Saloon
The compact saloon that defined the brand's driving reputation.
The 3 Series is BMW's highest-volume line and the reference point most owners compare every other BMW against. Because it has been built in large numbers across many generations, bodystyles and drivetrains, condition and specification tend to separate otherwise identical cars far more than mileage alone.
1982 – 1994
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
View generation1990 – 2000
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
View generation1998 – 2006
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
View generation2005 – 2013
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
View generation2011 – 2019
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
View generation2018 – present
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
View generation