The BMW 3 Series first appeared way back in 1975. Its popularity has kept it going to this day, even leading to the spawning off of the BMW 1 Series in 2004.

Originally considered to be the ultimate “yuppie” vehicle, the 3 Series has come a long way since 1975. Let’s take a look at the history of this series.

E21

The first of the 3 Series was the E21 line. It was a two-door car designed to replace the coupe and it was sold up until 1983, when the E30, introduced a year before, took over. The E21 was produced with a variety of engines, from a 1.6 L all the way up to a 2.0 L engine.

E30

Next was the E30 3 Series model. It featured four doors and a new six-cylinder engine. At nearly double the price of the E21, it still managed to make its way in the marketplace. This model was available in two styles, the sedan (sold through 1991) and the convertible (sold through 1993).

As the years went by, the engines in this series were improved. By 1985, the engines were stronger and improving each year. In 1989, a special tour version of this model was brought out. It was sold with four wheel drive capabilities and one of four engines, 1.6, 1.8, 2.0, or 2.5 L.

In 1989, the E30 M3 was released, the most powerful BMW to date. It carried a 2.3 L straight-4 engine, with 192 horsepower and Bosch fuel injection.

E36

This model was sold from 1991 to 1998. A new multilink suspension system was added to the E36 3 Series model and it used a 2.5 L DOHC engine. Variable valve timing was brought in 1993.

The E36 was presented in several forms. The convertible was delayed three years, while the hatchback version didn’t come out until 1995. Early on, the four door version of the E36 was most popular. In 1996, the 2.5 L engine was replaced by a 2.8 L one.

E46

The E46 3 Series was a millennium addition to the line. Although the chassis was used earlier, the car didn’t appear until 2000. The first year, two engine choices were available, the 2.8 L (E46 328) or the 2.5 (E46 323).

In 2001, the 3.0 L engine replaced the 2.8 L and the car was introduced in its compact, three-door form, which was phased out in 2004 with the debut of the 1 Series. The E46 coupe and convertible stayed in production right into 2006.

E90

The E90 was first sold in 2006 with four engine choices and is still in production. Built in Germany and Munich, the modern E90 3 Series features inline engines, created with super-light magnesium/aluminium. These engines are innovative in that they offer such advances as individual cylinder throttles and dual stage intake timing, among others.

In 2005, BMW came out with the E91 touring model and in 2006; the two-door E92 appeared.

The coupe version of this line has been redesigned for 2007. It is now available in all wheel drive. The sedan and wagon models were previously revamped in 2006.

Engine

All 2007 models of the BMW 3 Series are loaded with a 3.0 L 6-cycle inline engine. They also all feature a 6-speed manual transmission, although a 6-speed automatic transmission is available as an option.

Standard Features

The BMW 3 Series features sun roofs on all models, along with tires that will continue to work even while flat. Anti-lock brakes and traction control are standard safety features, as are dual airbags, both front and side and special head protection airbags in both front and back seats.

Rear drive models offer Active Steering, a system that allows for faster steering response at low speeds.

Options

For those willing to pay, why not upgrade your 3 Series BMW? Interior options include such luxuries as heated seats, leather interior, and the BMW wireless assist service. Firm suspension and extra protection in the form of side bolstering is normally available in rear-drive coupe, but is an option with the other models.

What Critics Have To Say?

The majority of consumers are thrilled with the handling and manoeuvrability of the BMW 3 Series vehicles. They enjoy the smooth ride and the true feeling of luxury. For many, this is their introduction to luxury vehicles and they are more than satisfied.