BMW’s favourite son turns 50 this 12 months, and as diehard 3 Collection followers ourselves, we’re right here for it. Persevering with our pattern of three Collection-related protection, we’re looking on the particular version 3 Collection that signify the most effective of their respective generations. Hold on: it’s about to get nostalgic in right here.
Better of the E21: 320i with Sport Package deal
The primary-ever 3 Collection and successor to the OG BMW 02 Collection, the E21 set a brand new benchmark for sport sedans. No model did that higher than the unique “is” trim, the 320is—or, because it was referred to as in-period, the “320i with Sports activities Package deal.” The E21 320i with Sport Package deal bought a five-speed handbook rather than the common 320i mannequin’s four-speed unit, and added a limited-slip differential. Its new athleticism was additional emphasised by particular Recaro seats, a extra sporting suspension setup, distinctive alloy wheels, a sunroof, fog lights, and a three-spoke steering wheel. The 1.8-liter four-cylinder underneath the hood stayed comparatively tame at simply 101 horsepower.
Better of the E30: 318is
The E30 3 Collection noticed the formal introduction of the “is” badging, which made its manner onto the again of a few actual gems: the 318is and 325is. Whereas the 325is supplied considerably extra energy from its inline-six engine, the 318is delivers extra bang-for-buck efficiency and is barely lighter than the 325is. Notice: you’ll be able to’t go mistaken with both. Anyway, the 318is—generally dubbed the “child M3” because the E30 M3 additionally touted a four-pot—bought an entire bunch of upgrades over the common 318i. Thicker roll bars, sportier suspension total, a warmer engine with extra energy and torque, and a handful of different extras made—and proceed to make—the 318is among the finest driving BMWs of all time.
Better of the E36: 328is
Photograph: Steven Paul
Within the US market, the 328is continued the “is” trim custom of being the funds M3 different. Not like with the E30, the E36 3 Collection didn’t add any particular, unique options to the 328is; the “is” merely meant the automobile was a coupe. Whereas unchanged from the sedan mannequin, the 328is continues to be an absolute blast to personal and drive and provides simply shy of M3 efficiency for significantly much less cash. Particularly within the US, the place the M52 in these vehicles and the S50/S52 engine underneath the up to date M3’s hood are solely separated by thirty horsepower or so.
Better of the E46: 330i ZHP
BMW launched the “ZHP” possibility code, or the Efficiency Package deal, on the E46 3 Collection. Not like former “is” sport designations, you may have it your manner with the ZHP: sedan, coupe, convertible, didn’t matter. What you bought was an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, hotter cams that netted a 10-horsepower acquire over common 330i fashions, distinctive 18-inch wheels, a revised suspension setup, and a novel entrance fascia. In the present day, ZHP vehicles transact at a a lot increased worth than non-ZHP vehicles, largely due to these small adjustments that add as much as the best-driving E46 3 Collection by a rustic mile. We’ll put it this fashion: you bought your cash’s value on resale should you ponied up the additional $3,900 in-period for a ZHP automobile. The E46 ZHP vehicles, in the present day and in-period, had been an distinctive steadiness between less-engaging base trims and the unconventional and costly E46 M3.
Better of the E90: 335is
I simply fawned over the 335is just a few weeks in the past, nevertheless it’s by no means sufficient. The 335is got here in coupe or convertible guise and touted the next output model of the twin-turbo N54 engine. Stepping as much as the 335is additionally afforded you a depraved fast DCT transmission as an alternative of the common previous autobox. Particular inside decorations like gray-faced and badged gauges joined unique extras like distinctive wheels and a rear diffuser to make the 335is look nearly as good because it drives. Because the final of the hydraulic energy steering vehicles, it’s controversial that the 335is is certainly the best 3 Collection ever; however I’ve digressed.
Better of the F30: 340i ZHP
Oft forgotten, however BMW did the truth is carry again the Efficiency Package deal (ZHP) for the F30 era 3 Collection. Merely referred to as “ZHP” on the sticker and costing mighty near $7,000, it isn’t fairly the discount the unique ZHP was. It included the Energy and Sound Equipment and a efficiency exhaust, bumping energy to 355 horsepower and 370 pound-feet of torque. Manufacturing was restricted to only 100 models and solely in Melbourne Purple, Alpine White, and Black Sapphire Metallic. Maybe most significantly, the F30 ZHP gained a limited-slip differential; on the time, the one Collection mannequin (i.e., non-M) you may get it on. I’ve solely pushed an automated one—manuals are uncommon however exist—and it seems, the LSD was precisely what the F30 was lacking. The opposite additions are merely icing on an already decadent cake.
Better of the G20: M340i
The G20 3 Collection hasn’t obtained any particular editions but, however the M340i (and, my private favourite, the M340i xDrive, which I wrote a long-term evaluate of) is fairly dang good as-is. The fantastic B58—within the newest fashions now making an incorrigible 386 horsepower—is the best steadiness of gasoline effectivity and efficiency. It sounds good, too. And due to a variety goodies supplied within the Cooling and Excessive Efficiency Tire Package deal, you will get fairly near ZHP greatness nonetheless in the present day. That mentioned: the place the heck is our G20 ZHP?! Perhaps the most effective is but to come back.
