BMW 3-Series Sales Figures

BMW 3-Series

Here you will find monthly and yearly United States and Canadian sales figures for the BMW 3-Series. In production since 1975, the 3-Series is the car that defined the compact sports sedan and it remains the highest-volume nameplate in the BMW range. One important note for reading the charts below: BMW USA reported 4-Series sales inside the 3-Series total from September 2013 through May 2015, and June 2015 was the first month the two were broken out separately. BMW Canada began reporting 4-Series sales separately in October 2013.

BMW 3-Series Sales in the United States

American demand for the 3-Series peaked at 142,488 units in 2007 and stayed enormous through the middle of the following decade, with 141,632 in 2014 and 140,609 in 2015. The apparent collapse to 72,290 in 2016 is largely an accounting change rather than a demand change, because BMW USA stopped folding 4-Series volume into the 3-Series total partway through 2015. Even allowing for that, the sedan did shrink as buyers moved to the X3 and X5, bottoming at 30,400 in 2022. Since then it has been remarkably steady, at 33,816 in 2023, 31,329 in 2024 and 32,782 in 2025, with the three strongest months of 2025 all falling in the October to December quarter. The nameplate is growing again in 2026: 18,731 units through June, up sharply from the 14,156 delivered over the same six months of 2025.

BMW 3-Series Sales in Canada

Canadian volume peaked at 14,009 units in 2010 and then declined steadily for more than a decade, passing below 10,000 in 2015 and reaching a low of 2,046 in 2024. The trend turned in 2025, when deliveries rose to 2,545, and the first half of 2026 has extended that recovery with 1,446 units against 967 over the same period a year earlier.

BMW 3-Series Generations

First Generation (E21, 1975-1983)

The BMW 3 Series was introduced in 1975 as the E21 generation. It was available as a two-door sedan and set the foundation for the 3 Series’ success with its sporty handling and driving dynamics. The E21 was BMW’s response to the success of the 2002 model and carried on the tradition of compact luxury cars with a focus on performance.

Second Generation (E30, 1982-1994)

The second-generation BMW 3 Series, known as the E30, debuted in 1982. It offered various body styles, including two-door sedan, four-door sedan, convertible, and estate (wagon). The E30 was praised for its balanced driving characteristics and became a popular choice among enthusiasts. This generation also saw the introduction of the iconic BMW M3, which became a benchmark for high-performance sports sedans.

Third Generation (E36, 1990-2000)

The E36 generation, introduced in 1990, continued to build on the success of its predecessors. It featured a more refined design and improved aerodynamics. The E36 offered a broader range of engine options and introduced more advanced technology, making it more comfortable and practical for daily use.

Fourth Generation (E46, 1997-2006)

The E46 generation, introduced in 1997, further evolved the 3 Series with modern design cues and advanced technology. It was praised for its exceptional handling and driving dynamics, solidifying the 3 Series’ reputation as the benchmark for compact luxury sport sedans.

Fifth Generation (E90/E91/E92/E93, 2005-2013)

The E90 generation, introduced in 2005, marked a significant shift in design and engineering for the 3 Series. It offered a more modern and luxurious interior, along with advanced safety features. The E90 included various body styles, including a four-door sedan (E90), a wagon (E91), a coupe (E92), and a convertible (E93).

Sixth Generation (F30/F31/F34/F80, 2011-2019)

The F30 generation, introduced in 2011, brought further advancements in technology and fuel efficiency. The F30 offered a range of engine options, including turbocharged four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines. It also marked the debut of the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo (F34), a hatchback-style variant with increased interior space.

Seventh Generation (G20/G21/G28/G80, 2019-present)

The G20 generation, introduced in 2019, is the latest iteration of the BMW 3 Series. It continues to build on the legacy of its predecessors, offering modern design, advanced technology, and a wide range of engine options. The G20 also brought a switch from rear-wheel drive to a front-wheel-drive-based platform for some models to improve interior space and practicality.

From September 2013 forward through May 2015, BMW USA displayed 4-Series sales in the 3-Series’ total. BMW Canada began reporting 4-Series sales in October 2013. June 2015 marked the first month that BMW USA broke down 3-Series and 4-Series sales.