The BMW 3 Series sold more than 6,000 units last year, ranking third within BMW Korea. Narrowed to sedans, it placed second after the 5 Series, which is BMW's best-selling model every year. The 3 Series is seen as winning over consumers on the strength of its driving performance and diverse lineup.
According to the Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association (KAIDA) on the 19th, the BMW 3 Series recorded 6,464 new registrations last year. That was up 22.1% from the 5,293 registrations in the previous year (2024). Within the BMW brand, the 5 Series ranked first with 23,876, and the X3, a compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) officially launched at the end of Nov. 2024, ranked second with 6,746. The 3 Series came in third after those two models.
The BMW 3 Series is popular worldwide as well. Since the first-generation model launched in 1975, more than 20 million units have been sold over about 50 years. The key to the 3 Series' popularity is said to be the core principles maintained for 50 years. From its debut, BMW has never changed the body design concept, front-engine placement, or rear-wheel-drive layout of the 3 Series.
BMW Korea says the brand expanded the lineup and integrated innovative elements with each generation, increasing market share. The first-generation model, launched in 1975, was the first compact sedan to adopt a six-cylinder engine. Starting with the second generation, the brand's first convertible (a vehicle with a retractable roof), an all-wheel-drive model, and a diesel model were added.
Beyond the third generation, which adopted the variable valve timing technology "VANOS," the fourth generation introduced Valvetronic, the brand's first variable valve lift system, along with the BMW xDrive system. The xDrive system variably controls the power delivered to the front and rear axles in sedans and touring models. The fifth and sixth generations added an 8-speed automatic transmission and a hybrid system.
BMW first launched the seventh-generation 3 Series in 2019 and strengthened its appeal through two facelifts. The current seventh generation on sale is the model facelifted in 2024, featuring 18-inch wheels and a design that adds ornamentation to the interior air vents. The gasoline models use a 48V mild hybrid system, and the high-performance variant is powered by a 392-horsepower inline-six engine.
The 3 Series lineup includes the gasoline 320i sedan and touring, the diesel 320d sedan and touring, and the 320d xDrive. For high-performance variants, it is offered in seven configurations including the M340i sedan and M340i xDrive touring.