After 40 years, BMW's 3 series rules a tougher league

BMW's 3 series was "the first modern sports sedan," according to Florian Moser, head of BMW Group Classic. A history of the 3 series: GEN 1 • Global sales: 1,364,039 • Production: 1975-82 • 3-series 2-door sedan debuts with 4-cylinder inline engine; adds 6-cylinder engine in 1977 GEN 2 • Global sales: 2,339,251 • Production: 1982-94 • 4-door sedan, awd 325ix and station wagon added; M3 high-performance model debuts in 1986 GEN 3 • Global sales: 2,745,780 • Production: 1990-2000 • True coupe added; becomes basis for first BMW-produced convertible* • Shortened 3-series 3-door launched in the U.S. in 1995 as 318ti; discontinued in 2000 GEN 4 • Global sales: 3,266,885 • Production: 1998-2007 • 3 series gains features from the 7 series: instrument panel, side airbags in rear, navigation. Extensive use of aluminum and high-strength steel. GEN 5 • Global sales: 3,102,345 • Production: 2005-13 • Upgrade in engine technology with a 3.0-liter, inline 6-cylinder engine with TwinPower turbo. 4-cylinder models feature brake energy generation and stop-start. GEN 6 • Global sales: 1,756,000** • Production: 2012-present • BMW splits nomenclature: 4-door remains 3 series; 5-door is GT; 2-door convertible and coupe are 4 series; 4-door with coupelike styling is Gran Turismo. Source: BMW *Factory-authorized convertibles by Baur, a German coachbuilder, were offered earlier **Through September 2015; includes 4 series