BMW 3-series: Books - History and Models

You & Your BMW 3-Series (E36 and E46) - Buying, enjoying, maintaining, modifying

When the first BMW 3-series models were launched in 1975, they immediately set the standard by which all other medium-size saloon cars were judged. The later E36 and E46 models, on which this book concentrates, continue the BMW tradition of class-leading refinement, enviable build quality and engineering innovation.

In the 3-series, BMW has produced one of the most versatile vehicle designs of recent years, allowing the same basic platform to be used for cars as diverse as the entry-level Compact, the Touring estate models, coupés, convertibles, and the racing-inspired M3.
This all-colour book will fascinate all 3-series owners and enthusiasts.

BMW 3 Series Enthusiast's Companion

This is the only book you'll ever need about BMW's most popular line. It discusses the roots of the 3'er in the Neu Klasse and 2002, as well as renditions of the series itself, including E21, E30, E36 and the latest E46.
Various body styles and engines are represented, as are the many variations needed for BMW's diverse markets world-wide.

Jeremy Walton takes you from the inspirational 2002 through the early phases of development of the first of the 3 Series. Although he provides in depth coverage of the 320i that came to North America, extensive information is provided about the 316, 320 and 323i which made such an impact in Europe.

This Enthusiast's Companion tells you how to identify the various models and helps you to decide which engines, bodies, models and years are best suited to your needs.
Every page of every chapter of this book is intended to help you to better understand and enhance the enjoyment of your 3 Series BMW.

Features:
- Production history of the 3 Series
- American and European 3 Series race history
- 3 Series specifications
- Sales and production figures
- An easy-to-use Spotter's Guide
- Buyer's tips
- Hundreds of informative photos.

▶  More information on the Bentley Service Manuals

BMW 320, 323, 325 (Series 3: 6 cylinder cars) (1977-1990) - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book about the BMW 320 - 323 - 325 models from the years 1977-1990 (6 cylinders). Describes the BMW 320, 323i, 323i Cabrio, Hardy & Beck 323i, 335i, 320i, 325e, Alpina B6 2.8, .325i Turbo, 333i, 325i, 325es, 320i Cabrio, Alpina C2 2.7, MK Motorsport 2.7, .325i Cabrio, 325ix, 325i Sport, 325is, Hartge H35, Alpina C2 Touring, 325i Touring, Magard 325i, Alpina B6 3.5.

• The 54 articles, taken from contemporary British and American car magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and technology.
• Also driving impressions, tests, comparison tests, technical specifications, etc.

▶  More information on the Brooklands Portfolio books

BMW E30 - The Complete Story

The E30 3 Series was the car that defined BMW more than any other during the 1980s, and it has gone on to become a much-loved modern classic. This book tells the full story of the cars from the time in 1976 when work first began on the successor to the original E21 3 Series.

This book features the story of how and why BMW designed their new compact E30 saloon for the 1980s; the styling, engineering and specification changes introduced over the lifetime of the model. There are full technical specifications, including paint and interior trim choices given along with a chapter on the special US variants.
Details of the M3 and the cars produced by the leading German tuners and finally, there is a chapter on buying and owning a BMW E30.

BMW 3-Series, 1992-1999 (MRP Autoguide)

BMW's 3-Series models came of age during the Nineties, setting new standards of luxury, performance and desirability.
This volume tells their story, offering a concise yet comprehensive reference to their design and development and to the many specification changes which have been applied to their engines, transmission and other mechanical units as well as to the cars' bodywork and interior equipment. Includes production performance figures.

Chapters:
- Third-generation 3-Series
- New technology
- Enter the 3-Series Coupe
- M3 flagship
- Cabriolets and Tourings
- Compact: BMW's first hatchback
- Blood relations: Z3 and 5-Series
- Rebirth in 1998: the E46 saloon
- First E46 variations: Coupe and Touring.
Appendices:
- Model introduction dates
- Technical specifications
- Performance figures.

BMW 3 Series (1991-1997) - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book about the BMW 3 Series models from the years 1991-1997. Describes the BMW 316i, 318i, 320i, 325i, 325iSE, 318is Coupé, 318is, 325is, Alpina B2.5, Alpina B6, M3, 320i Vanos, 325i conv., .316i Compact, 318Ti Compact, 318 tds SE., .328i Touring, M3 Lightweight, 328i, M3 Evo., 318Ti Club Sport, 318 tds, 328i Sport, 323i SE325i Automatic and 325 tds Touring.

• The articles, taken from contemporary British and American car magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and technology.
• Also driving impressions, tests, comparison tests, technical specifications, etc.

▶  More information on the Brooklands Portfolio books

BMW 3er-Reihe: Alle E30-Modelle (1982-1994) - Praxisratgeber Klassikerkauf

Der Ende 1982 auf dem Markt eingeführte BMW E30 glänzte mit einem überzeugenden Konzept, das eine kompakte Karosserie im eleganten Design gepaart mit modernen und leistungsstarken Motoren, klassischem Hinterradantrieb und sportlicher Fahrwerksabstimmung vorsah - Konstruktionsmerkmale, die auch alle nachfolgenden 3er-Generationen prägen sollten.
Zudem bewies der bayrische Premiumhersteller ein Gespür für die individuellen Wünsche potenzieller Käufer: Nach dem Zweitürer wurde ab 1983 auch eine viertürige Variante angeboten; zwei Jahre später folgten das Vollcabrio sowie der legendäre M3, der später der erfolgreichste Tourenwagen der Sportgeschichte werden sollte. Im Jahre 1987 erreichte die Programmvielfalt mit Einführung des Kombimodells Touring ihren Höhepunkt.
Über 2,3 Millionen Käufer entscheiden sich damals für das Erfolgsmodell aus dem Hause BMW. Egal welche Karosserieform, heute genießen alle BMW 3er E30 Kultstatus und erfreuen sich einer treuen Anhängerschaft.

BMW-Spezialist Ralph Hosier hat für den vorliegenden Ratgeber die wichtigsten und hilfreichsten Insiderinformationen für alle 3er-Varianten inklusive M3 zusammengestellt.

Wie gewohnt präsentiert sich dieser Band als kompakter Ratgeber und unverzichtbares Hilfsmittel bei der Beurteilung des Zustandes eines zum Verkauf stehenden Exemplars aus der zweiten 3er-Generation. Hier findet jeder Interessent wichtige Tipps, worauf er beim Kauf achten muss, um nicht später eine böse überraschung zu erleben. Außerdem ergänzt ein ausführlicher Teil mit wichtigen Adressen und Ansprechpartnern diesen wertvollen Begleiter.