• News
    • Tech
    • Lifestyle
    • Business
    • Opinion
    • Premium
  • Reviews
  • Events
    • Nigeria
    • South Africa
  • Tools
    • Price Guide
    • Find your idea car
    • Car valuation
    • Sell your car
    • Car insurance quote
    • Locate a dealer
    • Deals
  • For Sale
    • New Cars for sale
    • Cheap Cars for sale
    • Bikes for sale
    • Trucks for sale
    • Boats for sale
    • Jets for sale in Africa
    • Cars under 5m
    • EV in Nigeria
    • EV in South Africa
Sunday, August 17, 2025
  • Login
Auto Journal Africa
  • News
    • Tech
    • Lifestyle
    • Business
    • Opinion
    • Premium
  • Reviews
  • Events
    • Nigeria
    • South Africa
  • Tools
    • Price Guide
    • Find your idea car
    • Car valuation
    • Sell your car
    • Car insurance quote
    • Locate a dealer
    • Deals
  • For Sale
    • New Cars for sale
    • Cheap Cars for sale
    • Bikes for sale
    • Trucks for sale
    • Boats for sale
    • Jets for sale in Africa
    • Cars under 5m
    • EV in Nigeria
    • EV in South Africa
Ask Autojorunal AI
No Result
View All Result
  • News
    • Tech
    • Lifestyle
    • Business
    • Opinion
    • Premium
  • Reviews
  • Events
    • Nigeria
    • South Africa
  • Tools
    • Price Guide
    • Find your idea car
    • Car valuation
    • Sell your car
    • Car insurance quote
    • Locate a dealer
    • Deals
  • For Sale
    • New Cars for sale
    • Cheap Cars for sale
    • Bikes for sale
    • Trucks for sale
    • Boats for sale
    • Jets for sale in Africa
    • Cars under 5m
    • EV in Nigeria
    • EV in South Africa
No Result
View All Result
Morning News
No Result
View All Result
Home Premium

BMW 3 series evolution: A journey of 7 generations in 44 years

David Ijaseun by David Ijaseun
April 6, 2023
in Premium
0
BMW 3 series

BMW 3 series

0
SHARES
11
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Since its introduction in 1975, the BMW 3 Series has been one of the company’s most popular and recognisable vehicles. The BMW 3 Series has evolved and innovated in design and technology over seven generations, solidifying its position as a driver’s car and a symbol of opulence and performance. Let’s examine the evolution of the BMW 3 Series and how it has impacted the automotive industry.

First Generation: E21 (1975-1983)

READ ALSO

Lamborghini launches $3.5m Fenomeno, its fastest and most powerful car ever

Volkswagen delivers 1.5 millionth ID. electric vehicle, pushes affordable models ahead

The E21 iteration of the BMW 3 Series was introduced in May 1975 as a replacement for the BMW 02 Series. The E21 was streamlined and sporty, with a long hood and short rear deck, as well as the signature kidney grille. A variety of four-cylinder engines propelled the E21, with a six-cylinder engine being introduced later in its life. Over 1.3 million E21s were sold worldwide, establishing the 3 Series as a popular sports sedan.

Second Generation: E30 (1982-1994)

The E30 was introduced in 1982 and its sharp aesthetics and high-performance engines made it an instant hit. It was available in numerous body configurations, including sedan, saloon, convertible, and waggon. Its handling and agility made the E30 a favourite among driving devotees. The most renowned model was the BMW M3, which was designed for racing and became a legend in the world of motorsports.

Third Generation: E36 (1990-2000)

The 1990 introduction of the E36 marked a significant departure from the boxy design of the preceding iteration. The E36 was available in coupe, sedan, convertible, and waggon body styles; it was longer, wider, and more aerodynamic than its predecessor. The E36 was also the first 3 Series equipped with BMW’s VANOS variable valve timing system, which enhanced performance and fuel economy. Also a triumph, the E36 M3 featured a potent inline-six engine and agile handling.

Fourth Generation: E46 (1998-2006)

The E46 was introduced in 1998 with a more refined and premium appearance. The E46 was offered as a coupe, sedan, convertible, and station wagon, and it featured BMW’s first six-speed manual transmission. In addition, the E46 was the first 3 Series to employ BMW’s then-revolutionary iDrive infotainment system. The E46 M3 was praised for its handling and performance and was equipped with a high-revving inline-six engine.

Fifth Generation: E90/E91/E92/E93 (2005-2013)

The 2005 introduction of the E90/E91/E92/E93 represented a significant redesign of the 3 Series. The design of the E90 was more angular and aggressive, with a larger kidney grille and distinct headlamps. Additionally, the E90 was larger than its predecessor, providing more interior space and a more comfortable voyage. The E90/E92 M3 featured a V8 engine, a departure from the conventional inline-six engines found in previous M3 models.

Sixth Generation: F30/F31/F34 (2011-2019)

The F30/F31/F34 was introduced in 2011 with a more contemporary and streamlined appearance, a longer wheelbase, and a wider posture. The F30 was offered in sedan, station wagon, and Gran Turismo (GT) configurations. The F30 featured BMW’s first four-cylinder engine in a 3 Series model since the E30, as well as a plug-in hybrid variant’s hybrid powertrain. The F30 M3 was equipped with a twin-turbocharged inline-six engine and a carbon fibre canopy that decreased weight and enhanced handling.

Seventh Generation: G20/G21 (2019-Present)

The G20/G21 is the newest iteration of the BMW 3 Series and was introduced in 2019. The design of the G20/G21 is more aggressive and aerodynamic, with a larger kidney grille and more angular headlamps. Additionally, the G20/G21 is equipped with a variety of advanced driver assistance systems, including lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking. The G20/G21 is available in sedan and waggon body styles, and the M340i has a 382 horsepower turbocharged inline-six engine.

The BMW 3 Series has evolved over the years to become one of the world’s most revered and esteemed sports sedans. From the sleek and athletic E21 to the contemporary and advanced G20/G21, each generation of the 3 Series has contributed to its legacy of performance and opulence. The BMW 3 Series is a timeless classic that continues to impress and inspire.

Read more on Why BMW iVision Dee is your ride to the future of luxury electric sedans

Tags: BMWLuxury cars

Related Posts

Lamborghini launches $3.5m Fenomeno, its fastest and most powerful car ever
Cars/SUVs

Lamborghini launches $3.5m Fenomeno, its fastest and most powerful car ever

August 16, 2025
Volkswagen delivers the 1.5 millionth ID. model electric vehicle
Electric Vehicles

Volkswagen delivers 1.5 millionth ID. electric vehicle, pushes affordable models ahead

August 16, 2025
Rolls-Royce-Phantom at 100
Cars/SUVs

Rolls-Royce Phantom 100, celebrated as an icon of art and luxury

August 16, 2025
luxury cars seized in London
News

London police seize 72 luxury cars worth $9 million in crackdown on reckless driving

August 16, 2025
Ford Motor Electric vehicles
Electric Vehicles

Ford bets on $30,000 EVs to take on China’s low-cost dominance

August 12, 2025
Toyota profit in Q1 2025
News

Toyota Q1 2025 sales rise but profit drops as costs bite, outlook steady

August 12, 2025
Next Post
self-driving car tech

The top autopilot OEMs driving innovation in the auto industry

POPULAR NEWS

Inferno at Toyota 1000 Desert Race consumes 49 cars

Inferno at Toyota 1000 Desert Race consumes 49 cars

July 3, 2023
Mobius Motors

Mobius Motors: Rising taxes, competition ends Kenyan SUV maker’s journey

August 7, 2024
Autojournal car race

Get ready for the biggest RACE show this December in Nigeria

August 12, 2024
From style to sustainability: How Geely Auto is shaping the future of luxury vehicles

From style to sustainability: How Geely Auto is shaping the future of luxury vehicles

October 25, 2024
Oyo State Governor gifts Saheed Osupa Toyota Prado SUV worth ₦70M 

Oyo State Governor gifts Saheed Osupa Toyota Prado SUV worth ₦70M 

August 22, 2023

EDITOR'S PICK

Trump tarrifs

Trump’s tariffs threaten U.S. car prices, strain auto industry

November 27, 2024
the Audi AI:TRAIL quattro

Audi’s charge towards electromobility seen in six concept cars

April 12, 2023
Nigeria Takes the Driver’s Seat – The First-Ever Auto Assembly Summit 2025

Nigeria Takes the Driver’s Seat – The First-Ever Auto Assembly Summit 2025

August 16, 2025
Oleksandr Usyk cars

The story behind every car Oleksandr Usyk has owned

July 21, 2025

About

Auto Journal Africa is the leading online and print magazine for automobiles in Africa.

Follow us

Recent Posts

  • 5 Reasons You Should Attend the Nigerian Auto Assembly Summit 2025
  • From Vision to Reality – How Nigeria is Building Its Automotive Future
  • Why the Nigerian Auto Assembly Summit 2025 is a Game-Changer for the Economy
  • Nigeria Takes the Driver’s Seat – The First-Ever Auto Assembly Summit 2025

Links

  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Events
  • Tools
  • For Sale

© 2023 Auto Journal

No Result
View All Result
  • News
    • Tech
    • Lifestyle
    • Business
    • Opinion
    • Premium
  • Reviews
  • Events
    • Nigeria
    • South Africa
  • Tools
    • Price Guide
    • Find your idea car
    • Car valuation
    • Sell your car
    • Car insurance quote
    • Locate a dealer
    • Deals
  • For Sale
    • New Cars for sale
    • Cheap Cars for sale
    • Bikes for sale
    • Trucks for sale
    • Boats for sale
    • Jets for sale in Africa
    • Cars under 5m
    • EV in Nigeria
    • EV in South Africa

© 2023 Auto Journal

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In