First unveiled at the 1975 International Motor Show in Frankfurt, the history of the 3 Series is a testament to the advances achieved by the German carmaker in the areas of sporting ability, efficiency, safety, comfort and connectivity, as well as to the development of BMW design. Moreover, for five decades now, it has led the way with new vehicle concepts that have expanded the brand’s model line-up and injected fresh ideas into the segment as a whole. The underlying character of the BMW 3 Series endures from generation to generation, complemented by the addition of new technological advances.
The BMW 3 Series can look back on an extraordinary career path. Among the key milestones along the way have been its success in pioneering a new category of vehicle, establishing itself as the embodiment of driving pleasure in its segment, and becoming the world’s top-selling premium car. The 3 Series’ exceptional run of victories in racing has also contributed to the car’s status as a byword for sports performance. From the first successes notched up by the BMW 320 to the innumerable triumphs of the first BMW M3, this enviable record continued with multiple victories in the German Touring Car Masters race series.
In 1977, two years after the launch of the new model range, the BMW 3 Series became the first car in its class to be available with six-cylinder engines. Further innovations were to follow, including revolutionary injection and engine management systems, ultra-sporty diesel engines, and weight minimisation through the use of aluminium and magnesium.
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the BMW 3 Series, BMW India launched the ‘50 Jahre’ Edition of the BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase and the BMW M340i. Locally produced at its Chennai plant, only 50 units each of the ‘50 Jahre’ Edition of the 330Li and M340i will be available exclusively through the BMW Online Shop.
“For five decades and across seven generations, the BMW 3 Series has stood as the undisputed benchmark for driving pleasure, a true pioneer that created a new vehicle category and continues to be the best-selling premium automobile worldwide,” said Vikram Pawah, President and CEO, BMW Group India. “The ‘50 Jahre’ Limited Editions of the BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase and BMW M340i are our tribute to this heritage. They are an ode to the unmistakable design, dynamic performance, and perfect balance of everyday practicality with cutting-edge technology that have made the 3 an icon for driving enthusiasts. It’s a celebration of the journey so far and a promise of many more thrilling chapters to come,” added Pawah.
Expression of joy
The BMW 330Li M Sport ‘50 Jahre’ Edition is available at an ex-showroom price of R64,00,000, and the BMW M340i ‘50 Jahre’ Edition for R76,90,000. The BMW 330Li M Sport ‘50 Jahre’ Edition is available in three metallic paintworks – Mineral White, Skyscraper Grey and M Carbon Black. As a special gesture to mark the 50th anniversary of the BMW 3 Series brand, customers of the BMW M340i ‘50 Jahre’ Edition will also be presented with a 1:18 scale model of the BMW 3.0 CSL.
The model range was launched 50 years ago to replace the already legendary BMW 02. The first BMW 3 Series soon became BMW’s most successful model and an international bestseller. Today, just as in 1975, purchasing a BMW 3 Series represents an expression of joy in sporty, agile handling, enthusiasm for innovative technology and appreciation of premium quality. Looking back, the 3 Series, since the first generation, has gone through several upgrades and technological changes in line with customers’ preferences and tastes. Each new model has come with its own success story.
The BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase was first launched in 2021. Now, with the ‘50 Jahre’ Edition, the 330Li M Sport receives an array of aesthetic and functional enhancements. Its dimensions – Length: 4,819 mm and Wheelbase: 2,961 mm – make it the longest car in the segment, with the most spacious rear seat. The driver and front passenger settle into electrically adjustable comfort seats with extendable thigh support. The BMW M340i is also the highest-selling performance car ever in India, with over 1,000 units sold to date.
According to the BMW Group, the 3 Series has sold over 20 million units worldwide since its launch in 1975. This makes it a global success story for the German carmaker and a segment leader for the brand.