BMW
3 Series
BMW 3 Series: official NHTSA recalls, fault code help and maintenance guides.
Licensed photo · Photo creditMakeBMW
ClassCompact car
Model years (US)2000–2026
New registrations (EU)2000–2026
Recall dataNHTSA (United States)
Generations and technical specifications
BMW 3 Series (G50)2027–2028
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model code | G50 |
| Production | 2027 (to commence) |
| Model years | 2028 |
| Body styles | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive Front-engine, four-wheel-drive (xDrive) |
| Platform | BMW CLAR platform |
| Engines | Petrol 2.0 L B48 turbo I4 3.0 L B58 turbo I6 |
| Transmissions | 8-Speed ZF 8HP Automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2,860 mm |
| Length | 4,765 mm |
| Width | 1,850 mm |
| Height | 1,455 mm |
| Kerb weight | 1,935 kg |
| Class | Compact executive car (D) |
| Assembly | Germany: Dingolfing (Dingolfing Plant) |
| Designer | Anders Thøgersen under Adrian van Hooydonk |
BMW 3 Series (G20)2018–2026
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model code | G20 (sedan) / G21 (wagon) / G28 (long-wheelbase sedan) / G28 BEV (i3) |
| Production | October 2018 – 2026 |
| Model years | 2019–2026 |
| Body styles | 4-door sedan (G20/G28) 5-door wagon (G21) |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive Front-engine, four-wheel-drive (xDrive) |
| Platform | BMW CLAR platform |
| Engines | Petrol 1.6 L B48 turbo I4 2.0 L B48 turbo I4 3.0 L B58 turbo I6 3.0 L S58 turbo I6 Petrol plug-in hybrid 2.0 L B48 turbo I4 Diesel 2.0 L B47 turbo I4 3.0 L B57 turbo I6 |
| Electric motor | 50 kW Synchronous electric motor (PHEV, 2018–2019), 80 kW Synchronous electric motor (PHEV, 2020–present) |
| Transmissions | 6-speed manual (till 2022) 8-speed ZF 8HP automatic |
| Drivetrain | Mild hybrid Plug-in hybrid |
| Battery | 12 kWh Lithium ion (PHEV) |
| Wheelbase | 2,851 mm 2,961 mm (LWB) |
| Length | 4,709 mm 4,829 mm (LWB) |
| Width | 1,827 mm |
| Height | 1,442 mm |
| Kerb weight | 1,450–1,965 kg |
| Class | Compact executive car (D) |
| Assembly | Germany: Munich (BMW Group Plant Munich) China: Tiexi, Shenyang (BBA) Mexico: San Luis Potosí India: Chennai (BMW India) Thailand: Rayong (BMW Thailand) Indonesia: Jakarta (Gaya Motor) Malaysia: Kulim, Kedah (Inokom) Brazil: Araquari Vietnam: Chu Lai (THACO Truong Hai) |
| Designer | Alexey Kezha Marc Michael Markefka |
BMW 3 Series (F30)2011–2018
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model code | F30 (sedan) / F31 (touring) / F34 (Gran Turismo) / F35 (long-wheelbase sedan) |
| Production | October 2011 – October 2018 |
| Model years | 2012–2018 |
| Body styles | 4-door sedan (F30/F35) 5-door wagon (F31) 5-door fastback (F34) |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive Front-engine, all-wheel-drive (xDrive) |
| Platform | BMW L7 |
| Engines | Petrol 1.5 L B38 I3 turbo 1.6 L N13 I4 turbo 2.0 L N20 I4 turbo 2.0 L B48 I4 turbo 3.0 L N55 I6 turbo 3.0 L S55 I6 turbo 3.0 L B58 I6 turbo Diesel 2.0 L N47 I4 turbo 2.0 L B47 I4 turbo 3.0 L N57 I6 turbo |
| Transmissions | 6-speed manual 8-speed ZF 8HP automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2,810 mm (F30/31) 2,920 mm (F34/35) |
| Length | 4,624–4,643 mm (F30/31) 4,734 mm (F35) 4,824 mm (F34) |
| Width | 1,811 mm 1,828 mm (F34) |
| Height | 1,429–1,434 mm (F30/31) 1,455 mm (F35) 1,508 mm (F34) |
| Kerb weight | 1,385–1,769 kg (F30, including hybrid models) 1,465–1,767 kg (F31) 1,540–1,650 kg (F35) 1,540–1,780 kg (F34) |
| Class | Compact executive car (D) |
| Assembly | Germany: Regensburg; Dingolfing South Africa: Rosslyn (BMW SA) China: Tiexi, Shenyang (BBA) India: Chennai (BMW India) Brazil: Araquari (BMW Group Brazil) Russia: Kaliningrad (Avtotor) Thailand: Rayong (BMW Thailand) Indonesia: Jakarta (Gaya Motor) Malaysia: Kulim, Kedah (Inokom) Egypt: 6th of October City (BAG) |
| Designer | Christopher Weil (2009) Michael de Bono (F31, 2009) Page Beermann (F34, 2009) |
BMW 3 Series (E90)2004–2013
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model code | E90 (saloon) / E91 (estate) / E92 (coupé) / E93 (convertible) |
| Production | December 2004 – October 2013 |
| Model years | 2006–2012 (North America) |
| Body styles | 4-door sedan/saloon (E90) 5-door wagon/estate (E91) 2-door coupé (E92) 2-door convertible (E93) |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive Front-engine, all-wheel-drive (xDrive) |
| Platform | BMW L2 |
| Engines | Petrol 1.6–2.0 L N43/N45/N46 I4 2.5–3.0 L N52/N53 I6 3.0 L N54/N55 I6 turbo 4.0–4.4 L S65 V8 (M3) Diesel 2.0 L M47/N47 I4 3.0 L M57/N57 I6 |
| Transmissions | 5-speed manual (320si WTCC only) 6-speed manual 6-speed ZF 6HP automatic 6-speed GM 6L45 automatic 7-speed dual-clutch (M3 model) |
| Wheelbase | 2,760 mm |
| Length | 4,520–4,610 mm |
| Width | 1,780–1,820 mm |
| Height | 1,380–1,420 mm |
| Kerb weight | 1,425–1,825 kg |
| Class | Compact executive car (D) |
| Assembly | Germany: Leipzig; Munich; Regensburg South Africa: Rosslyn (BMW SA) China: Shenyang (BBA) Mexico: Toluca (BMW Mexico) Egypt: 6th of October City (BAG) India: Chennai (BMW India) Thailand: Rayong (BMW Thailand) Indonesia: Jakarta (Gaya Motor) Malaysia: Kulim, Kedah (Inokom); Shah Alam (Associated Motor Industries Malaysia) Russia: Kaliningrad (Avtotor) |
| Designer | Joji Nagashima (saloon and estate) Marc Michael Markefka (coupé and convertible) |
BMW 3 Series (E46)1997–2006
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model code | E46 |
| Production | December 1997 – November 2006 |
| Model years | 1998–2006 |
| Body styles | 2-door coupé 2-door convertible 3-door hatchback 4-door sedan 5-door wagon |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive Front-engine, all-wheel-drive ("xi/xd" sedan/wagon models only) |
| Engines | Petrol 1.6–2.0 L M43/N42/N46 I4 2.0–3.2 L M52TÜ/M54/M56/S54 I6 Diesel 2.0 L M47 I4 2.9–3.0 L M57 I6 |
| Transmissions | 5-speed manual 6-speed manual 4-speed automatic 5-speed automatic 6 speed SMG-II |
| Wheelbase | 2,725 mm |
| Length | 4,470 mm (sedan) 4,480 mm (wagon) 4,490 mm (coupe/convertible) |
| Width | 1,740 mm (sedan/wagon) |
| Height | 1,410–1,430 mm (sedan/wagon) |
| Kerb weight | 1,285–1,655 kg (sedan) 1,365–1,785 kg (wagon) 1,285–1,555 kg (coupe) 1,465–1,635 kg (convertible) |
| Class | Compact executive car (D) |
| Assembly | Germany: Leipzig; Munich; Regensburg South Africa: Rosslyn (BMW SA) China: Shenyang (BBA) Mexico: Toluca (BMW Mexico) Russia: Kaliningrad (Avtotor) Indonesia: Jakarta (Gaya Motor) Malaysia: Shah Alam (Associated Motor Industries Malaysia) Egypt: 6th of October City (BAG) |
| Designer | Chris Bangle, Wolfgang Reitzle (sedan) Erik Goplen (coupe, convertible, station wagon) |
BMW 3 Series (E36)1990–2000
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model code | E36 |
| Production | 1990–2000 |
| Body styles | 2-door coupé 2-door convertible 3-door hatchback 4-door saloon 5-door wagon |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
| Engines | Petrol 1.6–1.9 L M40/M42/M43/M44 I4 2.0–3.2 L M50/M52/S50/S52 I6 Diesel 1.7 L M41 I4 2.5 L M51 I6 |
| Transmissions | 5-speed manual 6-speed manual 4-speed 4L30-E automatic 5-speed ZF 5HP automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2,700 mm |
| Length | 4,433 mm |
| Width | 1,710 mm |
| Height | 1,366–1,390 mm |
| Kerb weight | 1,175–1,635 kg |
| Class | Compact executive car (D) |
| Assembly | Germany: Munich; Regensburg South Africa: Rosslyn (BMW SA) United States: Greer, South Carolina (Plant Spartanburg) Mexico: Toluca (BMW Mexico) Indonesia: Jakarta (Gaya Motor) Egypt: 6th of October City (BAG) Philippines: Santa Rosa (Asian Carmakers Corporation) |
| Designer | Claus Luthe, Pinky Lai, Boyke Boyer |
Engines and transmissions
| Model years | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025–2026 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl mild hybrid | 8-speed automatic | All-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2025–2026 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl mild hybrid | 8-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2021–2024, 2026 | 3.0 L, 6 cyl mild hybrid | 8-speed automatic | All-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2021–2024, 2026 | 3.0 L, 6 cyl mild hybrid | 8-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2025 | 3.0 L, 4 cyl mild hybrid | 8-speed automatic | All-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2025 | 3.0 L, 4 cyl mild hybrid | 8-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2013–2024 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl | 8-speed automatic | All-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2012–2024 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl | 8-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2021–2024 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl plug-in hybrid | 8-speed automatic | All-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) and electricity |
| 2016–2018, 2021–2024 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl plug-in hybrid | 8-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) and electricity |
| 2013–2020 | 3.0 L, 6 cyl | 8-speed automatic | All-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2012–2018, 2020 | 3.0 L, 6 cyl | 8-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| +24 more configurations |
Fuel economy (EPA)
| Model years | Configuration | Combined | City | Highway | Electric range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025–2026 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl mild hybrid · 8-speed automatic · All-wheel drive | 8.1 L/100 km | 9.0 L/100 km | 6.9 L/100 km | – |
| 2025–2026 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl mild hybrid · 8-speed automatic · Rear-wheel drive | 7.6 L/100 km | 8.4 L/100 km | 6.7 L/100 km | – |
| 2021–2024, 2026 | 3.0 L, 6 cyl mild hybrid · 8-speed automatic · All-wheel drive | 8.1–9.4 L/100 km | 9.0–10.7 L/100 km | 7.1–7.6 L/100 km | – |
| 2021–2024, 2026 | 3.0 L, 6 cyl mild hybrid · 8-speed automatic · Rear-wheel drive | 8.1–9.0 L/100 km | 8.7–10.2 L/100 km | 7.1–7.6 L/100 km | – |
| 2025 | 3.0 L, 4 cyl mild hybrid · 8-speed automatic · All-wheel drive | 8.1 L/100 km | 9.0 L/100 km | 7.1 L/100 km | – |
| 2025 | 3.0 L, 4 cyl mild hybrid · 8-speed automatic · Rear-wheel drive | 8.1 L/100 km | 8.7 L/100 km | 7.1 L/100 km | – |
| 2013–2024 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl · 8-speed automatic · All-wheel drive | 6.9–9.0 L/100 km | 7.6–10.7 L/100 km | 5.7–7.4 L/100 km | – |
| 2012–2024 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl · 8-speed automatic · Rear-wheel drive | 6.5–9.0 L/100 km | 7.6–10.2 L/100 km | 5.5–7.1 L/100 km | – |
| 2021–2024 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl plug-in hybrid · 8-speed automatic · All-wheel drive | 9.0–9.4 L/100 km | 10.7 L/100 km | 7.4–7.8 L/100 km | 32 km |
| 2016–2018, 2021–2024 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl plug-in hybrid · 8-speed automatic · Rear-wheel drive | 7.6–8.7 L/100 km | 8.4–9.8 L/100 km | 6.5–7.4 L/100 km | 23–37 km |
| 2013–2020 | 3.0 L, 6 cyl · 8-speed automatic · All-wheel drive | 9.4–10.2 L/100 km | 10.7–11.8 L/100 km | 7.4–8.1 L/100 km | – |
| 2012–2018, 2020 | 3.0 L, 6 cyl · 8-speed automatic · Rear-wheel drive | 9.0–9.4 L/100 km | 10.2–11.2 L/100 km | 7.4–7.8 L/100 km | – |
| +21 more configurations |
Values are the official EPA label figures for each model year, shown as the lowest and highest value for the configuration. Electric models show energy use per 100 km. Real-world consumption depends on driving style, weather and load. Luggage and passenger volumes follow the EPA measuring method and can differ from the VDA figures used in Europe.
EU type-approval data
| Years | Powertrain | Engine | Power | Mass | CO₂ | Electric range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020–2025 | Petrol | 1998 cm³ | 115 kW (156 PS) | 1565–1650 kg | 143–156 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2015–2025 | Petrol | 1998 cm³ | 135 kW (184 PS) | 1525–1675 kg | 147–184 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2019–2025 | Petrol plug-in hybrid | 1998 cm³ | 135 kW (184 PS) | 1815–1965 kg | 24–40 g/km (WLTP) | 53–94 km · 159–217 Wh/km |
| 2020–2025 | Diesel hybrid | 1995 cm³ | 110 kW (150 PS) | 1615–1735 kg | 121–136 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2020–2025 | Diesel hybrid | 1995 cm³ | 140 kW (190 PS) | 1670–1800 kg | 128–144 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2020–2025 | Diesel hybrid | 2993 cm³ | 210 kW (286 PS) | 1835–1905 kg | 138–157 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2021–2024 | Petrol plug-in hybrid | 1998 cm³ | 120 kW (163 PS) | 1840–1955 kg | 30–37 g/km (WLTP) | 55–61 km · 160–182 Wh/km |
| 2019–2022 | Petrol | 1998 cm³ | 190 kW (258 PS) | 1545–1730 kg | 152–169 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2015–2021 | Diesel | 1995 cm³ | 110 kW (150 PS) | 1525–1660 kg | 129–160 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2015–2020 | Petrol | 1998 cm³ | 185 kW (252 PS) | 1570–1760 kg | 181–197 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2011–2020 | Diesel | 1995 cm³ | 100 kW (136 PS) | 1485–1660 kg | 126–155 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2015–2020 | Diesel | 1995 cm³ | 140 kW (190 PS) | 1530–1735 kg | 136–171 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2015–2019 | Petrol | 1499 cm³ | 100 kW (136 PS) | 1475–1565 kg | 162–186 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2011–2019 | Diesel | 1995 cm³ | 85 kW (116 PS) | 1485–1585 kg | 147–161 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2011–2019 | Diesel | 1995 cm³ | 120 kW (163 PS) | 1495–1595 kg | 135–162 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2012–2019 | Diesel | 2993 cm³ | 190 kW (258 PS) | 1615–1795 kg | 179–196 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2013–2019 | Diesel | 2993 cm³ | 230 kW (313 PS) | 1705–1820 kg | 185–193 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2016–2018 | Petrol-electric | 1998 cm³ | 135 kW (184 PS) | 1735 kg | 32–37 g/km (WLTP) | 113–119 Wh/km |
| 2012–2016 | Petrol | 1997 cm³ | 135 kW (184 PS) | 1475–1650 kg | 138–154 g/km (NEDC) | – |
| 2012–2016 | Petrol | 1997 cm³ | 180 kW (245 PS) | 1505–1685 kg | 147–161 g/km (NEDC) | – |
| 2012–2015 | Petrol | 1598 cm³ | 100 kW (136 PS) | 1460–1545 kg | 134–143 g/km (NEDC) | – |
| 2011–2015 | Diesel | 1995 cm³ | 105 kW (143 PS) | 1485–1615 kg | 112–123 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2011–2015 | Diesel | 1995 cm³ | 135 kW (184 PS) | 1505–1665 kg | 118–134 g/km (NEDC) | – |
| 2010–2012 | Petrol | 1995 cm³ | – | 1435–1670 kg | 146–159 g/km (NEDC) | – |
| 2010–2012 | Petrol | 2996 cm³ | – | 1505–1760 kg | 168–190 g/km (NEDC) | – |
| + 1 more configurations |
Years are registration years. Each range runs from the 10th to the 90th percentile of the values reported for new registrations; it is not an average. Mass is the mass in running order. For electric cars the power is the type-approval net power, which can be lower than the peak power in brochures.
Key specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| EPA size class | Compact car, Large car, Small estate, Subcompact car, Minicompact car |
| Model years in EPA data | 2000–2026 |
| Powertrains | Mild hybrid, Petrol, Plug-in hybrid, Diesel |
| Engine displacement | 2.0–3.0 L |
| Cylinders | 4, 6 |
| Transmission types | Automatic, Manual, Automated manual |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive, All-wheel drive, Four-wheel or all-wheel drive |
| Fuel | Petrol (premium), Petrol (premium) and electricity, Diesel |
| Configurations listed | 446 |
| Forced induction | Turbocharged (on some versions) |
| Start-stop system | On some versions |
| Electric motor (EPA) | 80 kW PMSM; 80 kW DCPM; 83kW DCPM; 65kW |
| Luggage volume (EPA) | 255–793 L |
| Passenger volume (EPA) | 2,095–2,888 L |
| Powertrains (EU) | Petrol, Petrol plug-in hybrid, Diesel, Diesel hybrid |
| Engine displacement (EU) | 1,995–2,993 cm³ |
| Power (EU) | 85–190 kW (116–258 PS) |
| Mass in running order (EU) | 1,435–1,965 kg |
| Wheelbase (EU) | 2,760–2,920 mm |
Years and markets
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model years (US) | 2000–2026 |
| New registrations (EU) | 2000–2026 |