Autoknowtive
1978 BMW 316
Handling was not the issue for the 3 series.
Text: press release via NetCarShow
Photo: NetCarShow
BMW 3 Series
BMW has built the 3 Series since 1975. Autoknowtive’s catalog has 30 of them, from the 1978 BMW 316 to the 2025 BMW 3-Series Sedan. Body styles here: Coupé, Wagon and Hatchback. Sold new in North America, Europe and Asia.
- Built
- 1975–today
- Brand from
- Germany
- Body styles
- Coupé, Wagon and Hatchback
- Sold new in
- North America, Europe and Asia
- In the catalog
- 30 cars, 1 of them concepts
How it changed
Power went from 143 hp in the 1978 316 to 374 hp in the 2025 3-Series Sedan. It got heavier along the way: 1,135 kg for the 1978 car, 1,725 kg for the 2023. The most powerful here is the 2023 BMW 3-Series at 374 hp (279 kW), more than 78% of the cars in the catalog. Quickest from 0 to 62 mph: the 2023 BMW 3-Series, in 4.4 s.
Every 3 Series in the catalog
1980 BMW 3-Series
BMW 3 Series was charged with the task of combining the sporty, agile character of its predecessor with new qualities in the areas of design, comfort, space and safety.
Text: press release via NetCarShow
Photo: NetCarShow
1982 BMW 3 Series
The E30 automobile platform was the basis for the 1982 through 1991 BMW 3 Series entry-level luxury car / compact executive car. It was the successor of the BMW E21 in 1982 and was replaced by the BMW E36 in 1992.
Text: press release via NetCarShow
Photo: NetCarShow
1985 BMW 325i Cabrio
The primary distinctive feature of the BMW E30 models produced in 1984-1987 are the elongated front/rear chrome bumpers.
Text: press release via NetCarShow
Photo: NetCarShow
1987 BMW 325i
A widened version of the E30 front suspension and the drivetain from the E30 325i were used in the BMW Z1 roadster.
Text: press release via NetCarShow
Photo: NetCarShow
1995 BMW 323i
In 1990, the four-door sedan marks the launch of the third generation 3 Series. The car boasts a high level of elegance and innovative technology. It has also become significantly larger and more spacious.
Text: press release via NetCarShow
Photo: NetCarShow
1999 BMW 328Ci Coupe
Photo: NetCarShow
2000 BMW 3-Series Touring
BMW 3-Series Touring embodied the character of the 3-Series with undoubted clarity, but also displayed its own distinctive talents.
Text: press release via NetCarShow
Photo: NetCarShow
2002 BMW 3-Series
The E46 automobile platform is the fourth generation of BMW's highly successful 3 Series entry-level luxury car / compact executive car. It was introduced in 1998 and replaced the E36 sedans the same year.
Text: press release via NetCarShow
Photo: NetCarShow
2003 BMW 3-Series Compact
The 3 Series Compact was redesigned in 2000 as part of the E46 line. Build and quality of finish was much-improved over that of the E36 TI. Despite this, the E46 TI was not as successful as its predecessor.
Text: press release via NetCarShow
Photo: NetCarShow
2003 BMW 325ti Compact
Photo: NetCarShow
2004 BMW 320Cd Convertible
Photo: NetCarShow
2004 BMW 330Cd Coupe
The E46 was considered the performance benchmark of its class and experienced success in many markets. The record selling year for the E46 chassis was 2002, when 561,249 vehicles were sold worldwide.
Text: press release via NetCarShow
Photo: NetCarShow
2006 BMW 330i
Debuting in the US in 2005 as a 2006 model, the E90 came in two trims, the 325i/xi and 330i/xi models.
Text: press release via NetCarShow
Photo: NetCarShow
2007 BMW 335i Convertible
Spring 2007 marks the introduction of BMW's new 3 Series Convertible. Available initially in 325i and 335i guises, but followed closely by smaller engined variants and diesel-powered models, BMW's new open-top will deliver the ultimate in performance and refinement thanks to a number of innovations.
Text: press release via NetCarShow
Photo: NetCarShow
2007 BMW 335i Coupe
Introducing the latest expression of individual style - the all-new BMW 3 Series Coupe. With totally new looks, the newest BMW Coupe once again sets the benchmark for elegant design, luxury and value.
Text: press release via NetCarShow
Photo: NetCarShow
2009 BMW 3-Series
Photo: NetCarShow
2009 BMW 3-Series Touring
With striking design the BMW 3-Series Touring enhances its sporty, elegant profile with new visual features which are recognisable from all perspectives.
Text: press release via NetCarShow
Photo: NetCarShow
2011 BMW 328 Hommage Concept
The BMW 328 is considered the most successful and best-looking sports car of the 1930s.
Text: press release via NetCarShow
Photo: NetCarShow
2012 BMW 3-Series
The BMW 3-Series Sedan is the original in the compact sports sedan segment and over the years has come to symbolise the aesthetic appeal, dynamics and sporting capability of BMW.
Text: press release via NetCarShow
Photo: NetCarShow
2013 BMW 3-Series Long Wheelbase
Photo: NetCarShow
2013 BMW 3-Series Touring
The new edition of the BMW 3-Series Touring makes its mark in the premium sports estate segment with its hallmark BMW dynamic prowess, enhanced practicality and versatility, and a range of standard equipment features assembled to meet the challenges of everyday life.
Text: press release via NetCarShow
Photo: NetCarShow
2016 BMW 3-Series
The BMW 3-Series is the founder of the modern sports sedan segment and has been fêted as an icon of this vehicle class for 40 years.
Text: press release via NetCarShow
Photo: NetCarShow
2016 BMW 3-Series Touring
BMW 3-Series Touring embodies unbeatable efficiency in their class and combine leading fuel economy with the sporting ability customers expect from a BMW.
Text: press release via NetCarShow
Photo: NetCarShow
2017 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo
In the space of three years, the BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo has established itself successfully around the world in the premium mid-size class. As a standalone character within the BMW 3-Series family, it brings together the sporting attributes of the 3-Series Sedan with the elegant dynamics of a coupe and the functionality and versatility of the 3-Series Touring.
Text: press release via NetCarShow
Photo: NetCarShow
2019 BMW 3-Series
The new BMW 3-Series Sedan takes sporty driving pleasure to new heights.
Text: press release via NetCarShow
Photo: NetCarShow
2020 BMW 3-Series Touring
The bonnet of the new BMW 3-Series Touring is shaped by four contour lines searing towards the kidney grille.
Text: press release via NetCarShow
Photo: NetCarShow
2020 BMW M340i xDrive Sedan
BMW M340i xDrive Sedan's superior performance characteristics are reflected in model-specific design and equipment features.
Text: press release via NetCarShow
Photo: NetCarShow
2023 BMW 3-Series
Detailed exterior design upgrades ensure that the character of the new BMW 3-Series and its emphasis on driving pleasure now shine through even more clearly.
Text: press release via NetCarShow
Photo: NetCarShow
2025 BMW 3-Series Sedan
The BMW 3-Series has embodied driving pleasure, elegantly sporty design and sustained technological progress ever since its debut in 1975.
Text: press release via NetCarShow
Photo: NetCarShow
Specs side by side
| Car | Power | Torque | 0–62 mph | Top speed | Weight | Engine | Drive | Gearbox | EPA combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 316 | 143 hp (107 kW) | 140 lb-ft (190 Nm) | 9.5 s | 118 mph (190 km/h) | 1,135 kg (2,502 lb) | 2.3 L inline-6 | Rear Wheel Drive | 4-speed manual | — |
| 1980 3-Series | 143 hp (107 kW) | 140 lb-ft (190 Nm) | 9.5 s | 118 mph (190 km/h) | 1,135 kg (2,502 lb) | 2.3 L inline-6 | Rear Wheel Drive | 4-speed manual | — |
| 1982 3 Series | 116 hp (87 kW) | 162 lb-ft (220 Nm) | 11.9 s | 116 mph (187 km/h) | 1,260 kg (2,778 lb) | 2.4 L inline-6 | Rear Wheel Drive | 5-speed manual | — |
| 1985 325i Cabrio | 116 hp (87 kW) | 162 lb-ft (220 Nm) | 11.9 s | 116 mph (187 km/h) | 1,260 kg (2,778 lb) | 2.4 L inline-6 | Rear Wheel Drive | 5-speed manual | 23 mpg |
| 1987 325i | 116 hp (87 kW) | 162 lb-ft (220 Nm) | 11.9 s | 116 mph (187 km/h) | 1,260 kg (2,778 lb) | 2.4 L inline-6 | Rear Wheel Drive | 5-speed manual | 21 mpg |
| 1995 323i | 143 hp (107 kW) | 192 lb-ft (260 Nm) | 10.4 s | 133 mph (214 km/h) | 1,365 kg (3,009 lb) | 2.5 L inline-6 | Rear Wheel Drive | 5-speed manual | 23 mpg |
| 1999 328Ci Coupe | 184 hp (137 kW) | 288 lb-ft (390 Nm) | 7.8 s | 141 mph (227 km/h) | 1,520 kg (3,351 lb) | 2.9 L inline-6 | Rear Wheel Drive | 5-speed manual | 24 mpg |
| 2000 3-Series Touring | 184 hp (137 kW) | 288 lb-ft (390 Nm) | 8.7 s | 137 mph (220 km/h) | 1,695 kg (3,737 lb) | 2.9 L inline-6 | Rear Wheel Drive | 5-speed manual | 21 mpg |
| 2002 3-Series | 204 hp (152 kW) | 302 lb-ft (409 Nm) | 7.7 s | 145 mph (233 km/h) | 1,625 kg (3,583 lb) | 3.0 L inline-6 | Rear Wheel Drive | 5-speed manual | 22 mpg |
| 2003 3-Series Compact | 150 hp (112 kW) | 243 lb-ft (329 Nm) | 8.9 s | 133 mph (214 km/h) | 1,370 kg (3,020 lb) | 2.0 L inline-4 | Rear Wheel Drive | 5-speed manual | 22 mpg |
| 2003 325ti Compact | 204 hp (152 kW) | 302 lb-ft (409 Nm) | 7.7 s | 145 mph (233 km/h) | 1,625 kg (3,583 lb) | 3.0 L inline-6 | Rear Wheel Drive | 5-speed manual | 22 mpg |
| 2004 320Cd Convertible | 204 hp (152 kW) | 302 lb-ft (409 Nm) | 7.7 s | 145 mph (233 km/h) | 1,625 kg (3,583 lb) | 3.0 L inline-6 | Rear Wheel Drive | 5-speed manual | 22 mpg |
| 2004 330Cd Coupe | 204 hp (152 kW) | 302 lb-ft (409 Nm) | 7.7 s | 145 mph (233 km/h) | 1,625 kg (3,583 lb) | 3.0 L inline-6 | Rear Wheel Drive | 5-speed manual | 22 mpg |
| 2006 330i | 286 hp (213 kW) | 428 lb-ft (580 Nm) | 6.2 s | 155 mph (249 km/h) | 1,655 kg (3,649 lb) | 3.0 L inline-4 | Rear Wheel Drive | 6-speed automatic | 21 mpg |
| 2007 335i Convertible | 286 hp (213 kW) | 428 lb-ft (580 Nm) | 6.2 s | 155 mph (249 km/h) | 1,655 kg (3,649 lb) | 3.0 L inline-4 | Rear Wheel Drive | 6-speed automatic | 22 mpg |
| 2007 335i Coupe | 286 hp (213 kW) | 428 lb-ft (580 Nm) | 6.2 s | 155 mph (249 km/h) | 1,655 kg (3,649 lb) | 3.0 L inline-4 | Rear Wheel Drive | 6-speed automatic | 21 mpg |
| 2009 3-Series | 286 hp (213 kW) | 427 lb-ft (579 Nm) | 6.0 s | 155 mph (249 km/h) | 1,580 kg (3,483 lb) | 3.0 L inline-6 | Rear Wheel Drive | 6-speed manual | 27 mpg |
| 2009 3-Series Touring | 286 hp (213 kW) | 427 lb-ft (579 Nm) | 6.1 s | 155 mph (249 km/h) | 1,645 kg (3,627 lb) | 3.0 L inline-6 | Rear Wheel Drive | 6-speed automatic | 27 mpg |
| 2011 328 Hommage | 286 hp (213 kW) | 427 lb-ft (579 Nm) | 6.0 s | 155 mph (249 km/h) | 1,580 kg (3,483 lb) | 3.0 L inline-6 | Rear Wheel Drive | 6-speed manual | — |
| 2012 3-Series | 306 hp (228 kW) | 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) | 5.5 s | 155 mph (249 km/h) | 1,655 kg (3,649 lb) | 3.0 L inline-6 | Rear Wheel Drive | 8-speed automatic (Steptronic) | 27 mpg |
| 2013 3-Series Long Wheelbase | 306 hp (228 kW) | 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) | 5.5 s | 155 mph (249 km/h) | 1,655 kg (3,649 lb) | 3.0 L inline-6 | Rear Wheel Drive | 8-speed automatic (Steptronic) | 28 mpg |
| 2013 3-Series Touring | 313 hp (233 kW) | 465 lb-ft (630 Nm) | 4.9 s | 155 mph (249 km/h) | 1,690 kg (3,726 lb) | 3.0 L inline-6 | All Wheel Drive | 8-speed automatic (Steptronic) | 28 mpg |
| 2016 3-Series | 184 hp (137 kW) | 214 lb-ft (290 Nm) | 6.1 s | 140 mph (225 km/h) | 1,660 kg (3,660 lb) | 2.0 L inline-4 | Rear Wheel Drive | 8-speed automatic (Steptronic) | 35 mpg |
| 2016 3-Series Touring | 313 hp (233 kW) | 465 lb-ft (630 Nm) | 4.9 s | 155 mph (249 km/h) | 1,695 kg (3,737 lb) | 3.0 L inline-6 | All Wheel Drive | 8-speed automatic (Steptronic) | 35 mpg |
| 2017 3-Series Gran Turismo | 313 hp (233 kW) | 465 lb-ft (630 Nm) | 4.9 s | 155 mph (249 km/h) | 1,745 kg (3,847 lb) | 3.0 L inline-4 | All Wheel Drive | 8-speed automatic (Steptronic) | 26 mpg |
| 2019 3-Series | 184 hp (137 kW) | 221 lb-ft (300 Nm) | 5.8 s | 143 mph (230 km/h) | 1,820 kg (4,012 lb) | 2.0 L inline-4 | All Wheel Drive | 8-speed automatic Steptronic | 30 mpg |
| 2020 3-Series Touring | 340 hp (254 kW) | 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) | 4.8 s | 155 mph (249 km/h) | 1,955 kg (4,310 lb) | 3.0 L inline-6 | All Wheel Drive | 8-speed automatic Steptronic | 30 mpg |
| 2020 M340i xDrive Sedan | 184 hp (137 kW) | 221 lb-ft (300 Nm) | 5.8 s | 143 mph (230 km/h) | 1,820 kg (4,012 lb) | 2.0 L inline-4 | All Wheel Drive | 8-speed automatic Steptronic | 30 mpg |
| 2023 3-Series | 374 hp (279 kW) | 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) | 4.4 s | 155 mph (249 km/h) | 1,725 kg (3,803 lb) | 3.0 L inline-6 | All Wheel Drive | 8-speed automatic Steptronic | 29 mpg |
| 2025 3-Series Sedan | 374 hp (279 kW) | 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) | 4.4 s | 155 mph (249 km/h) | — | 3.0 L inline-6 | All Wheel Drive | 8-speed automatic Steptronic | 31 mpg |
Power is the figure quoted for that version. Fuel economy is the best EPA combined rating, US models only.
Rivals
Cars from other brands in the same class, with similar power and from the same years:
Think you’d know one?
Every car on this page can turn up in the game. Spot It starts with a blurry close-up, Model Year asks you to date the photo, and the Daily gives you six guesses at one car. More BMW models are on the BMW page.