Over time, cars change allowing drivers to enjoy more modern and innovative solutions. Compared to the past, most cars today have such features that even the manufacturers did not dream of implementing in daily transportation. The BMW 3 series is not an exception and has always impressed with its compactness, sportiness, and wide range of possibilities. But how have these BMW models changed over time?
How did it start?
The very first BMW 3-series model (E21) appeared in 1975 when the manufacturer decided to expand its range of cars and create a completely new line. It was an extension of the BMW 2-series that was extremely popular among car enthusiasts at that time. In the beginning, the first generation of 3-series BMW models had only two doors and was considered a Coupe. In 1978 a cabriolet body type was established. However, the BMW E21 was produced until 1982, when BMW made a second step.
The born of a Legend
The second generation of BMW 3 series cars are still highly valued not only by car collectors but also by ordinary fans of this brand. That’s right, it’s a BMW E30. Like its predecessor, the E30 was launched with only a two-door option. Despite this, the first four-door sedans were introduced a year later, so they could meet the needs of the market. However, both two-door and four-door models were in demand, so BMW decided to produce 3-series models in both body types. It is worth mentioning that the very first BMW M3 was built on the platform of E30. It was powered by a four-cylinder petrol S-14 engine with a power of 235 hp. Today the BMW E30 M3 costs from 70 000 to 100 000 euros. Not bad for a 1986-produced car, right?
Major design changes
The production of the second-generation BMW 3 Series models continued until the introduction of the third-generation BMW 3 Series, which was accompanied by more advanced design changes. The E36 was the first 3 series BMW model which was designed without separate rounded front headlights. Since then, separate rounded headlights were never returned to BMW cars. After that, the E46 model was established and it received a lot of attention due to the changed design and excellent performance features. The biggest design update was made to the rear side of the car, where lamps representing angel wings began to be installed. In the upcoming 5th generation of the BMW 3-Series (E90) rear lamps were changed again and the form of angel wings was discontinued temporarily until the LCI face-lift model was presented. Since then, the rear lamps with the form of angel wings were used until 2018 when the 7th (G20) generation started producing.
The popularity
The BMW 3-Series is the best-selling BMW model, which accounts for around 30% of all BMW annual total sales. This is why it is so easy to notice these compact but great-looking cars on the streets all around the world. The large amount of BMW 3-Series also means that the demand for its car parts is huge. The perfect place to choose among the different genuine car parts for Your BMW 3-Series – LLLparts. This genuine parts store offers a wide assortment of things that are necessary to maintain cars in case of any problem. More information and the parts can be found here: https://www.lllparts.co.uk/bmw-parts
