50 Years of BMW 3 Series: A Look at Every Generation of this Iconic Model

Fifty years. That’s how long the BMW 3 Series has been shaping the way people think about driving. From the first E21 in the 1970s to today’s G20, the 3 Series has kept a steady balance between everyday use and the enjoyment of driving. Across its seven generations, it has grown from a compact newcomer into a model that set the standard for performance saloons. The E30 became a favourite among drivers who valued simplicity and balance, while the E46 showed how BMW could combine precision with wider appeal. Then there’s the cult story of the E46 M3 GTR, immortalised in Need for Speed: Most Wanted, a car that became so iconic in gaming culture it influenced BMW to build a replica years later. Each generation has added something new, but the essence has remained the same.

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To mark this half-century milestone, BMW India has launched a special edition of the 3 Series. It’s a fitting nod to a car that has shaped its class and inspired generations of enthusiasts. With that, here’s a look back at each generation of this iconic saloon.

E21 (1975–1983)

The 3 Series story began in 1975 with the E21, the successor to the BMW 2002. The 3 Series introduced a new concept, the compact 'sports saloon' with rear wheel drive, a driver-focused cabin, and a straightforward exterior.

Powered mostly by four-cylinder engines, it wasn’t about speed but about feel. It laid down the core feelings for a very simple and direct connection with drivers and laid out the basis for everything that was to come afterwards.

E30 (1982–1994)

The E30 made the 3 Series a global hit. Its clean, boxy lines and mechanical feel made it a bestseller, but the introduction of the first M3, for motorsport touring cars, further elevated it. The E30 still commands great respect even today as an analogue car with an absolutely vintage driving experience.

E36 (1990–2000)

E36 brings in a more modern, rounded aesthetic to the car range, imparting utmost refinement and a broad array of engine choices. More importantly, it was the first 3 Series to distribute the M3 worldwide, increasing accessibility to BMW performance until then. Proving that 3 Series can grow up and lose none of its jittery enthusiasm, the car would be matured ever so slightly.

E46 (1997-2006)

Generally considered one of the very best, the E46 was a blend of fine handling, high-quality build, and everyday usability. Offered as a saloon, coupe, touring, and convertible, there was a choice for everyone.

E90/E91/E92/E93 (2005–2013)

This generation expanded the family with four body styles while adding new technology with BMW's iDrive. Turbocharged engines were added to the line-up; hence, it made the cars more speedy and more efficient. The M3, armed with a naturally aspirated 4.0-litre V8, remains legendary for being the kind of car you could drive every day and yet be thrilling to drive to the limit.

F30/F31/F34 (2011–2019)

The era of the F30 heralded turbo engines for all models, a magnified footprint, and a stronger emphasis on comfort. New body styles, such as Gran Turismo, gave buyers more choice. The M3 went back to a turbocharged straight-six, adding torque and efficiency, all while maintaining the "high performance" reputation of the badge.

G20/G21 (2019-present)

The new G20 really is how the 3 Series goes digital. Large screens, driver-assistance gizmos, rechargeable-hybrid options, modern tech combined with familiar dynamics show how it's makeshift on the new demands, while also hanging on to its identity as an enthusiastic driver's car.

The BMW M3 GTR

BMW M3 GTR is a rare chapter in 3 Series history. It was built in 2001 for the American Le Mans Series, where it replaced the straight-six with a V8 to retain parity against Porsche. 

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But the car had only a short racing life before rule changes ended it, but nevertheless, it has managed to create a lasting impression.

The car found wider fame through Need for Speed: Most Wanted in 2005. Players loved the visual appeal of the car all over the world. The love for the cars was so much that BMW built one for themselves, essentially cementing the place that M3 GTR holds in the hearts of motoring and gaming culture.