{"id":139932,"date":"2025-05-16T09:18:26","date_gmt":"2025-05-16T16:18:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogv2prod.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/?p=139932"},"modified":"2025-09-18T18:05:20","modified_gmt":"2025-09-19T01:05:20","slug":"top-bmw-3-series-in-history","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/top-bmw-3-series-in-history\/","title":{"rendered":"Top BMW 3 Series in History"},"content":{"rendered":"<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 5<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span><style>.kadence-column139932_5f241d-4f > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column139932_5f241d-4f > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column139932_5f241d-4f > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column139932_5f241d-4f > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column139932_5f241d-4f > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column139932_5f241d-4f > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column139932_5f241d-4f{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column139932_5f241d-4f > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column139932_5f241d-4f > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column139932_5f241d-4f inner-column-1 qk-look-widget\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-row ultp-block-5f7dfd  qk-main-wrap\"><div class=\"ultp-row-wrapper\"><div class=\"ultp-row-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-column ultp-block-4ced63\"><div class=\"ultp-column-wrapper\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading139932_3ad816-ea, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading139932_3ad816-ea[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading139932_3ad816-ea\"]{text-align:center;font-size:20px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading139932_3ad816-ea mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading139932_3ad816-ea[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading139932_3ad816-ea\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-family:Inter;font-weight:500;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading139932_3ad816-ea img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading139932_3ad816-ea[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading139932_3ad816-ea\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"kt-adv-heading139932_3ad816-ea summary-title wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading139932_3ad816-ea\"><span>Summary<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>For many, the top BMW 3 series in history are the E30 and E46 models.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The BMW 3 Series E21 has its faults, but it&rsquo;s also the first model that eventually led to the development of later generations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The seventh and latest generation of the BMW 3 Series is the G20, which gives the old BMW 3 Series a luxurious modern upgrade without letting go of its sporty feel.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>BMW Group Design&rsquo;s Senior Vice President Adrian van Hooydonk describes the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/bmw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"BMW\">BMW<\/a> 3 Series as the &ldquo;ultimate BMW and the face of the brand&rdquo; for many customers. Given how the 3 Series continues to wow consumers with its impressive lineup even after 50 years, it&rsquo;s certainly a fitting description.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While each generation has certainly brought something new to the table, there are BMW 3 Series models that definitely stand out from the rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">BMW 3 E21<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/bmw-3-e21-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"classic bmw 3 e21 in the fields\" class=\"wp-image-164829\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/bmw-3-e21-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/bmw-3-e21-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/bmw-3-e21-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/bmw-3-e21-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/bmw-3-e21-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/bmw-3-e21-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/bmw-3-e21.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The BMW 3 E21 was first revealed at Munich&rsquo;s Olympic Stadium in 1975 as the successor to BMW&rsquo;s iconic 02 series.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>While the BMW 3 E21 was a bit rough around the edges, it marked the beginning of a new era as BMW&rsquo;s first 3 Series model. The E21 was first revealed at Munich&rsquo;s Olympic Stadium in 1975 as the successor to BMW&rsquo;s iconic 02 series. Initially, only a two-door sedan was available, but BMW later released a convertible version called the Baur Top Cabriolet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This first-generation E21 might not seem impressive next to later models, but it did serve as a blueprint for improving the BMW 3 series generations. The E21 also introduced a signature 3 Series trait, namely a dashboard that was slightly tilted towards the driver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Engine Specs:<\/strong> 315 L4<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Weight:<\/strong> 2,226.7 lbs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Power:<\/strong> 75 hp @ 5,800 RPM<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Torque:<\/strong> 81 lb-ft @ 3,200 RPM<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>0-60 mph:<\/strong> 14.8 sec<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">BMW 3 E30<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/bmw-3-e30-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"white classic bmw 3 e30\" class=\"wp-image-164831\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/bmw-3-e30-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/bmw-3-e30-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/bmw-3-e30-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/bmw-3-e30-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/bmw-3-e30-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/bmw-3-e30-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/bmw-3-e30.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">While the standard BMW E30 could only produce around 90 horsepower, the M3 version could produce up to 238 horsepower.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Following the E21&rsquo;s success, BMW released the second-generation 3 Series in 1982. This lineup included several new additions, including a four-door sedan and the high-performance M3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While the standard E30 could only produce around 90 horsepower, the M3 version could produce up to 238 horsepower. BMW used this performance-oriented coupe to compete in the German Touring Car Championship (DTM). To this day, the M3 continues to be one of the most sought-after models in the lineup. In fact, a used BMW 3 Series E30 M3 can cost around $250,000, which is around three times the price of a brand-new M3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>BMW also released a Touring model of the E30, which began as a prototype made by BMW employee Max Reisb&ouml;ck in 1987. Due to a lack of trunk space, Reisb&ouml;ck cut the C-column of his own E30 and shifted it to the rear, creating the first BMW station wagon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Engine Specs:<\/strong> 316 L4<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Weight:<\/strong> 2271 lbs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Power:<\/strong> 90 hp @ 5,500 RPM<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Torque:<\/strong> 103 lb-ft @ 4,000 RPM<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>0-60 mph:<\/strong> 14.2 sec<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">BMW 3 E36<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/BMW-3-E36-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"BMW 3 E36 parked on the side of the road\" class=\"wp-image-164834\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/BMW-3-E36-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/BMW-3-E36-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/BMW-3-E36-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/BMW-3-E36-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/BMW-3-E36-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/BMW-3-E36-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/BMW-3-E36.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Compared to the boxy E30, the third-generation BMW E36&rsquo;s design was much more coupe-oriented.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Compared to the boxy E30, the third-generation E36&rsquo;s design was much more coupe-oriented. Its A and C pillars were much more sloped, and a glass layer covered its twin headlights. The E36 was also bigger, offering consumers more passenger room. Unfortunately, the E36 didn&rsquo;t have an all-wheel drive option. All models in the lineup had a rear-wheel drive system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite this, however, the E36 was a hit among consumers, allowing BMW to cement its name among other luxury brands at the time.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Engine Specs:<\/strong> 316i L4<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Weight:<\/strong> 2,712 lbs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Power:<\/strong> 102 hp @ 5,500 RPM<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Torque:<\/strong> 111 lb-ft @ 3,900 RPM<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>0-60 mph:<\/strong> 14.2 sec<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">BMW 3 E46<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/BMW-3-E46-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"blue BMW 3 E46 with mountains in the background\" class=\"wp-image-164836\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/BMW-3-E46-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/BMW-3-E46-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/BMW-3-E46-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/BMW-3-E46-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/BMW-3-E46-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/BMW-3-E46-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/BMW-3-E46.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Produced from 1997 to 2006, the BMW E46 is the fourth generation and arguably one of the best BMW 3 series ever<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Produced from 1997 to 2006, the E46 is the fourth generation and arguably one of the best BMW 3 series ever. The E46 sedan was the first to enter the market, but a coupe, convertible, and compact model soon followed. This was also the first time each type had significant styling differences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, BMW upgraded much more than just the design. The E46 had new and improved engines, with four and six-cylinder options. For example, the 2002 E46 model had an all-wheel drive version with a turbodiesel engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To this day, the BMW 3 E46 continues to be the top-selling BMW model of all time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Engine Specs: <\/strong>316i L4<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Weight:<\/strong> 2910 lbs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Power:<\/strong> 115 hp @ 5,500 RPM<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Torque:<\/strong> 129 lb-ft @ 3,750 RPM<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>0-60 mph:<\/strong> 11.9 sec<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">BMW 3 G20<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/BMW-3-G20-1024x681.jpg\" alt=\"image of a blue BMW 3 G20\" class=\"wp-image-164838\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/BMW-3-G20-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/BMW-3-G20-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/BMW-3-G20-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/BMW-3-G20-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/BMW-3-G20-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/BMW-3-G20.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The seventh and latest generation of the BMW 3 Series is the G20, which gives the old BMW 3 Series a luxurious modern upgrade without letting go of its sporty feel.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The seventh and latest generation of the 3 Series is the G20, which gives the old BMW 3 Series a luxurious modern upgrade without letting go of its sporty feel. The G20 is longer, wider, and comes with advanced technological features. For example, the 2025 G20 features a 14.9-inch high-resolution infotainment display with in-dash navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite its impressive ride quality and handling, however, non-M3 models of the G20 don&rsquo;t have a manual transmission. While this might be a dealbreaker for some, others can certainly still enjoy the standard G20&rsquo;s smooth 8-speed ZF automatic transmission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Engine Specs:<\/strong> 3.0-liter L6<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Weight:<\/strong> 3,988 lbs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Power:<\/strong> 382 hp @ 6,500 RPM<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Torque:<\/strong> 369 lb-ft @ 1,550 RPM<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>0-60 mph:<\/strong> 3.7 sec<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Keeping Your 3 Series at Its Peak<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The BMW 3 Series has stood the test of time, evolving from the early E21 to today&rsquo;s modern G20 while never losing its balance of performance, luxury, and everyday drivability. But no matter which generation you drive, keeping a BMW at its best requires attention to detail&mdash;and the right parts to match the standard of engineering behind the badge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That&rsquo;s where <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/euro\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"CarParts Euro\">CarParts Euro<\/a> comes in. Here, you&rsquo;ll find quality Euro parts all in one place, with trusted names like Bosch, MEYLE, and Continental available to ensure every replacement delivers exact fit and uncompromising reliability. Whether you drive a BMW, Mercedes, or any other European icon, premium parts engineered for precision are key to preserving the pedigree of your vehicle, and CarParts Euro makes that possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As part of CarParts.com, a brand recognized for trust and dependability, CarParts Euro brings that same confidence to drivers of European cars. If you&rsquo;re searching for Euro car parts in the US, it&rsquo;s a resource built to help you maintain performance without compromise. Explore our catalog today, and keep your BMW 3 Series running like the icon it was designed to be.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 5<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span>BMW Group Design&rsquo;s Senior Vice President Adrian van Hooydonk describes the BMW 3 Series as the &ldquo;ultimate BMW and the&#8230; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/top-bmw-3-series-in-history\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1651,"featured_media":164640,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3769,4506],"tags":[96],"ppma_author":[2607],"class_list":{"0":"post-139932","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-automotive-world","8":"category-european-cars","9":"tag-bmw","10":"entry"},"acf":{"adrotate_specific_mobile_ad":"","adrotate_specific_desktop_ad":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Top BMW 3 Series in History - In The Garage with CarParts.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/top-bmw-3-series-in-history\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Top BMW 3 Series in History - In The Garage with CarParts.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Reading Time:  5 minutesBMW Group Design&rsquo;s Senior Vice President Adrian van Hooydonk describes the BMW 3 Series as the &ldquo;ultimate BMW and the... 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