BMW generations

The E30 is the generation that established the 3 Series as a long-lived enthusiast car. It was offered as a saloon, coupe, convertible and touring, with a homologation-derived M3 sitting at the top of the range.

Engines: M10 · M20 · M40 · M42 · S14

The E36 modernised the 3 Series with a longer wheelbase and multi-link rear suspension. It covered a wide spread of engines and included the first six-cylinder M3.

Engines: M42 · M44 · M50 · M52 · S50 · S52

The E39 is widely referenced as a high point for the 5 Series, combining a comparatively restrained interior with a broad engine range. The E39 M5 used the S62 V8.

Engines: M52 · M54 · M62 · S62

The E46 is one of the highest-volume 3 Series generations and covers saloon, coupe, convertible and touring bodies. The E46 M3 used the high-revving S54 straight-six.

Engines: M43 · M52TU · M54 · S54

This generation split the 3 Series across separate chassis codes by bodystyle: E90 saloon, E91 touring, E92 coupe and E93 convertible. It introduced turbocharging to the mainstream 3 Series with the N54.

Engines: N52 · N54 · N55 · S65

The F30 moved the 3 Series onto a larger platform with predominantly turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines, and introduced BMW's Sport, Luxury and M Sport trim lines.

Engines: N20 · N26 · N55 · B46 · B48 · B58

The F80 M3 returned the model to six-cylinder power with the twin-turbocharged S55, and was the last M3 saloon offered before the model moved to the G80 chassis.

Engines: S55

The G20 is the current 3 Series generation, offered with four- and six-cylinder turbocharged engines, plug-in hybrid variants in some markets, and rear- or all-wheel drive.

Engines: B46 · B48 · B58

The G80 M3 uses the S58 twin-turbocharged straight-six and is offered in rear-wheel-drive and xDrive all-wheel-drive forms, alongside the G81 touring in some markets.

Engines: S58