Kuala Lumpur, 14th April 2025 – BMW Group Malaysia today began its celebrations for the 50th Anniversary of the iconic BMW 3 Series. Over seven generations, the BMW 3 Series has not only shaped the global identity of the BMW brand, but has also become an integral part of Malaysia’s automotive history since the 1970s. In celebration of this legacy, BMW Group Malaysia today introduced the New BMW M340i xDrive Edition 50 Jahre.
BMW Group maintains strong global Q1 performance, supplemented with significant BEV growth.
In the first quarter of 2025, BMW Group delivered a total of 586,149 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles to customers worldwide reflecting a strong performance in line with the previous year. Demonstrating continued momentum in its electrification strategy, BMW Group recorded a 32.4% increase in fully-electric vehicle deliveries, with 109,516 units handed over across its three brands. The BMW brand contributed 520,142 units to the Group’s overall results, including 86,449 fully-electric BMW vehicles, while MINI, following the successful renewal of its entire product portfolio, achieved a 4.1% growth year-on-year with 64,626 units delivered and an electric share of 35.3%. In addition, BMW Motorrad, reported separately, delivered 44,609 motorcycles and scooters in the same period—underscoring the strength of the BMW brand across both two- and four-wheeled mobility.
With its sights set on the future, the BMW Group is firmly on track to reach two strategic milestones in 2025: the delivery of three million electrified vehicles since the launch of the BMW i3 and i8, and 1.5 million fully-electric vehicles to customers globally, reinforcing its leadership in premium sustainable mobility.
Jean-Philippe Parain, Senior Vice President, Sales Regions Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa of BMW Group shared, “Our performance in the first quarter of 2025 is a strong testament to the BMW Group’s strategic direction – one that balances innovation, consistency and the ‘Power of Choice’. With a growing demand for our fully-electric vehicles across all markets, we are continuing to shape a future that is both sustainable and emotionally engaging. As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the BMW 3 Series this year, it serves as a powerful reminder of how this iconic model has come to define the very essence of the BMW brand – a fusion of dynamic performance, cutting-edge technology and timeless design. Every generation of the 3 Series has driven forward our ‘Technology Openness’ and ‘Power of Choice’ philosophies, inspiring new ways to experience sheer driving pleasure.”
Benjamin Nagel, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia added, “The BMW 3 Series has earned an enduring place in the hearts of fans not only globally, but right here in Malaysia. Moving forward, the model will continue to evolve, effortlessly merging its rich legacy with the latest advancements that will define the future of driving. Today, we commemorate this milestone with the introduction of the New BMW M340i xDrive Edition 50 Jahre in Malaysia, and we eagerly anticipate the continued evolution of the BMW 3 Series that will propel the brand forward in both design and technology, while ensuring the continued delivery of an exceptional BMW driving experience.”
Looking back at the history of the BMW 3 Series reveals a continuous evolution of design and technological innovations, with each generation building upon the success of the previous era, while also defining the next. More than any other model, the BMW 3 Series is not just the face of the BMW brand, but an exemplification of the BMW brand’s core philosophies, continuing to drive the brand’s future today through Technology Openness and the Power of Choice.
The First Generation (1975-1983) – BMW E21.
The original BMW 3 Series, designed by Paul Bracq, debuted in 1975 and became a success story for the brand in the Compact and Mid-Sized Premium segment. The model introduced BMW’s iconic driving dynamics, sporty performance, and driver-focused dashboard angle. The BMW 3 Series of this generation established many design elements, including the short front overhang, double kidney grilles, distinctive crease line, and Hofmeister kink, which endured in subsequent generations.
The Second Generation (1982-1991) – BMW E30.
The E30 generation of the BMW 3 Series exemplified the brand’s design and technological innovation, introducing seven variants. This lineup included the two-door sedan, four-door sedan, and convertible, alongside the debut of the iconic BMW M3. In 1987, the E30 generation also introduced the first BMW 3 Series Touring, a model that began as a personal project by a BMW prototype engineer and later entered official production. This story highlights the creativity and expertise behind BMW’s continuous evolution, making the BMW of this generation one of the most iconic in the brand’s history.
The Third Generation (1990-1998) – BMW E36.
The third generation of the BMW 3 Series introduced the most diverse range of body styles to date, including Sedan, Coupé, Convertible, Touring, and Compact variants, alongside the introduction of an all-new BMW M3. The design evolved with a more coupé-like aesthetic and distinctive twin headlamps, alongside innovations which included new efficient diesel engines. Meanwhile, the Compact variant’s debut and success showcased the BMW 3 Series’ growing versatility. It achieved strong sales, securing third place after the Sedan and Coupé, further proving the model’s ability to break new ground with each successful iteration.
The Fourth Generation (1997-2006) – BMW E46.
The fourth-generation BMW 3 Series included the Sedan, Coupé, Convertible, Touring, Compact and M3 (in both Coupé and Convertible) variants. It was also the generation that introduced the legendary BMW M3 CSL. The design evolved with a reinterpreted greenhouse, featuring a more pronounced roofline curve for increased rear headroom. Notably, the Coupé, Convertible, and Compact models each had distinct styling, marking the first significant differences within the BMW 3 Series range. This generation became the top-selling BMW model of all time, with 3,266,885 units sold, further cementing the BMW 3 Series’ status as a design and sales success.
The Fifth Generation (2005-2011) – BMW E90.
The fifth-generation BMW 3 Series saw a complete revolutionary shift in its design, driven by its Japanese designer Joji Nagashima with the Flame Surfacing design principles of the Group’s Head of Design, Chris Bangle. The BMW M3 of this generation featured an unprecedented combination of Coupé and Sedan body types with a V-Block Naturally Aspirated engine. Overall, this generation marked a significant evolution in the BMW 3 Series’ design, with each variant carving out its own unique identity within the lineup.
The Sixth Generation (2011-2018) – BMW F30.
The sixth-generation BMW 3 Series evolved with a stronger alignment to the BMW 5 Series, introducing turbocharged and hybrid powertrains, alongside a Gran Turismo variant. Customisation options expanded, while the Coupé and Convertible models transitioned to the newly formed BMW 4 Series, marking a clear distinction in design and technology. This generation showcased the BMW 3 Series’ continued adaptation, catering to a diverse range of customer preferences through its expanded lineup and increased personalisation options.
The Seventh Generation (2018-present) – BMW G20.
The seventh-generation BMW 3 Series, the G20, builds upon the design legacy of its predecessors’ signature elements. The model offers the most advanced connectivity and driving assistance features, while providing the widest range of powertrain options, including petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid and all-wheel-drive configurations. The BMW 3 Series continues to lead its class, delivering a driving experience enhanced by cutting-edge technology and a diverse lineup that caters to a wide variety of customer preferences.
The New BMW M340i xDrive Edition 50 Jahre.
In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the BMW 3 Series, BMW Malaysia proudly unveils the New BMW M340i xDrive Edition 50 Jahre – limited to just 50 units, available exclusively online via BMW Shop Online.
The New BMW M340i xDrive Edition 50 Jahre comes with several enhancements, including Sensatec upholstery, Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function, Parking Assistant Plus, a Luxury Instrument Panel, Galvanic Buttons, and an M Rear Spoiler, offering a more refined driving experience. Exclusive M Performance parts are also included as standard for the New BMW M340i xDrive Edition 50 Jahre, such as the M Performance Side Skirt Extensions. Inside the vehicle, the M Performance centre armrest, wrapped in Alcantara, alongside Carbon Fibre M Performance gearshift paddles add both visual and tactile excitement to every drive. Taking exclusivity a step further, the New BMW M340i xDrive Edition 50 Jahre also features a unique “50 Jahre Edition” insignia on the cup holder plaque and a special exterior engraving on the b-pillar, marking its limited production.
Customers can secure their New BMW M340i xDrive Edition 50 Jahre with ease through the BMW Shop Online platform. In just five simple steps, customers can visit shop.bmw.com.my, select their preferred colour, choose their desired dealership, and place a booking fee of RM3,400.00. Upon payment confirmation, customers can then visit their selected dealership to complete the journey and take ownership of their exclusive, New BMW M340i xDrive Edition 50 Jahre.
Dynamic Financial Programme.
With the Easy Drive Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the New BMW M340i xDrive Edition 50 Jahre can be owned with a monthly instalment plan starting from RM4,211 (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a 5-Year tenure), with complimentary replacement car programme and BMW 1st year Comprehensive Motor Insurance rebate of RM 5,000.
Meanwhile, with the Straight-Line Financing Plan, customers can own the New BMW M340i xDrive Edition 50 Jahre with a monthly instalment plan starting from RM4,348 (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a 7-Year tenure). With exclusive rates starting from as low as 0.5%, customers can enjoy greater flexibility and value on their journey to ownership. Both Easy Drive & Straight-Line Financing Plans for the New BMW M340i xDrive Edition 50 Jahre are valid until 30th June 2025.
Customers can also enjoy BMW Protection+* Insurance & Replacement Car Programme when financing with BMW Easy Drive and Straight-Line Financing. BMW Protection+ offers comprehensive coverage accidental death or permanent disability benefits, vehicle break-in coverage, hire purchase loan repayment protection, and guaranteed asset protection (GAP). Additional benefits include key care, special relief in case of total loss or theft, rim damage coverage, compassionate flood cover, and scratch & dent protection, ensuring peace of mind for BMW owners on the road.
* BMW Protection+ / BMW Protection is BMW Ultimate Protection Insurance (UPI) underwritten by Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia) Berhad 200601015674 (735426-V).
Complete Premium Ownership Experience.
Owners of the New BMW M340i xDrive Edition 50 Jahre will also receive the complete BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience which includes:
- BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline
- BMW Service Online
The recommended retail pricing (on the road, without insurance) for the New BMW M340i xDrive Edition 50 Jahre is:
| The New BMW M340i xDrive Edition 50 Jahre
Add-On for BMW Service & Repair Inclusive* |
RM396,800.00
RM26,400.00 |
| * which consists of the 5-Year Extended Warranty and Service Package. |
50 Years of the BMW 3 Series: A Legacy in Motion.
From 18th to the 20th of April 2025, celebrate 50 years of the iconic BMW 3 series with us at The Yard, Sentul Depot, from 10AM to 6PM. Discover the complete lineage of the seven generations of BMW 3 Series — from its storied past to its dynamic present. Public can engage in exclusive activities as well as participate in exhilarating driving exercises with the BMW 330i M Sport, limited driving slots available. Join us as we pay tribute to five decades of craftsmanship, innovation, and Sheer Driving Pleasure. For more details, please visit https://www.bmw.com.my/en/more-bmw/bmw-3-series-a-heritage-drive.html
