50 years of the BMW 3 series.

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the BMW 3 Series, the press kit “40 Years of BMW 3 Series” from 2015 was comprehensively revised, supplemented and updated.

Please find the complete document in the appendix.

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INTRODUCTION

50 years of the BMW 3 Series. Setting the benchmark for driving pleasure in the mid-size class for seven generations. 

The BMW 3 Series can look back over an extraordinary career path. Among the key milestones along the way have been its success in pioneering a new category of vehicle, establishing itself as the embodiment of driving pleasure in its segment and becoming the world’s top-selling premium car. The model range was launched 50 years ago to replace the already legendary BMW 02, and is now in its seventh generation. Today, as in 1975, purchasing a BMW 3 Series represents an expression of joy in sporty, agile handling, enthusiasm for innovative technology and appreciation of premium quality. First unveiled at the 1975 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, the BMW 3 Series has since developed into both the brand’s most successful model range and an international bestseller. And that makes the 3 Series a highly effective global ambassador for BMW’s core attributes. Its history is testament to the advances achieved by the German carmaker in the areas of sporting ability, efficiency, safety, comfort and connectivity, as well as to the development of BMW design. Again and again, the introduction of trailblazing technological innovations in the BMW 3 Series has also broken new ground in the midsize class in general. Moreover, for five decades now the BMW 3 Series has led the way with new vehicle concepts that have expanded the brand’s model line-up and injected fresh ideas into the segment as a whole. The underlying character of the BMW 3 Series endures from generation to generation, complemented by the addition of new technological advances. Its design has likewise been shaped by a characteristic BMW sense of continuity and evolution. Indeed, throughout the model range’s history, its striking front end with twin circular headlights and familiar BMW kidney grille, the dynamic lines of the car’s flanks and the powerful rear end have always been quick to catch the eye. As for the interior, the unmistakable driver-focused cockpit design already established itself as a key element in the first model generation. The 3 Series’ exceptional run of victories in race competition has also contributed to the car’s status as a byword for sports performance. From the first successes notched up by the BMW 320 to the innumerable triumphs of the first BMW M3, this enviable record continued all the way to multiple victories in the German Touring Car Masters (DTM) race series.

Sporty and efficient: the engines for the BMW 3 Series.

The first generation of the mid-size sedan delighted customers with a level of sporty handling never before offered in this segment, while also impressing with its super-economical engines. The sporty, commanding character of those engines and the resulting performance clearly set the BMW 3 Series apart from its competitors. Its rear-wheel drive concept was another key factor responsible for the hallmark driving pleasure delivered by this new model series. In 1977, two years after the launch of the new model range, the BMW 3 Series became the first car in its class to be available with sixcylinder engines. Further innovations were to follow, including revolutionary injection and engine management systems, ultra-sporty diesel engines and weight minimisation through the use of aluminium and magnesium. Continued advances in engine power and performance, coupled with reductions in fuel consumption and emissions, have been a decisive factor in securing the pioneering status of the BMW 3 Series. In recent years, this has been amplified by electrified powertrains consistently reducing the vehicles’ CO2 footprint. Numerous BMW 3 Series models feature mild-hybrid technology, which delivers outstanding efficiency and takes dynamic power delivery to a new level. The plug-in hybrid models of the current BMW 3 Series generation also feature a new high-voltage battery enabling a significantly increased range.

Outstandingly agile, exceptionally safe: the chassis technology of the BMW 3 Series.

Brawny engines and rear-wheel drive have been combined with finely balanced weight distribution and advanced chassis construction from day one of the BMW 3 Series. Back in 1975, drivers of a BMW 3 Series were already guaranteed assured handling that was sportier than that of any of its rivals, thanks to a technically sophisticated suspension, extremely precise steering uncorrupted by torque steer and powerful brakes. It is a standard that has been maintained through to the new generation of the car. Each and every component of the chassis may have undergone an impressive process of development over the course of five decades and seven generations, but the basic concept underpinning Sheer Driving Pleasure endures. Boasting the most advanced chassis in its segment, the BMW 3 Series continues to set the benchmark for sports performance and handling agility. 

The BMW 3 Series’ ascent to the top of the tree in terms of agility and safety has also been aided by another innovation. In 1985 a BMW 3 Series model became the brand’s first series-produced car to channel its power to the road through all four wheels. Today, the BMW 3 Series Sedan alone offers the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system in conjunction with no less than seven different engine variants, either as standard or as an option.

Variety breeds success: the BMW 3 Series model variants.

The most successful model range in the BMW line-up has experienced an uninterrupted programme of expansion since it was first unveiled. A four-door body variant joined the two-door model in the range back in the second generation, and it wasn’t long before the BMW M3 highperformance sports car, the first Touring model and the first Convertible based on the BMW 3 Series were given their premieres. The third generation of the model range saw the distinctively styled BMW 3 Series Coupé bring additional allure to the line-up, while the BMW 3 Series Compact forged a passage into a new vehicle segment.

Growth and changes within the model line-up have since been responsible for a succession of landmarks in the history of the BMW 3 Series, introducing innovative concepts which continue to set trends for the segment as a whole to this day. The diversity of models has played a significant role in enabling a variety of target groups to experience the sporting character of BMW 3 Series in different ways.

The sixth model generation further extended the attractive selection of distinctive body variants, and for the first time split them between the BMW 3 Series and BMW 4 Series model ranges. The current seventhgeneration BMW 3 Series comprises the BMW 3 Series Sedan and BMW 3 Series Touring. In addition, the mid-size model portfolio also includes the BMW 4 Series Coupé, BMW 4 Series Convertible and BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé. And since 2022, the first BMW M3 Touring offers unalloyed motor sport allure combined with extended everyday usability.

How to sum up the success of this model series over the past 50 years? BMW has sold over 20 million BMW 3 Series vehicles since 1975. That is an impressive figure.  

Please find the complete document in the appendix.