What are the generation codes for each BMW 3 Series?
2 Answers
BMW 3 Series generation codes: The first generation is E21, the second generation is E30, the third generation is E36, the fourth generation is E46, the fifth generation is E90/E91/E92/E93, the sixth generation is F30 (short wheelbase) and F35 (long wheelbase), the seventh generation is G20 (standard wheelbase) and G28 (long wheelbase). Here is some information about the BMW brand: BMW was founded in 1916 by Gustav Otto and is headquartered in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. Originally an aircraft manufacturer named BFW, the company was restructured in 1917 and officially renamed BMW, which stands for Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (Bavarian Motor Works).
The chassis codes of the BMW 3 Series might sound technical, but simply put, each generation has a unique internal designation to help identify model years and variants. The first generation was the E21, launched in 1975 with clean styling and solid performance. The second-gen E30 debuted in 1982 – its iconic design still evokes nostalgia. The 1990 E36 (third gen) brought major interior and handling upgrades. The 1998 E46 (fourth gen) saw significant electronic advancements. The fifth-gen E90 series (including E92 derivatives) dominated from 2005 to 2013. The 2011 F30 (sixth gen) prioritized balanced comfort. The current seventh-gen G20 (2019-present) packs cutting-edge tech like driver assistance systems. Memorizing these codes makes it easier to discuss historical evolutions or shop for used models, as each generation's subtle updates impact driving dynamics.
