3 Series Nearing 40th Birthday, BMW Releases Commemorative Video

It's hard to believe, but BMW's 3 Series is approaching its 40th birthday. To get us in the mood for the big event in 2015, BMW has released a video chronicling the 3's 38 years.

The 3 was born in 1975, replacing BMW's Neue Klasse (New Class) cars that had begun with the 1500 in 1962, and ended in 1976 when the last of the iconic 2002 range rolled off the line.

The first 3 was the E21, intended as a replacement for the slightly larger 2002. It was launched as a two-door coupe, and a cabriolet was built by coachbuilder Baur.

Three models were available - the 316, 318 and 320, the top model having four headlights to distinguish it from the other two.

In 1977, the 320 was replaced with the 320/6, powered by a 2.0 litre six-cylinder and the 323i debuted with 105kW from its 2.3 litre M20. The 323i could be had with an optional close-ratio five-speed manual and limited-slip differential.

After an engine shuffle in 1979, a new 315 was introduced with a 55kW 1.6 litre M10.

The E30 was launched in 1982, this time with four doors. The E30 range would be expanded over its twelve-year lifespan, including a convertible, touring and coupe.

The E30 came with a big price increase, but it also had more power and the curious 325 ETA six-cylinder with 90kW and an impressive 233Nm.

While down on power, the ETA passed strict emissions regulations and had more than enough torque to bowl along at speed.

In 1985, the 325i and 325is were unleashed. The 2.5 litre straight six may have lost out on the ETA's torque figure, but gained 35kW to punch out 125kW.