‘BMW 3-Series 50 Years’ Is A Love Letter To The Car That Is BMW

“The BMW 3-Series is BMW. No other model defines the brand more completely. Universally recognized and globally admired, the 3-Series has become synonymous with performance, precision, and prestige. When drivers think BMW, they think Three.”

That statement has never felt more accurate than it does today, and BMW 3-Series 50 Years by author and historian Tony Lewin exists to prove exactly why.

For five decades, the iconic BMW 3-Series has been the gold standard for performance sedans and coupes, blending everyday usability with sharp handling, driver-focused engineering, and undeniable prestige. This beautifully produced hardcover celebrates that legacy in full, tracing how the 3-Series became one of the most recognizable and influential cars in automotive history.

BMW 3-Series 50 Years is essential reading for BMW enthusiasts, collectors, and anyone who’s ever dreamed of owning (or driving) the ultimate sport sedan. Naturally, as someone who’s been obsessed with BMWs since the E36 and E46 days, I had to check this one out for myself!

From 316 to G20: The Complete BMW 3-Series History

Author and automotive historian Tony Lewin charts the full BMW 3-Series timeline, beginning with its 1975 debut as the BMW 316 and carrying the story all the way through to today’s technologically advanced G20 generation.

The book doesn’t just jump into the modern era. Lewin smartly sets the stage with BMW’s pre-war roots and influential predecessors like the iconic 1960s BMW 2002, showing how the DNA of the brand evolved into the 3-Series formula we know today.

Each generation of the 3-Series gets its due, from the clean, classic two-box styling of the E21 and E30, to the universally loved E46, and onward to the refined, performance-driven models that define the current lineup.

For readers interested in BMW 3-Series history, this is about as comprehensive as it gets.

Inside Stories, Rare Photography, and Design Deep Dives

One of the biggest strengths of BMW 3-Series 50 Years is how deeply it pulls back the curtain. Lewin supplements the narrative with:

• First-person interviews with BMW designers, engineers, and insiders
• Stunning archival images from BMW’s own collection
• Commissioned contemporary photography that highlights the cars in modern contexts
• Informative sidebars exploring design decisions, related BMW models like the Z cars, and collector-market insights

These elements turn the book into more than a timeline, it becomes an insider’s look at how BMW refined and redefined the sports sedan across generations.

The M3 Legacy: Racing, Performance, and Motorsport DNA

Of course, you can’t talk about the BMW 3-Series without talking about performance, and no model carries more weight than the legendary BMW M3.

The book devotes significant attention to the 3-Series’ motorsport and competition history, with racing programs, M3 development, and prototype stories woven throughout the chapters. From track dominance to club racing culture and long-term collector value, BMW 3-Series 50 Years makes it clear why the M3 remains one of the most important performance cars BMW has ever built.

Whether daily driven, tracked, or raced, the BMW 3-Series has always delivered, and Lewin captures that spirit with authority and enthusiasm.

A Must-Have BMW Book for Enthusiasts and Collectors

With 224 pages, a premium hardcover format, and an MSRP of $50, BMW 3-Series 50 Years earns its place on the coffee table or bookshelf of any serious BMW fan. It’s equally appealing to longtime owners, design-focused readers, and newcomers just beginning to appreciate what makes the 3-Series so special.

With decades of showroom success, racing pedigree, and global admiration behind it, the BMW 3-Series shows no signs of slowing down, and this book captures the full story in a way that feels both authoritative and genuinely fun to read.

But don’t just take my word on it, check out these quotes from other BMW aficionados:

“A must-have for enthusiasts and fans of automotive excellence as only BMW can create.”
―Sports Car Market Magazine

“an engaging read, a fine tribute to the Munich automaker’s most popular model line, and a must-buy for 3 Series enthusiasts.”
―Mark McCourt, Hemmings

Needless to say, if you care about BMW, performance cars, or automotive history done right, you need to pick up a copy of BMW 3-Series 50 Years today!

About the Author: Tony Lewin
Tony Lewin is a lifelong automotive commentator and industry analyst who has spent decades testing cars, analyzing the industry, and reporting on the global manufacturers that shape it. His experience and access shine throughout BMW 3-Series 50 Years, making it one of the most complete and engaging BMW books released in recent years.