Here at our BMW dealership near Ormond Beach, FL, the BMW 3 Series has long been a popular choice among our drivers. As one of the BMW brand’s most iconic cars, it’s no surprise that it holds a special place in the hearts of drivers. But how does a car like the BMW 3 Series get to be so well-known in the first place? Well, if you come out of the gate swinging, and keep innovating for the next 40 years, as BMW has with the BMW 3 Series, you’re bound to attract a following.
In the 1970s, BMW realized that it was time to retire the BMW 2002, a car that, at the time, embodied the BMW brand. The automaker knew a strong follow-up was in order, something that boldly said “This is what a BMW looks like. This is how it drives.” The BMW 320i came to the United States as a 1977 model. This eye-catching new coupe was slightly larger than its predecessor, the BMW 2002, with improved suspension and braking, helping to deliver an overall smoother ride.
In 1984, BMW debuted the second-generation BMW 3 Series coupe. This new model had a more aerodynamic design thanks to headlights that were nearly flush with the grille, and a gently sloping hood. The driving experienced was refined yet again, leading to tight handling and an even more satisfying feel on the road. By the time the third-generation BMW 3 Series hit the streets in the early 90s, it had evolved into a full line of compact coupes, sedans and convertibles, and had become a force to be reckoned with in the automotive industry, with copycats coming out from several auto manufacturers.
Today, the 2017 BMW 3 Series proudly carries on the tradition as the fifth-generation of the impressive sports car. Here at Fields BMW of Daytona, we’ve got brand new models just waiting for a test drive, along with a large selection of Certified Pre-Owned BMW 3 Series models.