BMW 3-Series: a history in pictures

BMW has sold more than 12 million versions of its 3-Series since the model launched in 1975. Twelve. Million.

Earth's most coveted and successful premium medium-sized car has been the car to beat in its sector; a tag it has worn practically since it was born. From humble beginnings in 1975 as a compact two-door sedan to today's 4.0-litre V8 powered behemoth, the Three is annoyingly good and, as such, annoyingly common.

We've pulled together every generation (there's five in total) to provide a pictorial guide to the Three's evolution and prove that in fact, 12 million people can't be wrong. Well, not all the time. Twelve million tuned in last year to watch a dancing dog on Britain's Got Talent, so...

The story began with the two-door Threes, ranging from the 316 to the 320, the later 323i taking the top spot with 143bhp. One million sold after six years.

Legendary moniker for BMW aficionados, with everything made Better. More space, more power, more variants and, of course, the birth of the defining small sports saloon... the M3.

Sells more than 2.3 million in its lifespan.

Third gen Three was never the outright handler that earlier cars were, but still provided top dynamics and offered more economy and luxury, along with first four-cylinder turbo diesel. New M3 gets 3.2-litre straight-six in ‘Evo' guise.

Predictably, bigger, more powerful and more economical as BMW's boffs explore the magic of diesel technology: brand's first diesel injection engine debuts as 320d while 330d proves the black stuff isn't reserved for hippies but available to oversteer enthusiasts.

Premiering at the Geneva motor show, newest Three shows that despite its advancing age, the old girl can still shake its rear-drive booty in step to today's eco-led foxtrot. Efficient Dynamics helps keeps mpg up and emissions down (320ED emits under 110g/km of CO2), engine in the 335i is an International Engine of the Year Award winner and M3 now packs a thunderous, glorious 4.0-litre V8.