During the course of more than 3.5 decades, the face of the BMW 3 Series has constantly evolved. The designers have managed to incorporate innovation and aesthetics into modern concepts, while attempting to preserve traditional values.
As a result, each BMW 3 Series has retained its unmistakable identity and can be recognized as a BMW with just a glance. However, the roots of the 3 Series reach back as far as the 1960s.
Before the 3 Series arrived, BMW had already developed a characteristic profile. With a notchback body, front-mounted engines and rear-wheel drive, the basic principle was established on the 1500/2000 that prevails to this day.
With the arrival of the BMW 1600 in 1966, the two-door 02 Series, which produced such famous models as the 1600ti or the 2002tii, was launched but would eventually be replaced by the BMW 3 Series.
The presentation of the first 3 Series in July 1975 marked the beginning of a remarkable success story in the company’s history. Although the two-door sedan bore a strong resemblance to the BMW 5 Series introduced in 1972, the market saw the arrival of an entirely new vehicle with compact dimensions and a sporting character.
1975–1983. The design of the first BMW 3 Series is characterized by large windows, a distinctive wedge shape and, of course, BMW’s brand-typical face, the front end being dominated by the kidney grille vividly protruding from the radiator cover to continue up slightly scoop-shaped along the bonnet to the windscreen. With short overhangs and a track width of 1,364mm at the front, the new sports sedan boasts a rather low-slung appearance. Vertically mounted indicators flank the large round headlights on each side. On the occasion of its presentation, BMW gives the new model best chances of success: “Timeless and without superficial gallery play, the design of BMW 3 Series will also become a trendsetter for the next decade.”
1982–1993. In 1982, the second generation of the BMW 3 Series presents itself as a worthy successor. As a result of a sensitively enhanced design and optimized aerodynamics, the new model has gained significantly in presence. The approx. 35 mm increase in track width also contributes towards the sedan’s distinctively powerful look. Finally, on the whole, the body appears smoother and rounder, the sleek front end being the result of extensive wind tunnel tests, which is not least underscored by a drag coefficient of 0.37. The now low-slung front end boasting the flat BMW kidney grille elongates the entire front end of the vehicle, particularly as the double headlights now featured on all 3 Series models are located far on the outside. The smooth transition into all adjoining body surfaces not only determines the characteristic shape, but also ensures a good airflow around the vehicle. The low-set bonnet with its wide scoop rising gently from the front enhances aerodynamics, its surface not being interrupted by air intake openings.
1990–1997. In 1990, the time had apparently come to replace the soberly designed BMW 3 Series with an exceedingly elegant successor model. It is an entirely newly conceived sports sedan, the dimensions of which have increased all round, both surprising and pleasing the public to an equal extent. Besides the slim silhouette, the smooth front end of the new model is immediately evident, as the double headlights are now conjointly mounted behind a glass cover. In addition to dynamic lines and a distinctive wedge shape, a significantly lower bonnet and a raised rear end, technical refinements such as windows installed flush with the car body and targeted diffuser cooling air circulation inside the engine compartment also contribute towards the outstanding drag coefficient of 0.29 (316i). This BMW has therefore virtually nothing in common with its predecessor, but the family resemblance still remains recognizable. Thanks to typical styling elements such as the kidney grille and double headlights, it is still obviously a BMW, even though the dominating design element and symbol of the brand was now flatter and wider.