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BMW 3 Series

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BMW 3 Series: The benchmark sport sedan for 50 years. From the E30 to the G20, the 3 Series is the car every rival is measur
Photo: Alexander-93 / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

The benchmark sport sedan for 50 years. From the E30 to the G20, the 3 Series is the car every rival is measured against.

The BMW 3 Series is the car that defined the compact sport sedan and has been the segment benchmark since 1975. Across seven generations (E21, E30, E36, E46, E90, F30, G20) it has paired rear-wheel-drive balance, smooth inline engines, and a driver-focused cockpit in a package small enough to be fun and refined enough to live with daily. The E30 (1982-1994) is the cult classic that launched the M3 legend. The E46 (1998-2006) is widely considered the sweet spot, with the naturally aspirated inline sixes and sharp chassis. The F30 introduced turbo fours and sixes, and the current G20 continues with mild-hybrid sixes and the high-performance M340i. On WhipJury, 3 Series builds span E30 and E36 projects, E46 330i and 328i, F30 335i, and modern 340i examples, often with suspension and bolt-on mods.

Top BMW 3 Series examples on WhipJury

2019 BMW 3 Series
2019 BMW 3 Series#1
Whip Score: 1212
BMW 3 Series
BMW 3 Series#2
Whip Score: 1197

3 Series generations

E30 (1982-1994). The cult classic. Boxy, light, rear-drive, and the basis for the first M3.

E36 and E46 (1990-2006). Smooth M50/M52/M54 inline sixes. The E46 330i is a connoisseur favorite.

E90 (2005-2012). The N52 naturally aspirated six and the twin-turbo N54 335i, a huge tuning platform.

F30 and G20 (2012-present). Turbo fours and sixes, the B58-powered M340i a standout modern sleeper.

3 Series on WhipJury

One of the most common chassis on the platform. The community knows the chassis codes deeply, so accurate generation descriptions matter.

Frequently asked questions about BMW 3 Series

Which 3 Series generation is the best?
The E46 (1998-2006) is the most common answer for its naturally aspirated inline sixes and balanced chassis. The E30 wins on cult status, the E90 335i on tuning potential, and the modern M340i on outright capability.
Is the 335i a good tuning platform?
Yes. The E90/E92 335i uses the twin-turbo N54 (or later single-turbo N55) inline six, which responds dramatically to a tune and bolt-ons. Watch for HPFP and wastegate issues on the N54, but the power potential is excellent for the money.
What is the M340i?
The top non-M 3 Series, using the B58 turbo inline six with around 382 horsepower. It is a modern sleeper, nearly as quick as older M3s with better daily usability, and the B58 is a robust, tunable engine.
Is the 3 Series rear-wheel drive?
Traditionally yes, which is core to its handling reputation. All-wheel-drive xDrive versions are available on most modern variants, but the rear-drive layout defines the car character.
What is the difference between the 3 Series and the M3?
The M3 is the dedicated high-performance version built by BMW M division, with a much more powerful engine, widened track, and serious chassis upgrades. The 3 Series is the standard lineup; the M340i sits between the two.

More on the BMW 3 Series

BMW is building an electric M3 and keeping the six-cylinder one
BMW is building an electric M3 and keeping the six-cylinder one

BMW's electric M3 is expected in production next year on a dedicated EV platform, and a combustion M3 is lined up for 2028 using a modified version of today's S58 twin-turbo inline-six with mild-hybrid help. M boss Frank van Meel has hinted the gas car may even keep a manual.

The next BMW 3 Series has been spotted without camouflage
The next BMW 3 Series has been spotted without camouflage

The next-generation BMW 3 Series, an M350 xDrive, has been photographed undisguised in Munich. The clearest change is at the back, with wide taillights that stretch almost to the center of the trunk and a busier, heavily creased bumper borrowed from the electric Neue Klasse i3. Production starts in the second half of this year.

What happened to the Kia Stinger? The best-looking Kia ever built lasted six years
What happened to the Kia Stinger? The best-looking Kia ever built lasted six years

The Kia Stinger ran from 2017 to 2023 and sold just 5,452 cars in its final US year. Designed by ex-Audi and ex-BMW people, it was the best-looking Kia ever built and it still failed. Here's what Kia was trying to do, why it ended, and why it mattered anyway.

What Is a Sleeper Car and Why Do People Build Them?
What Is a Sleeper Car and Why Do People Build Them?

A sleeper is a car with serious performance hiding under a completely unremarkable exterior. The classic formula is an economy car, family sedan, wagon, or even a minivan built to embarrass sports cars while looking like it is on its way to a dentist appointment. The whole point is that nothing warns you.

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