For the past 30 years or so, the 3-Series has been to BMW what the Golf is to Volkswagen: the most popular and brand-defying model in its lineup.
BMW has released a video that takes us on a short tour throughout the history of the 3-Series, starting from the E21 in 1975 and finishing with the newly launched F30.
The first generation of the compact executive model codenamed E21 was introduced in 1975 as a replacement to BMW’s so-called “New Class” series that included cars like the 1500 sedan and the famed 2002 coupes.
The E21 was offered as a two-door saloon only with Karosserie Baur having developed a factory-authorized targa-top model.
Perhaps the most important generation of the 3-Series family is the E30 built from 1982 to 1991 with some variants living on through 1993. The E30 defined the 3-Series in many ways and set the template for all next generation models.
Among other highlights in the history of the E30 was the addition of four-door sedan, convertible and Touring (station wagon) body styles, an all-wheel drive variant, the sportier iS models which were much like today’s M Performance models, and of course, the M3 in Coupe and Convertible trims.
The history of the 3-Series continued with the more modern and upscale E36 in 1990 that established the Bavarian brand as a leader in the compact executive segment, followed by the E46 in 1998, which is considered by many as the best looking member of the family, the E90 in 2005 and the current F30 that came to life this year.
VIDEO