BMW 3-Series (Luxury Compact)

Contents

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1. Intro
2. Available Listings
3. Sold Listings
4. Resources

Written by Matt Krepinski (Enthusiast)

In the summer of 1975 BMW released the 3 series. The predecessor to this car was the very famous 2002 coupe. The 3-series is the best selling foreign luxury sedan in North America. The 3 series has always been the biggest seller for BMW, for many reasons, they usually make up 30-40% of total sales. Typically you'll find these cars in sedan, coupe and wagon format and a turbocharged hatchback (318ti). In 1987, the first convertibles started to be offered and just like today are very popular and desirable. You will find this car in a 4 cylinder gas, Inline 6 and a V6 gas. Diesel engines became available in 1998.

Back in the 1960's your choices of vehicle as North American in regards to performance was a muscle car, or a British sports car like an MG or a Triumph. In 1968 Car & Driver broke the news of the BMW 2002. This was North America's first taste of the sport sedan by BMW, which at this time was already very well received in Europe. No one really had heard of BMW at this time, but the people were very excited that you could have speed, performance and handling with a very fuel-efficient platform comparatively speaking. This was a totally new idea, you could have the top speed of a muscle car but not have to employ a fuel guzzling V8. This car was revolutionary at the time, North America fell in love with the sports sedan from this point and their affair never stopped.

The success of the 2002 in North America eventually led to the establishment of BMW North America in 1975. Shortly after, the 3 series was introduced that furthered this concept of performance and practicality. This new model was a direct descendant of the 2002. After over 30 years BMW has continued to refine the 3 series recipe of speed, performance, and handling while greatly improving fuel consumption.

The 3 series is the most successful of BMW models, a trend that seem to continue even to present day. It may be small in size, but it is surprisingly accommodating to taller drivers. Being well over 6 feet tall myself, I find my ride in the front seats is wonderful, while the backseat is tolerable. You will love that the late 80’s models and on have a sophisticated yet easy to use onboard computer that gives you diagnostic warnings, and lets you know when the engine is ready for your adventure.

The 3 series is built for the serious driver who enjoy tackling the twisting mountain roads at speeds that are too challenging for other makes. This is an excellent entry-level vehicle for people wanting to get into the BMW driving world, and a stepping stone to its high-powered cousin the M3.

Available BMW 3-Series Listings

• Send us a Custom Order Request

Sold BMW 3-Series Listings

• View unavailable BMW 3-Series Listings
Can be helpful to determine market value.

JDM BMW 3-Series Pricing

Because of the variety of BMW models, estimated pricing is on a case by case basis. Inquire for a detailed quote.

BMW 3-Series Resources

• Wikipedia - BMW 3-Series History

BMW 3-Series Model Reference

MODEL INFO

BMW E21 - (1975–1983) 3 Series
BMW E30 - (1984–1994) 3 Series
BMW E36 - (1992–1998) 3 Series
BMW E46 - (1999–2006) 3 Series
BMW E90 - (2005–) 3 Series Sedan
BMW E91 - (2006-) 3 Series Wagon
BMW E92 - (2007-) 3 Series Coupé
BMW E93 - (2007-) 3 Series Convertible

BMW E21

Europe

-1981-1983 315 - 1.6 L M41 I4, 75 hp (55 kW)
+ 1.6L SOHC engine 75 bhp (56 kW) 0-100 km/h: 13.4 sec., top speed: 171 km/h MT
-1975-1979 316 - 1.6 L M41 I4, 90 hp (66 kW)
+ 1.6L SOHC engine 90 bhp (67 kW) 0-100 km/h: 12.3 sec., top speed: 179 km/h MT
-1980-1983 316 - 1.8 L M10B18 I4, 90 hp (67 kW)
-1975-1980 318 - 1.8 L M42 I4, 98 hp (72 kW)
-1979-1983 318i - 1.8 L M42 I4, 105 hp (77 kW)
-1975-1979 320/4 - 2.0 L M64 I4, 109 hp (80 kW)
-1975-1979 320i - 2.0 L M10B20 I4, 125 hp (92 kW)
-1979-1982 320/6 - 2.0 L M20B20 I6, 122 hp (89 kW)
-1978-1982 323i - 2.3 L M20B23 I6, 143 hp (105 kW)

Rest of world

-1976-1979 320i - 2.0 L M43/1 I4, 110 hp (82 kW)
-1980-1983 320i - 1.8 L M42 I4, 100 hp (75 kW)

BMW E30

325i, 325is, 325iX (AWD)

BMW E36

Europe

-1991-1994 316i - 1.6 L M40B18 I4, 102 hp (76 kW)
+ 1.6L SOHC engine 102 bhp (76 kW) 0-100 km/h: 11.8 sec., top speed: 186 km/h MT
-1995-1999 316i - 1.6 L M43B16 I4, 102 hp (76 kW)
+ 1.6L SOHC engine 102 bhp (76 kW) 0-100 km/h: 11.8 sec., top speed: 186 km/h MT -1991-1999 318i - 1.8 L M40B18 I4, 115 hp (86 kW)
-1995-2000 318iS/ti - 1.9 L M44B19 I4, 140 hp (103 kW)
-1991-1995 320 - 2.0 L M50B20 I6, 150 hp (112 kW)
-1992-1997 M3 - 3.0 L S50B30 I6 286 hp (213 kW)
-1995-1998 323 - 2.4 L M52B25 I6 170 hp (127 kW)
-1994-1999 320 - 2.0 L M52B20 I6 148 hp (110 kW)
-1994-1999 324 - 2.4 L M52B24 I6
-1991-1995 325 - 2.5 L M50B25 I6 192 hp (143 kW)
-1995-2000 328 - 2.8 L M52B28 I6 193 hp (144 kW)
-1995-2000 M3 - 3.2 L S50B32 I6 321 hp (239 kW)

North America

-1992-1995 318iS - 1.8 L M42B18 I4, 134 hp (100 kW)
-1995-1999 318ti - 1.8 L M42B18 I4, 134 hp (100 kW) (Please note this is a hatchback)
-1992-1995 325 - 2.5 L M50B25 I6, 189 hp (141 kW)
-1995 M3 - 3.0 L S50B30US I6, 240 hp (179 kW)
-1996-1999 M3 - 3.2 L S52B32 I6, 240 hp (179 kW)
-1996-1999 328 - 2.8 L M52B28 I6, 190 hp (142 kW)
-1996-1999 318 - 1.9 L M44B19 I4, 138 hp (103 kW)
-1998 323 - 2.5 L M52B25 I6, 168 hp (125 kW)

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