This year is a big one for the BMW 3 Series – not only does it see the introduction of the facelifted/LCI F30, but it also marks the 40th anniversary of the benchmark compact sports sedan. To mark the occasion, BMW UK has produced a brilliant commercial that sweeps through all six generations in just 60 seconds.
They’re all represented here, and in pristine condition – the original two-door-only E21, the ubiquitous E30, the larger, more refined E36 and E46, the more modern and efficient E90 and today’s F30 in LCI guise. Each car is displayed for a short period of time and disappears, never to be seen again, when the subsequent model swoops in; one can only imagine how difficult this spot must have been to choreograph and shoot.
Unveiled just last week, the LCI F30 gets a suite of minor aesthetic, tech and chassis changes that belie the real change underneath – a whole new range of powertrains, including the 3er‘s first three-cylinder engine in the 318i, a new range-topping 326 hp/450 Nm 340i and a 330e plug-in hybrid coming in 2016.
Us here at paultan.org have passed through our fair share of 3 Series models over the years – Danny Tan has had a 1996 E36 328i Sedan, while Harve Singh once owned a 1983 E30 320i Coupe as well as a 2012 F30 320d Sedan. So, from fans, ex-owners and the rest of us here, happy 40th birthday, BMW 3 Series.
1975 E21 BMW 3 Series
1982 E30 BMW 3 Series
1990 E36 BMW 3 Series
1998 E46 BMW 3 Series
2005 E90 BMW 3 Series
2012 F30 BMW 3 Series
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Rich people of course enjoy the transformation of these 6 generations of 3 series.
For ordinary people like you and me, not bad also with the generations of Corolla Altis.
Corolla … Generations of “pasar malam” stuffs?
Altis? I thought you collects Milo tins from P1 P2.
BMW is ugly
What? Again?
E36!!!
Trust the Brits to come out with the best ads.
Bust seriously, good one indeed. Amazing how the E46, E90 look pretty modern even today.
E46!
i think E46 is the most successful and the most well known among the 6 diff generations.
E46 is a legend.
ya i think in terms of looks, E46 definitely is one of my all-time favorites. that look is simply unmistakable and timeless.
I grew up with a E21 320 in the family..
And my family was never well off in the first place..
Dad bought it second hand..
Dad would always use the 320 for road trips and me and brothers would sleep on the foot well at the back..
Ah good times..
That was how I learned to love the boys from Munich..
Aaaa….brigs back memories. The E30 is the all time classic for me. BTW, the E30 M3 is still truly iconic and can fetch more than a new F30 in EU and the US.