The first BMW 3 Series was a two-door sedan (Photo)
When did the BMW 3 Series first appear?
a. 1975
b. 1982
c. 1990
#INFOTAINMENT
The BMW 3 Series History Quiz
(Updated 26 April 2023 to include the newly launched BMW 3 Series Touring)
Good things come in 3.
With its elegantly sporty design and agile handling, the BMW 3 Series has provided a reference point for driving pleasure in the premium mid-size segment. This has been the case since the first model appeared over 40 years ago. Seen as the very core of the BMW brand, it continues to win more fans with the latest generation launched in the second half of this year.
The new BMW 3 Series, which hit our shores early this year, comes with a design refresh that promises a more powerful look, a widescreen BMW Curved Display in the interior, the latest range of smart connected services and a more extensive suite of driver assistance systems.
Also recently unveiled is a new body variant, the BMW 3 Series Touring. It blends versatility with innovative technologies and impressive driving dynamics – packaged in a sporty and confident look, that will appeal to driving aficionados.
If you are a fan of the BMW 3 Series, pop down to the Performance Motors showroom to check it out or book a test drive. In the meantime, try our history quiz to see how much you know of this iconic driver’s car. Answers can be found at the end of the quiz.
An early BMW Touring variant in the 3 Series (photo)
When was the first Touring variant added to the BMW 3 Series?
a. 1977
b. 1987
c. 1997
The second generation had seven variants including the BMW M3 Convertible (Photo)
How many of the second generation BMW M3 Convertible were produced?
a. 263
b. 736
c. 1,067
A BMW 3 Series compact hatchback (Photo)
In which year did the first BMW 3 Series compact hatchback first appear?
a. 1984
b. 1994
c. 2004
An early BMW 3 Series convertible (Photo)
Which company produced the early BMW 3 Series convertibles?
a. AC Schnitzer
b. Baur
c. Harman Kardon
3,266,885 units of this BMW 3 series sold! (Photo)
Which is the all-time best-selling BMW 3 Series?
a. E46
b. F30
c. G20
BMW’s fifth generation of the 3 Series won “World Car of the Year” in 2006 (Photo)
Which designer contributed to the exterior styling of the award-winning E90?
a. Christopher Bangle
b. Richard Kim
c. Joji Nagashima
Olympic Champion Usain Bolt is a big fan of the 2008 BMW M3 (Photo)
The 2008 BMW M3 coupe can go from 0-100km/h in …
a. 4.6 seconds
b. 5.6 seconds
c. 6.6 seconds
The BMW 3 Series went electric with its sixth generation (Photo)
Which BMW 3 Series plug-in hybrid electric vehicle appeared in 2015?
a. ActiveHybrid 3
b. 318i
c. 330e
Scroll for answers below …
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Answers:
1. When did the BMW 3 Series first appear?
The BMW 3 Series made its debut in 1975 as a two-door coupe. Its powerful engines, flawless handling and far-reaching safety features set a new benchmark for cars. It was the first BMW to sell over one million worldwide.
2. When was the first Touring variant added?
The first Touring was added to the BMW 3 series in 1987. A BMW employee Max Reisböck had found that the trunk of the 3 Series sedan lacked the space needed for his family vacation. The trained bodywork engineer then moved the C-column to the rear, and created BMW’s first station wagon.
3. How many of the second generation BMW M3 Convertible were produced?
In 1985, the BMW M3 sports sedan was introduced. After becoming the most successful car in the history of touring car racing, a special variant, the M3 Convertible. was produced. Only 736 of this BMW M’s first open-top car were made, and it is now a rare collectible piece.
4. In which year did the first BMW 3 Series compact hatchback appear?
The third-generation or E36 was the first BMW 3 Series to be offered in a compact hatchback body style from 1994.
5. Which company produced the early BMW 3 convertibles?
Baur has been making convertibles for luxury car makers since the 1930s. AC Schnitzer is a tuning company that specialises in BMW. Harman Kardon is an audio supplier for BMW.
6. Which is the all-time best-selling BMW 3 Series?
More than 3.26 million of the E46 (built between 1997 and 2006) have been sold, an all-time high for the BMW 3 Series and a feat in the luxury car market. The E46 introduced various electronic features to the 3 Series, including satellite navigation, rain-sensing wipers and LED tail-lights. But it is the driver experience that really contributed to its popularity.
7. Which designer contributed to the exterior styling of the award-winning E90?
Joji Nagashima is an automobile designer for BMW who is best known for the understated styling of the E90, which won the 2006 World Car of The Year at the New York International Auto Show. He is also behind the external design for the E39 (BMW 5 Series) and the Z3 Roadster. Chris Bangle was the chief of design of BMW from 1999-2009. Richard Kim is known for his work on the BMW i3 and i8 electric vehicles.
8. The 2008 BMW M3 goes from 0-100km/h in …
4.6 seconds. The fifth generation BMW M3 debuted with a newly developed V8 engine that produced a scintillating output of 420 horsepower, 400Nm of torque, and a limited top speed of 250km/h. The new V8 would be the only one ever used in a BMW 3 Series, giving this generation of M3 a measure of true exclusivity.
9. Which BMW 3 Series plug-in hybrid electric vehicle appeared in 2015?
The BMW 330e offered a best-of-both-worlds approach to sustainable mobility. This PHEV offered a pure-electric drive for daily use in an urban setting, which can be combined with a petrol engine for longer trips.
How well did you do?
Are you a true BMW 3 Series fan? Or is its history not your forte? Either way, it looks like you are interested in the BMW 3 Series, so why not book a test drive of the latest generation of this iconic car. While you are at it, have a chat with our BMW experts to learn even more!
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