Every generation of the BMW 3 Series tells a chapter of the sports sedan story. Usually, you’d have to walk through BMW’s museum in Munich to see them all together. But to mark 50 years of the 3 Series, Autocar India and BMW India gathered all seven generations at Infinity BMW in Worli, Mumbai. Owners, fans and enthusiasts turned up to celebrate, admire these icons up close and take part in activities through the evening.
BMW also used the occasion to showcase the 50 Jahre Edition of the 3 Series. Offered in 330Li M Sport and M340i trims, just 50 units of each are available in India. Their exclusivity is marked by ‘1/50’ badging on the B-pillar, along with unique trims and finishes. Before getting into the present, though, here’s a look back at how the 3 Series evolved over the past five decades.
E21 (1975-1983)
The E21 was the first car to wear the 3 Series badge. In 1972, famed American automotive executive Bob Lutz joined BMW and changed its naming convention to the model first, followed by engine capacity – a system still used. Designed by Paul Bracq of Mercedes-Benz SL Pagoda fame, the E21 set the template: compact dimensions, engine up front, rear-wheel drive and room for four. It remains the only 3 Series offered solely as a coupe. Initially launched with four-cylinder engines, six cylinders soon became available, with the 323i getting the largest of the lot.
The car featured at the event was one such six-cylinder example – a 320 with an automatic transmission. Editor Hormazd Sorabjee emphasised the importance of the E21, stating, “This set the stage for what is one of the most successful model lines, the BMW 3 Series, which we are now celebrating 50 years of.” He added, “It was very distinctive with its tilted forward shark-nose grille designed by Paul Bracq – a very elegant, very sporty-looking car, with very clean lines.”
E30 (1982-1994)
The E30 built on its predecessor and is beloved to this day. It spawned the legendary M3, which dominated touring car championships in DTM, BTCC and WTCC, scored success in Group A rallying, and won endurance races like the Nürburgring 24 Hours and Spa 24 Hours. Yet, it remained true to the 3 Series’ usability, introducing sedan, estate and cabriolet variants.
Representing it at the event was a 325i sedan powered by a straight-six paired with a manual gearbox, co-owned by Sorabjee and curator of The Modern Classic Rally, Perseus Bandrawalla. “This car made me fall in love with modern classics,” said Bandrawalla, adding, “This really was the blueprint for the sports sedan back in the day – straight-six, rear-wheel drive. When you drive it, you realise what the thrill of driving is all about.”
E36 (1990-2000)
Larger inside and out, the E36 increased its focus on luxury. It introduced multi-link rear suspension and added several electronic features and creature comforts. Enthusiasts felt it lost some of the rawness of the E30, although the six-cylinder M3 was a highlight. Appreciation and values for this modern classic are on the rise worldwide as more enthusiasts are drawn to its performance and usability.
The example at the event was a 320i with a manual transmission, owned by Rishi Sawla. “I chose this because I wanted something that was fun to drive, something unique, something you wouldn't see on the road all the time,” he said. He’s clearly enjoying his time with it, adding, “I've had it for about three years now, and in that time I've put about 11,000 kilometres on it.
E46 (1998-2006)
With the E46, the 3 Series was back on form, and the sales records proved it. During its eight-year production run, 3,266,885 units were sold, making it BMW’s bestselling model ever. The M3 from this generation is widely considered the finest of the breed, while even non-M versions are highly coveted.
On display was a beautifully maintained 2002 320i with a manual, still wearing its original paint with an unblemished interior. Owner Imran Majid is a huge fan of the 3 Series: “This is my ninth 3 Series, probably my fifth E46 itself.” Elaborating on what makes it special, he said, “It’s a total package – it’s the comfort, the handling, the performance – it’s like a timeless beauty.”
E90 (2005-2013)
The fifth generation marked BMW’s official entry into India. Built at the Chennai plant from 2007, the E90 was the first 3 Series assembled locally and debuted the iDrive system. Styled during the often polarising Chris Bangle era, it has aged quite well and remains the only generation to feature a V8 in the M3.
The car featured at the event was a 320d – fitting, since diesel ruled the Indian market in the late 2000s and early 2010s. It wasn’t just the diesel engine that persuaded owner Vanita Patel to buy the 3 Series. “I have always been fascinated by the 3 Series for its sheer driving pleasure and solid build of the body,” Patel said, adding, “We feel safe in the car because of how well it sticks to the road.”
F30 (2011-2019)
With the F30, BMW embraced turbocharging. Every variant – petrol, diesel or M – came with a turbocharged engine. It refined the E90’s formula, offering a smoother ride, more comfort and greater technology inside. While its predecessor was criticised for its harsh ride, the F30 struck a better balance between comfort and performance.
The owner of this 320d Sport Line, Yash Majithia, was 17 years old when his family took delivery of this car. “I just could not wait to turn 18,” said Majithia. “I’ve been fortunate to drive the E36, E46, E90 and this F30, and what they have in common is that they are all very confidence-inspiring and feel lighter than they are,” he added.
G20 (2018-present)
The current G20 ushered the 3 Series towards its golden jubilee. In India, it arrived exclusively in long-wheelbase form, addressing the lack of rear-seat space that was often criticised in previous generations. While that might seem like a move away from the 3 Series’ focus on driving pleasure, the G20 also gave us the M340i – the most powerful non-M 3 Series ever sold in India.
Taking pride of place at the event was the M340i 50 Jahre Edition. It features commemorative badging, gloss-black M elements and an M Performance key fob, while retaining its 374hp 3.0-litre inline-six. The car’s offered in four metallic colours with black Vernasca leather upholstery, and its buyers also receive a 1:18 scale model of the legendary BMW 3.0 CSL.
Seeing every generation of the 3 Series in one place was a rare privilege and a fitting way to mark its golden jubilee. For Indian enthusiasts especially, it was a chance to witness five decades of history while looking ahead to what the next 50 years of the 3 Series will bring.
