BMW 3 Series: In-depth Price Analysis and Market Valuation

The BMW 3 Series is a mid-size passenger car that has been produced since 1975 and is BMW's best-selling model. All generations are united by a unique character, excellent handling, dynamic engines and high prestige. To date, 7 generations of this car have been produced:

• The first generation (E21) - from 1975 to 1983. The car was produced as a two-door sedan. BMW E21 owes its sporty look to designer Paul Bracke. Length/width/height: 4 355 mm/1 610 mm/1 380 mm. The characteristic double kidney-shaped radiator grille and round headlights give the car its charm and spirit. Delivering 1.36 million cars to customers, the BMW E21 became one of the most popular sports sedans of the 1970s. The engine was gasoline: 1.6-2.3 cc (55-105 kW/75-143 hp), 4- and 6-cylinder. Cars of this generation had rear-wheel drive, independent front and rear suspensions.
• Second generation (E30) - from 1982 to 1994. Body type: 2-door sedan (5-seat), 4-door sedan (5-seat), 2-door convertible (4-seat), 5-door station wagon (5-seat). Length/width/height: max. 4,360 mm/1,680 mm/1,380 mm. In 1985, the BMW 325ix - the first BMW with all-wheel drive - rolled off the assembly line. A total of 2.34 million BMW E30s were produced in Munich and Regensburg. Engine is gasoline or diesel: 1.6-3.2 cm³ (55-175 kW/75-238 hp), 4- and 6-cylinder.
• Third generation (E36) - from 1990 to 2000. The BMW E36 lineup in the 1990s becomes a symbol of temperament and agility. The third generation of the BMW 3 Series not only improves interior comfort, but also provides much better impact protection. In 1992, a sporty version of the M3 appeared. Cars of this series were equipped with these gasoline and diesel engines: 1.6-3.2 cm³ (60-245 kW/81-333 hp), 4- and 6-cylinder.
• Fourth generation (E46) - from 1997 to 2006. The curved roof line of the BMW E46 provides more headroom, and the unique design is available in coupe, convertible and compact car versions. In addition to the extra sporty agility, the BMW E46 features enhanced safety: ABS, BMW-developed electronic cornering brake control and six airbags are standard on the fourth-generation BMW 3 Series. For the first time in this series, they started putting diesel engines on convertibles and coupes. The compact version also scores points thanks to a completely new generation of powertrains: Otto engines with variable valve control (Valvetronic) consume around 10 percent less fuel than their predecessors. Engine: 1.6-4.0 cm³ (77-265 kW/105-360 hp), 4- and 6-cylinder.
• Fifth generation (E90) - 2005 to 2013. The BMW E90 Sedan and BMW E91 Touring are now much more distinct from the Coupé (BMW E92) and Cabriolet (BMW E93) and visually more independent than their predecessors. Thanks to an increase in length of five centimeters compared to the BMW E46, the BMW E90 has become more mature in appearance without sacrificing its sporting qualities. For the first time, the iDrive operating system familiar from the larger models is now available in the BMW 3 Series: navigation, the infotainment system and the vehicle's main functions are now controlled via a joystick. Gasoline or diesel engine: 1.6-4.0 cm³ (90-309 kW/122-420 hp), 4-, 6- and 8-cylinder.
• Sixth generation (F30) - 2012 through 2019. The BMW F30 has a striking design and looks sportier and more dynamic than ever. A hybrid engine is available for the first time, and thanks to the BMW EfficientDynamics system, the proven internal combustion engines also boast very low fuel consumption. Attracting attention are the expressive headlights, which are positioned closer to the characteristic kidney-shaped radiator grille. New is the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo (F34) hatchback. Starting with this generation, the coupe and convertible in BMW's mid-size class are sold as separate models under the name BMW 4 Series. Engine: 1.5-3.0 cc (100-338 kW/136-460 hp), 3-, 4- and 6-cylinder.
• Seventh Generation (G20) - 2018 to the present day. Lightweight components made of high-quality aluminum make the BMW G20 a worthy successor in the BMW 3 Series lineup, while new assistance systems enable the BMW 3 Series to drive semi-autonomously. The BMW G20 also sets standards in driving - also thanks to gestures and voice control. This means that the BMW G20 is once again ahead of its time. The seventh-generation BMW 3 Series represents the perfect symbiosis of supreme safety, innovative handling and sporty driving pleasure. From summer 2019, the BMW 3 Series Touring, designated G21, continues the tradition of BMW sporty station wagons. For the first time, a BMW hybrid model is available in the Touring configuration: the BMW 330e has an electric range of up to 61 kilometers with a full battery charge.