Built by Comeng and Clyde Engineering between 1987 and 1996, they entered service under the State Transport Authority before later being operated by TransAdelaide and Adelaide Metro.

[4][5][6] The design was based on the stainless steel shell of the Comeng electric train then in production for Melbourne's Public Transport Corporation, but 2.3 metres (7 ft 7 in) longer and with only two doors per side.

Because of a contractual requirement to maximise local content, the fit-out was conducted at Comeng's Dry Creek facility.

However, Comeng came back to the STA with a significantly higher price, so the work was put out to tender, and a contract for 50 was awarded to Clyde Engineering in November 1989.

However by the time construction commenced, Comeng had sold its Dandenong plant to ABB, who backed away from an agreement to hand over the jigs and tooling, so they were built between 1992 and 1996 by Clyde Engineering's Martin & King factory in Somerton, Victoria.

In April 2002, the first was repainted by Bluebird Rail Operations in Adelaide Metro's yellow, blue and red.

All 3000 class railcars are fitted with electro-magnetic track brakes, which are comparatively rare on trains, though they are commonly found on trams.

Coupling operations are sometimes performed at Adelaide station, requiring an extra staff member to flag the driver as well as to connect the safety chains.

By 2024, 45 of the 70 railcars are in process of being converted into Hybrid trains with a new ABB traction battery technology to reduce noise and emissions to improve the travel experience.

[24] Commencing in April 2018, all 3000/3100 series railcars began a life extension program which included new Mercedes-Benz engines, upgraded bogies, enhanced upholstery and a repaint into a red and blue livery similar to the 4000 class units.