BMW 3 Series models and trim levels explained

Since its inception in 1975, when it replaced the ‘02 Series’ cars, the BMW 3 Series has been a cornerstorne of the brand’s range. The 3 Series offers space for four adults and some suitcases without taking up a whole postcode. It also offers a great balance of luxury and attainability, and mixes keen handling with motorway-crushing comfort. Here’s how to choose the best BMW 3 Series model for you.

BMW 3 Series models explained

The BMW 3 Series is known for being a four-door saloon, and this ‘three-box’ shape has been a constant for the majority of its years on sale.

A five-door estate model has also been a mainstay of the range, while the 3 Series was also available in coupe and convertible body styles until 2013 – when these became the BMW 4 Series.

Rear-wheel drive is a key characteristic of the 3 Series, which has positioned itself as a driver’s car – more so than long-time rivals like the Mercedes C-Class and Audi A4. There are multiple engine choices to suit a range of buyers, from fuel-sipping plug-in-hybrid and diesel engines, to high-performance M340i and M3 models.

BMW 3 Series trim levels

The latest BMW 3 Series is available in the following trim levels:

• Sport – clean, restrained styling coupled with plenty of features such as heated seats, a heated steering wheel, the big screens and cruise control
• M Sport – a very popular choice with a meaner-looking body kit, sports suspension, sports seats and larger alloy wheels
• M340i – a powerful petrol model that sits halfway between the M Sport trim and the high-performance M3

On slightly older examples of the 3 Series, you’ll also find:

• SE/ SE Pro – a lower-priced model that still comes with plenty of equipment, such as a reversing camera and sat nav
• M340d – a powerful diesel model that sits alongside the M340i

BMW 3 Series generations

Eighth generation – 2026-present

• Electric i3 model (not to be confused with the original BMW i3 hatchback) claims up to 563 miles of range from a charge
• A 400kW charger can add 250 miles of range in 10 minutes
• Part of BMW’s futuristic ‘Neue Klasse’ cars, the i3 sets the tone for the styling, tech and powertrains for upcoming BMW models
• Petrol engines and high-performance M models to come later

Read more about the new BMW i3 saloon here

Seventh generation – 2019-present

• Available as a saloon or estate, and you’ll find plenty for sale at Motorpoint with big savings versus a brand-new equivalent
• A high-tech but easy-to-use interior
• Plug-in-hybrid 330e engine is now one of the biggest selling, boasting up to 60 miles of electric range
• Diesel engines and manual gearboxes discontinued in the 2022 facelift
• Model codes: G20 (saloon), G21 (estate)

Sixth generation – 2012-2019

• Available with wide range of engines including several six-cylinder options
• Introduced unusual Gran Turismo fastback model, which is rare
• 2015 facelift introduced three-cylinder petrol engine and first plug-in-hybrid engine
• Model codes: F30 (saloon), F31 (estate), F34 (Gran Turismo)

Fifth generation – 2005-2012 (2013 for two-door models)

• First 3 Series to feature BMW’s iDrive infotainment system – as an optional extra
• Last 3 Series model to feature naturally aspirated (non-turbocharged) engines
• Only version of the high-performance M3 model to come with a V8 engine
• BMW produced 49 different wheel styles for the E9x generation
• Facelifted in 2009
• Model codes: E90 (saloon), E91 (estate), E92 (coupe), E93 (convertible)

Fourth generation – 1998-2005 (2006 for two-door models)

• Available as a four-door saloon, five-door ‘Touring’ estate, and two-door coupe, convertible and ‘Compact’ models
• Introduced various features including sat nav, LED rear lights and rain-sensing wipers
• E46 Compact was unloved but provided cheaper BMW option before the launch of the 1 Series in 2004
• Saloon and estate facelifted in 2001; coupe and convertible facelifted in 2003
• Model code: E46

Third generation – 1991-1999

• Six-speed manual and five-speed automatic gearboxes introduced
• Airbags, ABS and traction control widely available
• Available in the same body styles as the E46
• Model code: E36

Second generation – 1982-1991

• Introduced diesel engines and M3 model
• Was the first BMW to offer four-wheel drive
• A popular choice for motorsport use
• Available as saloon, estate, coupe and convertible
• Model code: E30

First generation – 1975-1982

• Six-cylinder models marked out by twin headlamps
• Highest powered version produced 143hp – which is less than the G20’s entry-level 318i engine
• Available as two-door saloon/coupe and convertible
• Model code: E21

What’s the best BMW 3 Series model?

As is typically the case, the BMW 3 Series has got better with age. The current ‘G20’ model is the best BMW 3 Series yet, with a clever infotainment system, frugal engines and premium levels of standard equipment. We’re yet to try the new i3 but we’ve tried the related iX3 SUV and that’s fantastic – so you can expect the i3 saloon to follow suit.

The best 3 Series model for families is the Touring estate, because its taller boot opening makes it easy to load bulky items – and you get more luggage space than the saloon. If you can charge at home, the cheapest 3 Series model to run is the 330e plug-in hybrid, because then you can use cheap electric power for local journeys and save the petrol engine for longer journeys.

What’s the fastest BMW 3 Series model?

Without a doubt, the fastest BMW 3 Series model is the M3 Competition xDrive. The only version of the current M3 that’s available in the UK, the four-wheel-drive Competition model boasts 503hp and a 0-62mph time of just 3.4 seconds.

However, it’s also worth checking out the 387hp M340i and 340hp M340d models. Four-wheel drive is also fitted as standard in these models, and both get from 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds. These are more than fast enough to feel exciting on the road, and are considerably less expensive than the M3.

Alternatively, long-time BMW fettler Alpina has produced its own fast 3 Series models. The Alpina B3 and D3 S are retuned and restyled versions of the M340i and M340d respectively, and reduce the 0-62mph time to around four seconds.

Ready to find your perfect BMW 3 Series model?

Shop used BMW 3 Series cars for sale at Motorpoint or, for more information on the 'G20' generation, read our BMW 3 Series review.