BMW 3 series specifications
Discover everything you need to know about the BMW 3 series. Find detailed specs like MPG, MPH, dimensions, and more.
BMW 3 Series - Seventh Generation Specifications (2019-present)
The latest generation of the 3 Series (named ‘G20 internally’) was revealed at the Paris Motor Show in October 2018 and has been available in the UK since March 2019.
Based on the Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform, the new 3 Series utilises high-strength steel and aluminium to a greater extent than its predecessors.
Other standout features include double-glazed acoustic windscreen glass and improved A-pillar insulation. The handbrake, which utilised a manual lever with previous generations is now electronically operated.
BMW 3 Series - Sixth Generation Specifications (2011-2019)
The sixth generation of the BMW 3 Series was announced in Munich in October 2011. Production began in the same month - and the first customer deliveries were made in February 2012.
This marked the first 3 Series generation to be powered exclusively by turbocharged engines. A new electric power steering system also replaced the hydraulic power steeling utilised by previous iterations.
The sixth-generation 3 Series is available in three body styles: a 4-door sedan, 5-door wagon and 5-door fastback. In 2015, the F30 (sedan) became the first 3 Series model to gain a three-cylinder engine following its mid-generation facelift.
BMW 3 Series – Fifth Generation Specifications (2005-2013)
The fifth generation of the BMW 3 Series was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2005. In 2006, the 3 Series was hailed ‘World Car of the Year’.
This generation saw stark design changes for the Coupé and Convertible models, which were each taken in their own stylistic directions. The new BMW M3 sedan was inspired by these bold designs. It comprised a front section inspired by the Coupe’s front end – and a tail section based on the Sedan.
In September 2008, the saloon and estate versions received extensive facelifts. Notable stylistic changes were made to the front and rear bumpers, taillights, boot lid, kidney grilles and bonnet.
This was the last 3 Series generation to utilise naturally aspirated engines, as the sixth generation would introduce turbocharged engines across the entire range.
BMW 3 Series - Fourth Generation Specifications (1997-2006)
Launched in 1997, the fourth generation of BMW’s 3 Series introduced greater styling differences between the Compact, Convertible and Coupé models.
This generation retained the popular ‘three-box’ design but refined the ‘greenhouse’. (The windscreen, windows, the pillar separating them and the roof were all radically overhauled.) When viewed from the side, the curvature of the roof was more pronounced, providing more headroom for the back passengers.
These bold design changes paid off in a big way; the fourth-generation 3 Series sold more than 3.2 million units, making it the best-selling BMW model of all time!
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