BMW 3 Series
Euro · BMW
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
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
More on the BMW 3 Series
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Yes. The BMW M6 built from 2005 to 2010 used a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V10 shared with the E60 M5. It made 500 hp in US trim and revved to 8,250 rpm. The first M6 used an inline-six, and the next one used a twin-turbo V8.
BMW M built its one-millionth car, a Fire Orange M3, in Munich, and used the moment to show the electric M3 in its lightest camouflage yet. The four-motor sedan will be built in Munich and is expected to debut in 2027.