BMW GROUP STARTS PRODUCTION OF THE NEW BMW 3 SERIES AT PLANT DINGOLFING

This week, the BMW Group began series production of the eighth generation of the BMW 3 Series at Plant Dingolfing. The site manufactures the new BMW 3 Series Sedan with combustion engines (and, in future, also with plug-in hybrid powertrains). The model adopts the design language and integrates key technologies of the Neue Klasse, including BMW Panoramic iDrive, a new electrical and electronic architecture, and new driver assistance systems.

Clear allocation of production between Munich and Dingolfing

The BMW Group is allocating production of the new BMW 3 Series generation to two German vehicle plants: BMW Group Plant Munich produces the all-electric BMW i3. BMW Group Plant Dingolfing manufactures the BMW 3 Series Sedan variants with combustion engines and, from 2027 (see above), plug-in hybrid powertrains.

This allocation reflects the BMW Group’s technology-open approach and enables it to accommodate different customer requirements and powertrain concepts. In total, around one billion euros has been invested in the further development of the Munich and Dingolfing vehicle plants for this purpose.

In Dingolfing, the new BMW 3 Series Sedan is produced flexibly alongside BMW 4 Series and BMW 5 Series models on a shared production line in assembly hall 50. The production equipment can accommodate different powertrain variants.

Key components for the new BMW 3 Series Sedan come from BMW Group Plant Landshut, the largest component manufacturing site in the BMW Group’s production network. The site supplies, among other items, crankcases and cylinder heads for four- and six-cylinder engines, as well as the propeller shaft, a key component in power transmission.

Landshut also manufactures interior components such as the instrument panel, including the glove compartment. In the cockpit, newly developed lighting technology adds a distinctive touch to the interior of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan: an integrated light box backlights a variety of surface materials. At BMW Group Plant Landshut, this innovation progressed from pre-development through industrialisation to series production

With its high level of vertical integration and broad technology portfolio, Plant Landshut makes a significant contribution to the value of the new model generation.

An iconic model returns

The first generation of the BMW 3 Series, the BMW E21, was already being manufactured in Dingolfing from 1980. Several generations of the BMW 3 Series Sedan were produced there until 2004. From 2013 to 2021, the plant also manufactured the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo. In total, more than 1.15 million BMW 3 Series vehicles have rolled off the production line in Dingolfing to date. The BMW 3 Series has been one of the BMW brand’s core models for more than 50 years. Since its market launch in 1975, around 18 million vehicles in the series have been sold worldwide.

Efficient integration into existing production structures

The new BMW 3 Series Sedan was integrated into existing production structures quickly, flexibly and efficiently. In the paint shop and assembly, the BMW 3 Series can largely be manufactured on existing lines using proven modular processes. Adaptations were primarily required for Neue Klasse innovations, such as BMW Panoramic iDrive and the associated changes to cockpit pre-assembly.

In the body shop, a new powertrain-neutral production line was installed within the existing building. The plant takes a systematic approach to reuse: around one third of the approximately 750 robots, as well as other equipment components, come from existing production facilities. Modern technologies, such as automatic best-fit adjustment of doors and closures and automated surface inspection, provide additional support for quality assurance.

Inbound logistics has also been further automated and digitalised. Automated forklifts, Splitbots and around 250 Smart Transport Robots work together intelligently to support incoming goods deliveries and the supply of materials to production.

These measures are part of the ongoing development of BMW Group production in line with the BMW iFACTORY vision. This combines lean production with resource conservation and digitalisation. Automation, artificial intelligence, intelligent robotics and digitalised logistics processes support efficiency and quality.

Investments strengthen the Dingolfing site

BMW Group Plant Dingolfing is the BMW Group’s largest European production site. Around 18,000 employees and approximately 950 apprentices work at the site. The plant produces around 1,350 vehicles per day. In addition to the new BMW 3 Series, its model range includes BMW 4 Series, BMW 5 Series and BMW 7 Series models, as well as the BMW iX, vehicles from BMW M GmbH and the BMW 7 Series Protection.

Outlook

The start of production marks the beginning of the series production ramp-up for the eighth generation of the BMW 3 Series at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing. The market launch will take place in stages from the first quarter of 2027. By the end of 2027, the BMW Group plans to bring around 40 new or updated models featuring Neue Klasse technologies onto the road.