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Ben Zachariah
BMW 3 Series marks half a century of production
It’s the Golden Anniversary of BMW’s most popular nameplate, having sold almost 20 million cars across seven generations.
3 Months Ago
1997 BMW 3 Series
The new BMW 3 Series is a medium Car available in Australia from $68,456 (driveaway) for the Sport Line variant and topping out at $264,398 for the M3 Cs variant.
There are 53 variants of the 3 Series available in Australia and this generation went on sale in late-2022.
The new 1997 3 Series is offered with a 3 year, unlimited km warranty.
Engine options for the BMW 3 Series include 1.6L in-line 4-cylinder turbo (100kW/220Nm), 1.8L in-line 4-cylinder (85kW/180Nm), 1.8L in-line 4-cylinder (85kW/180Nm), 2.0L in-line 4-cylinder turbo (190kW/400Nm), 2.0L in-line 4-cylinder turbo (140kW/400Nm), 2.0L in-line 4-cylinder turbo (185kW/350Nm), 2.0L in-line 4-cylinder turbo (135kW/270Nm), 2.0L in-line 4-cylinder turbo (105kW/320Nm), 2.0L in-line 4-cylinder turbo (135kW/380Nm), 2.0L in-line 4-cylinder turbo (180kW/350Nm), 2.0L in-line 4-cylinder turbo (130kW/350Nm), 2.0L in-line 4-cylinder (115kW/200Nm), 2.0L in-line 4-cylinder (115kW/200Nm), 2.0L in-line 4-cylinder turbo (130kW/350Nm), 2.0L in-line 4-cylinder turbo (125kW/340Nm), 2.0L in-line 4-cylinder (110kW/200Nm), 2.0L in-line 4-cylinder turbo (115kW/330Nm), 2.0L in-line 4-cylinder (105kW/200Nm), 2.0L in-line 4-cylinder (105kW/200Nm), 2.2L in-line 6-cylinder (125kW/210Nm), 2.5L in-line 6-cylinder (150kW/250Nm), 2.5L in-line 6-cylinder (160kW/250Nm), 2.5L in-line 6-cylinder (140kW/230Nm), 2.5L in-line 6-cylinder (141kW/245Nm), 3.0L in-line 6-cylinder turbo (285kW/500Nm), 3.0L in-line 6-cylinder turbo (390kW/650Nm), 3.0L in-line 6-cylinder turbo (405kW/650Nm), 3.0L in-line 6-cylinder turbo (375kW/650Nm), 3.0L in-line 6-cylinder turbo (240kW/450Nm), 3.0L in-line 6-cylinder turbo (331kW/550Nm), 3.0L in-line 6-cylinder turbo (338kW/600Nm), 3.0L in-line 6-cylinder turbo (317kW/550Nm), 3.0L in-line 6-cylinder turbo (225kW/400Nm), 3.0L in-line 6-cylinder turbo hybrid (250kW/450Nm), 3.0L in-line 6-cylinder turbo (180kW/520Nm), 3.0L in-line 6-cylinder turbo (225kW/400Nm), 3.0L in-line 6-cylinder (190kW/300Nm), 3.0L in-line 6-cylinder (170kW/300Nm), 3.2L in-line 6-cylinder (252kW/365Nm), 3.2L in-line 6-cylinder (265kW/365Nm), 4.0L v8 (309kW/400Nm) and 4.0L v8 (309kW/400Nm). Available with 8-speed automatic with manual mode, 6-speed manual manual, 7-speed manual dual clutch sequential trans (dct), 6-speed automatic with manual mode, 7-speed manual automated manual sequential trans (amt), 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic, 5-speed manual, 5-speed manual manual, 5-speed automatic, 5-speed automatic with manual mode or 6-speed manual automated manual sequential trans (amt) transmissions. Both 4x4 and rear-wheel drive configurations are available.
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BMW 3 Series
1997 BMW 3 Series
Features & Specs
Powertrain & Performance
Engine specs, power, and efficiency
Handling & Mechanics
Drive Feel: Steering, Suspension, Ride Quality
Towing & Off-road Capacity
Strength, stability, and off-road performance
Exterior & Dimensions
Design, size, and presence on the road
Interior
Comfort, tech, and convenience inside
Technology
Infotainment, connectivity, and smart features
Safety & Security
Protection, prevention, and alerts
Cost of Ownership
Coverage, maintenance, and peace of mind
1997 BMW 3 Series
News
Ben Zachariah
BMW 3 Series marks half a century of production
It’s the Golden Anniversary of BMW’s most popular nameplate, having sold almost 20 million cars across seven generations.
3 Months Ago
Damion Smy
2026 BMW i3 electric sedan to launch with more range than a Tesla Model 3 – report
The first battery-electric 3 Series will offer more range than any EV in local showrooms, with up to 800km available from a single charge.
5 Months Ago
Marton Pettendy
More than 15,000 BMW vehicles recalled due to fire risk
Seven of BMW’s most popular models have been recalled due to potentially faulty starter motors that could start a fire.
6 Months Ago
Explore Variants
Build your new BMW 3 Series
Select your specs to find the perfect BMW 3 Series for you.
Build your new BMW 3 Series
M3 Cs
2025
$0
M Sport
2025
$102,512
M
2025
$126,543
M3
2025
$179,673
M3 Competition
2025
$198,363
Year
2025
Engine Type
2.0L Combustion
3.0L Combustion
Fuel
Premium Unleaded
Transmission
Automatic
Manual
Body Type
Sedan
Station Wagon
Number of Doors
4 Doors
5 Doors
Drivetrain
Rear
4x4
Maximum Power
190 kW
285 kW
353 kW
390 kW
405 kW
Choose your preferences
Pick the features and options you want, and we’ll show you the best match.
7 Configurations available
Select any filter to begin.
1997 BMW 3 Series
Dimensions
4,615 mm
1,804 mm
1,418 mm
The dimensions shown above are for the base model.
| Specification | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 4,615 mm |
| Overall Width | 1,804 mm |
| Overall Height | 1,418 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,761 mm |
| Load Capacity | 500 mm |
Dimensions in this table show the minimum and maximum values of all variants for this vehicle.
Looking for complete BMW 3 Series size & space specs?
Our BMW 3 Series Exterior and Dimensions Page has every measurement you need to know exactly how this vehicle will fit your driving, garage, or work needs.
BMW 3 Series
Sales Data
20242,472Total Sales
20251,877Total Sales
2026264YTD Sales
BMW 3 Series Sales rolling 12-months#
*Based on VFACTS and EVC data
Looking for complete BMW 3 Series price history?
Our BMW 3 Series Pricing Page shows exactly how prices have changed over time.
1997 BMW 3 Series
Frequently Asked Questions
The cheapest BMW 3 Series is the 316ti variant that starts from $41,750.
See all BMW 3 Series PricingThe best towing capacity of a BMW 3 Series is 1800 kg offered by the following variants: Executive, Luminance Edition, Shadow Edition, Sport Line, Luxury Line, M Sport, 100 Year Edition Luxury Line, 100 Year Edition M Sport, Iconic Edition, Sport Collection, Exclusive, Exclusive Innovations Package, M Pure, M Sport Plus, Sport Innovations Package, Innovations, M, M Sport Innovations and 50 Jahre Edition.
See all BMW 3 Series towing capacityThe largest BMW 3 Series is the M3 Competition variant which measures 1903mm wide, 4794mm in length and sits 1437mm tall.
The most powerful BMW 3 Series is the M3 Cs variant which has 405kW of power and 650nm of torque.
The BMW 3 Series is manufactured in different countries, depending on the variant, then shipped to Australia. The BMW 3 Series may be manufactured in Germany or South Africa.
The heaviest BMW 3 Series is the M3 Edition variant which has a gross vehicle weight of 2080 kg.
The BMW 3 Series may use different fuel/energy types based on the variant which includes Premium Unleaded, Diesel, Electric or Unleaded.
# Based on VFACTS and EVC data
†Displayed prices are based on the drive-away price of the vehicle, which includes delivery charges, registration fees, number plates, and applicable road taxes, based on a Sydney location. However, prices may vary between states and territories, and additional costs such as compulsory third party (CTP) insurance, dealer delivery fees, and optional extras are not included. These prices are subject to change without notice and may not reflect current market pricing or dealer offers.
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