Quick, what’s the most popular BMW series? If you said the 5, the 2, or one of the crossovers (the Xs), you’re wrong. The beloved 3 Series (now a chassis that includes 4 Series models as well) is the most popular one BMW makes. And many enthusiasts consider it the “most BMW-y.” For decades, the 3 Series anchored BMW’s popularity in the U.S., so it’s unsurprising that the automaker assembled the compact sports car in South Carolina. But today if you buy a 3 Series sedan, you’ll get one shipped from Mexico.

BMW officially launched its “3 Series” of compact executive cars in 1975. The car got its familiar I6 engine configuration in 1977. That’s the same year BMW launched that first-gen 3 Series in North America. And the U.S. car market has never been the same.

The 3 Series quickly expanded to many configurations: coupes, convertibles, sedans, and even wagons. Buyers seeking a sporty alternative to Detroit’s heavy hitters loved it. And soon, it was BMW’s most popular vehicle family.

In 1994, BMW opened a plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The first vehicles BMW ever assembled outside of Germany were certain 3 Series models and the all-new Z3 roadster. By 2019, BMW Spartanburg was building more vehicles than any other BMW plant on the globe.

The end of an era for BMW South Carolina

Then this story took a twist. U.S. drivers fell out of love with the 3 Series. They left it for the brand’s new line of crossovers. Today, Spartanburg makes the X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, and XM SUVs. While the 3 Series remains BMW’s best-selling chassis globally, in the U.S. it is nowhere near the crossover sales numbers.

Today, any BMW dealership will happily sell you a 3 Series. But it won’t be made here. The 3 Series sedans sold in the U.S. all hail from the San Luis Potosí plant in Mexico. The rare 3 Series wagon (Touring in BMW speak) is imported from Munich.

Want to know more about the Spartanburg plant? You can see a tour in the video embedded below: