It’s safe to say that BMW’s compact executive car has achieved a cult classic status, and this particular video illustrates all the model’s forms, from 1975 to 2016.
In its 40-year long history, the 3-Series has grown up, but one glance at the current-gen M3 and you’ll notice it has matured and evolved rather than aged.
Whether we’re talking about the coupe, sedan or touring, the model remains the same rear-wheel-drive brat ready to cause a racket and some shenanigans – and that’s because of BMW’s motorsport heritage.
Ever since its humble beginnings, the 3-Series was fitted with a Formula Two engine tuned to 306 PS and then pitted in Group 5’s Special Touring Car category where its shape earned it the “flying brick” nickname.
The following generation, known internally as the E30, further emphasized the car maker’s interest in racing. So much in fact that BMW released a production variant of the racing car in order to homologate it for Group A Touring Car racing, and the rest is history.
But don’t think the M3 is what defined the 3-Series as a sporty automobile, because the model came with these speedy credential in lower trim as well, staying true to Munich’s joy.