Production BMW 3 series began in 1975 and proceeds till nowadays. 6 generations of the model are released now. This car became the bestseller in the history of the company. Cars are released in Germany, China, the Republic of South Africa and Thailand.

For the first time the public saw BMW 3 series at the Olympic Games in Munich in 1975. Release of the first generation began some months later and proceeded for 1983. The car represented a two-door sedan. The body studio Baur produced a cabriolet in limited series.

The debut of the second generation of BMW of 3 series took place in 1982 at the showroom in Great Britain. The car was produced till 1985. More than 2,3 million copies were sold totally. BMW cars of 3 series were available in a sedan, a coupe, a station wagon and a cabriolet bodies.

In 1985 the car received new design of front body part and some changes of the interior elements. In 1987 front and rear bumper, optics and an inner trim were restyled. The car began to be equipped with the hydraulic power steering and anti-blocking system (ABS).

In 1990 the company presented the third generation of model which was released till 1993. Dimensions of the new car increased, and safety level increased also. The car body differed in considerable ruggedness, the quantity of airbags increased. Designers could achieve an equal distribution of weight on car shafts so the battery had to be taken out in a baggage compartment.

In 1993 the car received a new front bumper, door handles and side mirrors, and in 1996 — the updated optics.

The company released the fourth generation of a popular car from 1998 to 2003. The car became more comfortable and safe. The salon was developed with the requirements of ergonomics, providing the high level of comfort to the driver and passengers. The car was produced in a sedan, the station wagon, a three-door hatchback, a coupé and a cabriolet bodies.

In 2001 the producer changed front and rear bumper design and BMW optics.

The presentation of the fifth generation took place in 2005 at the Geneva motor show. Cars were available in a sedan, a station wagon, a compartment and a cabriolet bodies. In a basic complete set the car was equipped with climate control, electric regulators of the windows, the MP3 audio system and active cruise control. Cars were produced till 2010.

The sixth generation of BMW 3 series was presented at the Munich motor show of 2011. Start of sales took place in 2012. The car is available in a compartment, a five-door hatchback, a sedan, a station wagon and a cabriolet bodies.

Dimensions and spaciousness of the car increased, but its weight was reduced by means of broad use of composite materials. Also aerodynamic characteristics of a car were improved that positively affected controllability and profitability.

In 2015 the car received new optics, a cowl cover and front and rear bumpers. In BMW salon of 3 series there were numerous chrome plated elements.

Within BMW of 3 series, since the second generation, limited release of BMW M3 cars with the improved aerodynamics of a body, more powerful power units, a rigid suspension, and also significant amount of sports elements in design of an exterior and interior was adjusted.