Who Owns BMW 3 Series?
BMW 3 Series is owned by BMW Group, a publicly traded German multinational luxury automotive manufacturer. BMW Group trades on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under ticker BMW and is headquartered in Munich, Germany.
Parent Company
BMW Group
Founded
1975
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
Munich, Bavaria, Germany
Who Owns BMW 3 Series?
- Parent Company: BMW Group
- Ownership Type: Product line
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: FSE: BMW
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| BMW 3 Series | BMW Group | Product line |
History of BMW 3 Series
- Founded: 1975
- Founders: BMW Group (internal development)
The BMW 3 Series was first introduced in 1975 as the successor to the BMW 02 Series, establishing the compact luxury sedan segment and becoming BMW's best-selling model line. The 3 Series was instrumental in establishing BMW's reputation for building driver-focused, performance-oriented luxury vehicles. Throughout its seven generations, the 3 Series has consistently set benchmarks for handling, performance, and premium compact luxury. Key milestones include the introduction of the iconic M3 high-performance variant in 1986, the adoption of advanced safety and technology features, and expansion into various body styles including coupes, convertibles, and wagons. The 3 Series has won numerous automotive awards and consistently ranks among the best-selling luxury vehicles globally. Recent iterations have focused on electric mobility with plug-in hybrid variants and advanced digital connectivity while maintaining the brand's core values of driving pleasure and engineering excellence.
About BMW Group
What does BMW Group own?
BMW Group owns four brands: BMW (premium automobiles), MINI (premium compact vehicles), Rolls-Royce (ultra-luxury automobiles), and BMW Motorrad (premium motorcycles). The company also operates BMW Financial Services, which provides financing, leasing, and insurance products in more than 50 countries.
Who owns BMW Group?
BMW Group is publicly traded on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under ticker BMW. The Quandt family (Stefan Quandt and Susanne Klatten) holds approximately 47% of shares as the dominant shareholder. The remaining shares are held by institutional investors and individual shareholders.
What is BMW Group's annual revenue?
In FY2024, BMW Group reported revenue of €142.4 billion and profit before tax of €11.0 billion. The company delivered approximately 2.45 million passenger vehicles and more than 210,000 motorcycles.
Who is BMW's CEO?
Oliver Zipse has served as Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG since August 2019, succeeding Harald Krueger. Zipse has led BMW Group's technology-neutral electrification strategy and its continued expansion in electric vehicles.
Does BMW own Rolls-Royce?
Yes, BMW Group owns Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, the manufacturer of ultra-luxury automobiles. BMW acquired the rights to produce Rolls-Royce automobiles in 1998 and began production at a purpose-built factory in Goodwood, England, in 2003. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is a wholly owned subsidiary of BMW Group and is distinct from Rolls-Royce Holdings, the British aerospace and defense company.
What is BMW's relationship with the Quandt family?
The Quandt family, specifically Stefan Quandt and Susanne Klatten, holds approximately 47% of BMW Group shares. Their father, Herbert Quandt, rescued BMW from near-bankruptcy in 1959 by investing in the company, and the family has maintained its dominant ownership position ever since. The Quandt family's concentrated ownership gives them significant influence over BMW Group's strategic direction.
- Founded: 1916
- Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock: FSE: BMW
Where Is BMW 3 Series Made / Based?
- Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
- Manufacturing / Operations: Germany, United States, China, South Africa, Mexico
Brands Owned by BMW Group
- BMW Motorrad - Premium motorcycle division of BMW Group, producing motorcycles and two-wheeled ...
- BMW - German luxury automobile brand known for performance-oriented sedans, SUVs, and ...
- Rolls-Royce Motor Cars - British ultra-luxury automotive brand, manufacturer of the world's most prestigi...
BMW 3 Series Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Exceptional driving dynamics and handling characteristics
- +Premium interior quality and sophisticated design
- +Strong performance across the model lineup
- +Advanced technology and connectivity features
- +Excellent build quality and engineering precision
- +Strong brand prestige and resale value
Considerations
- -Higher maintenance and repair costs compared to non-luxury brands
- -Premium pricing compared to mainstream competitors
- -Complex technology can be expensive to repair
- -Some models have limited rear passenger space
- -Fuel economy can be lower than more efficient competitors
Frequently Asked Questions About BMW 3 Series
Where to Buy
Disclosure: We may earn commission from purchasesCompetitors to BMW 3 Series
These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.
| Brand | Parent Company | Country | Founded | Market Position | Primary Market | Gender Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes Benz | Germany | 1993 | Luxury | Europe | All Genders | |
| Tesla | USA | 2017 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders | |
| Honda Motor | Japan | 1986 | Luxury | Asia Pacific | All Genders | |
| General Motors | USA | 1902 | Luxury | North America | All Genders | |
| Stellantis | USA | 1900 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders | |
| Honda Motor | Japan | 1976 | Mass Market | Asia Pacific | All Genders |
Learn More About Competitors

Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Owned by Mercedes-Benz Group
Mid-size luxury sedan manufactured by Mercedes-Benz, known for innovation, safety, and premium comfort.

Tesla Model 3
Owned by Tesla, Inc.
Compact electric sedan manufactured by Tesla, designed to make electric vehicles accessible to the mainstream market.

Acura
Owned by Honda Motor Company
Japanese luxury vehicle brand owned by Honda Motor Company, specializing in premium automobiles.

Cadillac
Owned by Unknown Company
American luxury vehicle brand owned by General Motors, specializing in premium automobiles and SUVs.

Dodge
Owned by Stellantis
American brand of automobiles and performance vehicles, specializing in muscle cars, SUVs, and performance-oriented vehicles, owned by Stellantis.

Honda Accord
Owned by Honda Motor Company
Mid-size sedan manufactured by Honda Motor Company, known for reliability, practicality, and strong engineering.
Competitive Analysis
Market Positioning: BMW 3 Series competes with 6 brands in the same categories, ranging from mass market to luxury positioning.
Geographic Distribution: Competitors are headquartered across multiple regions, indicating global competition in this market segment.
Brand Heritage: Competitor brands range from established heritage brands to newer market entrants, with founding years spanning several decades.
BMW Group Stock Information
Jobs at BMW Group
Latest News About BMW 3 Series
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