series1966–1977
  • BMW 3 Series
    E211975–1983
  • BMW 3 Series
    E301982–1994
  • BMW 3 Series
    E361990–2000
  • BMW 3 Series
    E461997–2006
  • BMW 3 Series
    E90/E91/E92/E932004–2013
  • BMW 3 Series
    F30/F31/F34/F352011–2020

Power over the years

From 89 hp to 550 hp in 50 years.

0200400600 19801990200020102020 hp 1975 · 89 hp · 316 1.6 L1987 · 168 hp · 325i 2.5 L1992 · 189 hp · 325i 2.5 L2001 · 225 hp · 330i M54 3.0 L2003 · 235 hp · 330i ZHP2006 · 255 hp · 330i N52 3.0 L2007 · 300 hp · 335i N54 twin-turbo2007 · 414 hp · M3 S65 V82012 · 240 hp · 328i 2.0 L turbo2016 · 320 hp · 340i2020 · 382 hp · M340i 3.0 L turbo2025 · 550 hp · M3 CS Touring 550 hp M3 CS Touring 89 hp 316 1.6 L
469111215
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
197589316 1.6 L
1987168325i 2.5 L
1992189325i 2.5 L
2001225330i M54 3.0 L
2003235330i ZHP
2006255330i N52 3.0 L
2007300335i N54 twin-turbo
2007414M3 S65 V8
2012240328i 2.0 L turbo
2016320340i
2020382M340i 3.0 L turbo
2025550M3 CS Touring

Versions

10 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • 330i and M340i

    Standard

    330i and M340i

    2025

  • Special

    E46 M Clubsport

  • M3

    Performance

    M3

  • Alpina B3 GT

    Performance

    Alpina B3 GT

    529 hp

  • Special

    South African E30 325iS

  • M3 Touring and M3 CS Touring

    Performance

    M3 Touring and M3 CS Touring

  • E46 M3 CSL

    Special

    E46 M3 CSL

    2003–2004

    355 hp
  • 320si

    Racing

    320si

    2006

    173 hp

    2,600 built

  • Racing

    E30 333i

    1985–1987

    194 hp

    210 built

  • E46 M3 GTR street version

    Racing

    E46 M3 GTR street version

    2001

    380 hp

    10 built

How to spot one

Look for

  • E30: four headlights and twin kidneys sit within slatted plastic grilles.21
  • E36: a wedge-shaped body and covered headlights replace the earlier upright look.622
  • F30/F31: headlights meet the kidney grille; wide L-shaped lamps mark the rear.8

Year by year

  1. E30: 1988 facelift

    Chrome bumpers gave way to body-color plastic with black inserts; the front valance and rear-arch shape also changed.21

  2. E46: 2002 model year

    Sedan and Touring gained revised headlights, grille, hood, front fenders and bumpers; sedan rear lights changed too.15

  3. E46: 2004 model year

    Coupe and convertible, except M3, received a new front-end treatment and LED rear lights.15

  4. E90/E91: 2009 model year

    Sedan and wagon gained wider kidney grilles, revised hood creases, reshaped bumpers and new lights.12

  5. F30: 2016 model year

    Revised headlights and rear lights accompanied the facelift; LED headlights replaced xenons.8

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a BMW 3 Series
    3 Series
    Photo of a BMW 4 Series Coupe and Convertible
    BMW 4 Series Coupe and Convertible

    BMW 4 Series Coupe and Convertible

    With the sixth generation, coupe and convertible bodies moved to the 4 Series; the 3 Series retained sedan, wagon and Gran Turismo bodies.8

Against its rivals

  • 3 Series vs Cadillac CTS (2002)

    Skidpad grip

    3 Series0.8 g
    Cadillac CTS (2002)0.8 g
    24

Prices

Value today $11.0K–$21.0K2930

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$50K$100K$150K$200K 201820202022202420262028 Value today: $11,000–$21,000 2019 · $41,245 · US base, 330i2020 · $54,995 · US base, M340i2025 · $45,500 · US base, 330i; +$1,175 delivery2025 · $59,600 · US base, M340i; +$1,175 delivery 2024 · $162,400 · 1988 M3 Evolution II, ~35,450 miles, Miami2025 · $21,000 · 1989 325is 5-speed, modified, 144k shown/TMU, Bring a Trailer2025 · $22,500 · 2004 330i ZHP sedan, 6-speed, 134k miles, BaT2025 · $9,800 · 2011 335i xDrive sedan, 6-speed, 105k miles, BaT2025 · $18,300 · 1990 325i Coupe, 164k miles shown, BaT2025 · $14,007 · 1977 320i, 5-speed, 196k miles shown, BaT2026 · $11,000 · 2005 330i ZHP sedan 6-speed, 193k miles, Bring a Trailer2026 · $96,500 · 2025 M3 Competition xDrive, 6k miles, BaT2026 · $10,000 · 1997 328i Convertible, 66k miles, BaT $162.4K Miami, 2024
913293033343536373839
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2019Price when new$41,245US base, 330i
2020Price when new$54,995US base, M340i
2025Price when new$45,500US base, 330i; +$1,175 delivery
2025Price when new$59,600US base, M340i; +$1,175 delivery
2024Auction sale$162,4001988 M3 Evolution II, ~35,450 miles, Miami
2025Auction sale$21,0001989 325is 5-speed, modified, 144k shown/TMU, Bring a Trailer
2025Auction sale$22,5002004 330i ZHP sedan, 6-speed, 134k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$9,8002011 335i xDrive sedan, 6-speed, 105k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$18,3001990 325i Coupe, 164k miles shown, BaT
2025Auction sale$14,0071977 320i, 5-speed, 196k miles shown, BaT
2026Auction sale$11,0002005 330i ZHP sedan 6-speed, 193k miles, Bring a Trailer
2026Auction sale$96,5002025 M3 Competition xDrive, 6k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$10,0001997 328i Convertible, 66k miles, BaT
2026Value today$11,000–$21,000

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 10 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 12 stories from its legend
    • “7:29.490 for the M3 CS Touring”
    • “40 DTM wins for the E30 M3”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 8 generations

  • Market

    • 4 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 39 sources
  1. BMW 3 Series - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. 50 years of the BMW 3 series. press.bmwgroup.com
  3. Gusheshe — Google Arts & Culture artsandculture.google.com
  4. BMW 3 Series (E21) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  5. BMW 3 Series (E30) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  6. BMW 3 Series: The Ultimate Driving Machine Through the Years motortrend.com
  7. How to Buy a Used BMW E90 3 Series bmwblog.com
  8. BMW 3 Series (F30) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  9. 2019 BMW 3-series First Drive: Back from the Brink caranddriver.com
  10. The new BMW 3 Series Sedan, the new BMW 3 Series Touring. press.bmwgroup.com
  11. The BMW M3 CS Touring is the fastest Touring on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife with a time of 7:29.5 minutes. press.bmwgroup.com
  12. BMW 3 Series (E90) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  13. The new 2025 BMW 3 Series. press.bmwgroup.com
  14. 40 years of the BMW M3 press.bmwgroup.com
  15. BMW 3 Series (E46) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  16. What are the different packages for the BMW E46 3 Series bmwblog.com
  17. Alpina-Archive | alpina-archive.com
  18. BMW 333i and 325iS – Legendary SA-only 3 Series models cars.co.za
  19. The new BMW 320si Saloon - the world's best Touring Car technology comes to the road press.bmwgroup.com
  20. SPEEDHUNTERS™ SPECIAL FEATURE: 30 YEARS OF NFS ea.com
  21. Bodywork - E30 Zone Wiki e30zone.net
  22. BMW 3 Series (E36) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  23. BMW 02 Series - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  24. Archive Comparison Test: 2002 Sports Sedans caranddriver.com
  25. 2012 BMW 328i Sport Line Manual Long-Term Road Test caranddriver.com
  26. The BMW 3 Series Touring Was Never Supposed to Exist—Until One Engineer Built It Himself bmwblog.com
  27. The BMW 3 Series: an unparalleled career in motorsports. A glance in racing speed at the milestones of the unprecedented motorsport career of the BMW 3 Series. press.bmwgroup.com
  28. Cars | WSR - West Surrey Racing wsr-racing.com
  29. No Reserve: 2005 BMW 330i ZHP Sedan 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $11,000 on May 19, 2026 (Lot #243,388) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  30. 1989 BMW 325is 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $21,000 on April 15, 2025 (Lot #187,685) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. Buyer's Guide - E46 3 Series - Is this BMW For Me? bmwblog.com
  32. Used BMW 3 Series: Which Model Years to Avoid and Why bmwblog.com
  33. No Reserve: 2011 BMW 335i xDrive Sedan 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $9,800 on September 23, 2025 (Lot #211,317) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. 2025 BMW M3 Competition xDrive for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $96,500 on May 18, 2026 (Lot #243,124) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. 1988 BMW M3 Evolution | Miami 2024 | RM Sotheby's rmsothebys.com
  36. No Reserve: Original-Owner 1997 BMW 328i Convertible for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $10,000 on April 23, 2026 (Lot #239,266) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  37. 2004 BMW 330i ZHP Sedan 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $22,500 on December 12, 2025 (Lot #223,252) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  38. No Reserve: 1990 BMW 325i Coupe for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $18,300 on July 16, 2025 (Lot #200,722) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  39. 39-Years-Owned 1977 BMW 320i 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $14,007 on July 14, 2025 (Lot #200,405) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • press.bmwgroup.com
  • artsandculture.google.com
  • motortrend.com
  • bmwblog.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • alpina-archive.com
  • cars.co.za
  • ea.com
  • e30zone.net
  • wsr-racing.com
  • bringatrailer.com
  • rmsothebys.com

Photo credits

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