It was narrated from Ubayy bin Ka'b that:
The Messenger of Allah called for water and performed ablution once. He said: "This is the minimum requirement of ablution' or he said: 'The ablution of one who, if he does not perform this ablution, Allah will not accept his prayer." Then he performed ablution washing each part twice, and he said: 'This is the ablution of one who, if he performs it, Allah will give him two shares of reward." Then he performed ablution washing each part three times, and said: 'This is my ablution and the ablution of the Messengers who were sent before me."
English reference: Vol. 1, Book 1, Hadith 420
Arabic reference: Book 1, Hadith 455