BMW 3 Series Model Years and History

The BMW 3 Series and M3 carry over with minimal changes for 2026.

For 2025, the BMW 3 Series maintains its core design while introducing refined interior technology features. The M3 lineup expands with enhancements to the CS trim that delivers track-focused performance upgrades and distinctive styling elements.

The BMW 3-series carries over with minimal changes for 2024 while the M3 gets a new CS trim.

The BMW 3-series get a refreshed exterior and a larger touchscreen for 2023 while the M3 carries over with minimal changes.

The BMW 3-series carries over with minimal changes for 2022.

The BMW 3-series carries over with minimal changes for 2021 although a new 330 e hybrid was introduced. A 3M model was also added to the lineup.

BMW rolled out their redesigned 3-series in stages. For 2019 the 330i wore the new redesigned sheetmetal, but this year for 2020, the 6-cylinder powered M340i also gets the updates.

Now in its seventh generation, the BMW 3-series sedan is completely redesigned and re-engineered for 2019. The update includes new exterior styling, improved interior amenities, new engines, and more. Models include the 330i and 330i xDrive, with M340i and M340i xDrive models to arrive later in the year. Pricing starts at $40,250. BMW's 3-series Sports Wagon and Gran Turismo models are unchanged, though a redesign is expected for 2020.

The BMW 3-series is mostly unchanged from 2017. New this year are standard LED headlights and a better iDrive system. Some new optional equipment is also new this year, including a new style of 18-inch jet black, bi-colored wheels. Prices start at under $35,000 for the iconic sports sedan.

For 2017, the BMW 3 Series adds a new turbocharged 4-cylinder to the mix--what was the 328i last year becomes the 330i along with a few more horsepower.

The BMW 3-series gets a mid-cycle refresh in 2016. Revised front and rear styling looks a little bit sharper, while upgraded suspension and a redesigned electronic power steering system help aid handling. The biggest news for 2016 however, is the introduction of the 340i, which replaces the 335i at the top of the standard 3-series hierarchy. The new name hints at a more powerful engine, with the 340i making about 20 more horsepower than the old 335i did. Other changes for 2016 include a newly available track handling package on the regular 3-series as well as LED headlights on the ultra-sporty M3.

For 2015, the BMW 3-Series receives only minor changes to packages and equipment. Bluetooth audio streaming is now standard across the model range.

The biggest change for the 2014 3-Series, is the lack of coupe and convertible models. These have now been redubbed as the 4-series, keeping things more in line with the rest of BMW's naming scheme. Wagons have been updated to match the current generation of sedans and a new base engine is available in the 320i.

BMW has updated its design lines in the 2013 3-Series. An M Sport Line is new and offered on either 328i or 335i models, bringing sport seats, M alloy wheels, a sport suspension, an aerodynamic package, "hexagonal" interior trim, Shadowline exterior trim and an Anthracite-hued headliner. Modern Line 3-Series cars now come with an all-black upper dash and steering wheel to compliment Black Dakota Leather and Dark Oyster piping and Dark Pearl metallic trim replaces Pearl metallic trim. Sport Line models are now available with Fineline Anthracite wood trim, and both the Sport Line and M Sport Line now include a choice between all-season or performance tires. Throughout the 3-Series Sedan lineup (in all but the ActiveHybrid 3), Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go is now offered. Also Dark Burl Walnut trim is now available separately on the 328i and 328i xDrive models. 2013 BMW 3-Series Coupe and Convertible models get a revised Premium Sound Package that includes Sirius satellite radio and Harman /Kardon premium audio.

For 2012, the BMW 3-series gets a redesigned sedan model, while the coupe, convertible and wagon return with few changes. An automatic transmission is now a no-cost option across the line and the M-sport package is now cheaper. All-wheel-drive versions have now been fitted with 17-inch wheels with all-season tires as standard equipment. The sedan has been given new headlights and a new grille, which give it a much more aggressive look than the outgoing model. Inside, a new steering wheel and revised center stack layout sets the new model apart from what was available in 2011. The 328i has been given a new base engine for 2012. Last year's 230-horsepower 3.0L inline six has been replaced by a 240-horsepower 2.0L turbo inline 4-cylinder. The 335i continues to be available with the 300-horsepower 3.0L turbo inline 6-cylinder, and while a 6-speed manual is standard, an 8-speed automatic is now available. Other newly available options include hands-free parallel parking, which uses sensors to park the car automatically, and a surround-view monitor, which gives the driver a view of the vehicle from above, aiding in parking.

For 2011, the BMW 3-Series gets a new fourth-generation iDrive controller that features a redesigned menu structure, and direct-select keys surrounding the controller. A larger, higher resolution 8.8-inch display screen comes with the system and has been repositioned on the dash for easier readability. BMW has significantly upgraded the turbocharged engine in the 335i models; though its horsepower and torque ratings remain the same, a new twin-scroll, single-turbo arrangement replaces last year's twin-turbo configuration. Acceleration and responsiveness have been slightly improved. All-new for 2011 is a performance-oriented 335is Coupe, which pairs the 300-horsepower turbocharged six with BMW's 7-speed DCT (Double Clutch) gearbox, an automated transmission that allows quick, rev-matched shifts without the sacrifice in performance or fuel economy of a standard automatic transmission. Several new colors--Deep Sea Blu Metallic, Vermillion Red Metallic, and Mineral White Metallic--are newly offered on the Coupe. And throughout the 3-Series lineup, interior materials and trims have been upgraded. The M3 gets new Competition Package that lowers suspension, adds 19" wheels as well as an EDC sport mode intended to further improve handling.

Following a slight facelift to its sedans and wagons in 2009, BMW's excellent 3-Series returns for 2010 with similar exterior refinements for the 3-Series coupes, including revised front and rear bumpers, newer LED taillights and different side mirrors. The power moonroof which had been standard in the entry-level 328 is now a $1,000 option.

BMW's excellent 3-Series returns for 2009 with mild styling refreshing inside and out. The big news for 2009 is a new clean diesel engine now available in the 3-Series. It's a 3.0L twin-turbocharged engine that makes 265 hp and 425 lb-feet of torque, and available on the 335d model. It achieves up to 36 mpg on the highway, according to BMW.

BMW's excellent 3-Series returns for 2008 with minimal changes to the core lineup, save for the addition of the all-wheel-drive 335xi coupe (previously available only with rear-wheel drive). Paddle shifters are newly optional on the entry-level 328 versions. On the 335i coupe, a new 19-inch alloy wheel set is available, and the standard 16-inch alloy wheels have been restyled for the 328 sedans and sport wagons. The new M3 is 2008's big change. The coupe is expected to go on sale in the U.S. in spring of 2008 starting at around $62,500. M-level exhilaration will be provided by an all-new ridiculously light high-revving 4.0L V8 engine--it is 33 pounds lighter than the previous M3's inline six--creating 420 horsepower at a pulse-raising 8,400 rpm. It will make 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. A carbon fiber roof will lighten and lower the car. Other firsts for this latest generation of M3 are an aluminum suspension, Mdrive for driver configuration of the engine control, and a nifty regenerative braking system that powers the electronics. Convertible and sedan versions will follow later in 2008.

The biggest news for the 2007 3-Series is the introduction of BMW's twin-turbo 3.0L six-cylinder. This engine, found in the 335 models, produces a ripping 300-horsepower and an identical amount of torque. The base six-cylinder now produces 230 horsepower (versus 215 in 2006). Nomenclature has been changed to reflect these powerplant changes, with the 325 and 330 now being called the 328 and 335. All-wheel drive is newly available on the coupe and with the normally aspirated engine on the sedan. A rear-wheel-drive wagon is also new for 2007. The vaunted M3 will return in the 2008 model year.