BMW is Celebrating 40 Years Of The Legendary 3 Series Sedan

German car manufacturer, BMW is celebrating 40 years of the legendary 3 Series sedan. The 3 Series was first unveiled at the 1975 International Motor Show in Frankfurt, and has since developed into both the brand’s most successful model range and an international bestseller. The model range was launched to replace the already legendary BMW 02, and is now set to enter its sixth generation.

In 1977, the BMW 3 Series became the first car in its class to be available with 6-cylinder engines. Further innovations continued, including revolutionary injection and engine management systems, followed by ultra-sporty diesel engines and weight minimisation through the use of aluminium and magnesium. As BMW themselves have stated, the model's history is testament to the advances achieved by them in the areas of sporting ability, efficiency, safety, comfort and connectivity, as well as to the development of BMW design.

For 40 years the BMW 3 Series has led the way with new vehicle concepts that have expanded the brand’s model line-up. The 3 Series’ exceptional run of victories in race competition has also contributed to the car’s status in sports performance. From the success notched up by the original BMW M3, its enviable record has continued all the way to victory in the German Touring Car Masters (DTM) race series in 2014.