Which generation of the 3-Series do you consider to be the pinnacle of BMW? | Carscoops

      The compact sedan has undergone significant transformations since the introduction of the two-door E21 in 1975.

      BMW is marking the 50th anniversary of the 3 Series, which first appeared in the spring of 1975. We are now in the seventh generation of the model, with the eighth set to debut in 2026. The original E21 was launched solely as a two-door, four-cylinder sedan.

      It may be difficult to envision a world without the BMW 3 Series, and rightly so. The model has been a part of our lives for half a century and has experienced numerous changes and seven generations during this time. But which era of the 3 Series stands out as the best?

      While it's not feasible to directly compare the original E21 with the current G20, one can evaluate how each generation of BMW's compact sedan performed against its competitors and which advanced the standards in design and engineering. Alternatively, it might simply come down to which model you think is so attractive that you'd love to see it back in production.

      Additionally, BMW is phasing out the M340i for something beyond just a name change.

      Explore our galleries featuring the seven generations of the 3 Series and share your thoughts in the comments about which one you believe excelled.

      E21 (1975-1982)

      The initial 3 Series was more refined than the 02 it succeeded, although it shares little resemblance to modern models. The E21 was exclusively offered as a two-door sedan (though a semi-convertible version came later), and the inline-six engine didn't arrive in Europe until 1977. The U.S. market missed out on the six-cylinder options altogether, and the M3 wouldn’t arrive for another decade. Nonetheless, this was a commendable beginning.

      E30 (1982-1994)

      With the E30, BMW took a conservative approach to design, launching in the same year as Ford's innovative Sierra. This choice proved to be wise. Despite its limited rear space and low-geared steering, the E30 became popular, bolstered by essential additions like a four-door sedan, later versions with diesel and all-wheel drive, a wagon, the inaugural M3, and a true convertible.

      E36 (1990-1998)

      The E36 embraced aerodynamic design trends and featured an advanced multi-link rear axle that greatly enhanced stability and handling on fast, winding roads. The lineup expanded to include a short hatchback version, the 3 Series Compact (although it retained the older E30's semi-trailing arm suspension), and significant transformations for the M3, which shifted from its four-cylinder roots to become a powerful six-cylinder GT, even available as a four-door.

      E46 (1998-2005)

      The E46 took the best elements of the E36 and presented them in a more visually appealing form. Almost 30 years since its introduction, this model still looks magnificent. Under the hood, key updates included Valvetronic variable valve lift engines, the return of the all-wheel drive option, which had been absent in the E36, and the Compact finally received a multi-link rear suspension. Additionally, BMW introduced the M3 CSL, elevating performance beyond the standard 3.2-liter M3.

      E90 (2005-2012)

      Opinions on styling may have regressed in some views until the 2008 facelift, but the E90 made crucial strides for the 3 Series. It was the first to feature BMW's iDrive system and to utilize the new turbocharged six-cylinder engines. However, the M3 opted for a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter V8, which remains the largest engine ever installed in a factory M3.

      F30 (2011-2019)

      At its mid-thirties, the 3 Series continued to innovate ways to attract buyers, including establishing the coupe and convertible as separate models under the 4 Series/M4 name. The F30 also introduced an unattractive Gran Turismo fastback, a long-wheelbase sedan exclusive to China, and a plug-in hybrid, which underscored its emphasis on efficiency. Turbocharging allowed BMW to incorporate four-cylinder engines that surpassed the performance of the outgoing six-cylinders, meaning base models now featured just three cylinders.

      G20 (2019-2026)

      With the G20 unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in late 2018, it marked an evolution of the existing formula, with enhanced design, increased body rigidity, and a more spacious interior. M enthusiasts had much to anticipate, as the M3 included an xDrive all-wheel drive option for the first time, though the more powerful Competition version did not offer the manual transmission found in the standard M3. The introduction of the M340i prompted many to question the necessity of an M3 altogether, while a 2022 refresh updated the dashboard with a sophisticated, iDrive-heavy digital layout.

      Neue Klasse (2026-)

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