Bavarian Motor Works, also known as BMW, is a German automobile manufacturer. It has been providing its country with aircraft engines since 1916, and later the world with great automobiles since 1927! Throughout the years, BMW has forged an esteemed reputation as a quality automobile manufacturer for a reasonable price. Colloquially known as ‘Bimmers’, BMW automobiles started selling in the US in 1956 with marginal success. However, in 1975, they came up with the E21, the very first 3-Series sedan, replacing the 02-Series cars. This little sedan helped BMW gain some popularity and change its position in the Automobile Industry.
Updated November 2021: If you're a fan of Bavaria's finest, you'll be happy to know that we've updated this article with some of the rarest, best-performing special edition Bimmers the world has ever seen.
The first-generation 3-Series was only available as a 2-door coupé, but throughout 7 generations, we got everything from 4-door saloons, 2-door convertibles, 3-door hatchbacks, and even some 5-door liftback 3-Series cars. You might remember the 3-Series from the time when Tom Cruise chased a group of bikers through Moroccan streets in Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation (2015) or when Charlie Sheen drove a 1994 BMW 3 Series in The Chase (1994). Gamers will remember the dominant M3 GTR from Need For Speed Most Wanted (2005) or Carbon (2006). We have seen this beloved lineup grow over 46 years and hence; we have a plethora of superb models that deliver comfort, sportiness, and luxury without emptying consumers’ pockets. Fasten your seatbelt as we go through 10 of the best models that the 3-Series supplied us with.
8 E21 - The First-Ever 3-Series
BMW’s 2002 compact sports sedan (from 1962 to 1976) was a hit in the US. BMW got the correct formula for a splendid car, and they wanted to capitalize on that opportunity. So they modernized the 2002’s base design and introduced the 3-Series to the world in 1975.
Instead of going for big-block V8s like muscle cars, the German manufacturer opted for Inline-4 motors. The E21 323i is a favorite among BMW classics today. The design was as basic as it got, therefore the driving experience is as pure as it gets.
7 1987 E30 320is
The E30 320is is a lot more special than it looks. This BMW 3-series was sold exclusively in Italy and Portugal. It was made purely to ge around the local tax systems there that punished cars that featured engines bigger than 2 liters. Under the hood, there was a de-stroked version of the four-cylinder S14 engine found in the E30 M3. It now had a displacement of 1,990cc, and it was mated to the same Getrag dog-leg transmission.
The 2.0-liter engine produced 189hp and 155lb-ft, so it was slightly down on power compared to the non-catalytic Euro-spec E30 M3’s 197hp and 176lb-ft. The main difference compared to the M3 was the bodywork. Gone were the boxy arches and unique trunk lid, the 320is looked just like any other run-off-the-mill 3-series.
6 E36 M3 Light Weight
Dealerships were struggling to get rid of the special edition E36 M3 Light Weight. In fact, it took huge incentives to convince 125 or so people to actually buy one. Today, it's a different story, as collectors and enthusiasts are willing to pay top dollar to own one of these rare machines. BMW stripped 200lbs off the car by removing sound insulation, leather seats, A/C, sunroof, and they used aluminum door skins.
They also went to work on the drivetrain, engines were handpicked off the assembly line based on their performance potential, the final drive ratio was shortened to improve acceleration, the suspension had Euro-spec springs to lower the ride height and forged wheels to reduce unsprung weight. All the cars were finished in Alpine White and given motorsports flag decals. It also came with other performance parts in the trunk, and a contract that stated if they were fitted by the owner, it would void the warranty.
5 E90 M3
BMW is revered for developing some of the best I6 engines in the world. Despite that, they had to resort to an eight-cylinder engine to compete with Audi's V8-powered S4. Many considered this step to be inappropriate, yet both the S4 and the doubters were dealt with by a 414 HP 4.0-Liter V8 that reached 8.000 rpm!
The E90 might look a bit more refined and toned down than its predecessors in some people’s eyes, but this automobile goes like a bullet.
4 E46 M3 CSL
The BMW M3 CSL — Coupé Sport Lightweight — was a limited edition M3 model that saw production in 2004. Only 1,383 cars were made, so it's very much sought after by enthusiasts today. The CSL was 243 lbs lighter than the standard M3, and the weightloss was achieved through the use of glass-reinforced plastics, a carbon fiber reinforced plastic roof, carbonn fiber body panels, and thinner glass for the rear window. In addition, many of the creature comforts were discarded, and the seats were replaced by lightweight racing bucket seats.
The CSL also received 19-inch wheels wrapped in semi-slick tires that offered excellent performance on the racetrack, but less so for regular road use. To ensure the driver could keep it all under control, the brakes were upgraded with larger floating rotors at the front and larger pistons at the rear, the suspension had stiffer springs and upgraded shock absorbers, and a quicker ratio steering rack was installed. On the outside, it received new styling and the engine had 17 hp more than the regular M3.
3 M3 E46 GTR
It’s 2005, you have just bought the game Need For Speed Most Wanted, and are starting it up for the first time. Some cinematics roll, and BOOM! You are given the controls to a sick-looking M3 E46 GTR. The Protagonist’s main car was destined to make a lasting impression on upcoming car enthusiasts.
And the car in real life had the performance to back it up. The 493 HP 4-Liter V8 engine was too powerful for this beauty to be street-legal, but BMW did indeed sell 10 road-going versions to make the car a ‘Consumer Vehicle’.
2 E92 BMW M3 GTS
The GTS certainly stood out from the sea of E9X generation M3s. Only 135 units were made, and all were painted bright orange. The model was based on the E92 M3 coupe, but the 4.0-liter V8 was now taken up to 4.4 liters, boosting the power output to a very respectable 450 horsepower.
In addition to all that power, BMW made sure it was lightweight as well. Like certain other limited edition M3s before it, the GTS featured a carbon fiber roof, titanium exhaust, and 19-inch wheels. It also had lightweight interior panels, and the rear seats, air conditioning, and sound system were all removed in the name of weight saving.
1 E30 M3
For many, the E30 M3 is the most beloved, cherished, and important automobile out of the whole 3-Series lineup. The 200 HP Inline-4 engine was powerful enough to provide a thrilling ride in the nimble and compact chassis.
The E30 M3’s dominating success in the late 80s and early 90s touring car racing was pivotal in helping BMW build an image as an amazing sports car manufacturer in the US. We can safely say that the E30 M3 is part of the reason behind BMW’s success in the automobile market today. Over the years, the model spawned some Evolution models that packed even more power and aerodynamic upgrades.