BMW 3 Series (E21) Features, Photos and Videos

The BMW E21 is the first generation of the BMW 3 Series, which was produced from June 1975 to 1983 and replaced the BMW 02 Series.

Initial models were produced in a two-door sedan body style with four-cylinder petrol engines. Fuel-injected engines were introduced in late 1975 and 6-cylinder engines were added in 1977. A cabriolet body style — manufactured by Baur— was produced from 1978 to 1981.

There was no BMW M3 model for the E21 generation, however several limited edition models were produced based on the top version, the six-cylinder 323i.

The E21 was replaced by the E30 3 Series in 1982.

Under the direction of its majority (51%) shareholder, Herbert Quandt, BMW decided upon a replacement for their aging 02 Series.

In July 1975, BMW’s Board of Management introduced the E21 to the public at the Munich Olympic Stadium.

The frontal view of the new car was dominated by the BMW trademark kidney grille standing out clearly from the radiator cover. The styling of the new car bore a resemblance to the E12 5 Series which was in production as the E21 was introduced. Like many other BMW models, the C-pillar of the E21 features a Hofmeister kink.

Paul Bracq, Director of Design at BMW from 1970 to 1974, is credited with setting the design direction of the E21.

The cockpit design of the E21 marked the introduction of a new design concept, with the center console and central dashboard area angled towards the driver. This feature has become part of BMW’s interior design philosophy for many years. As a sign of passive safety, all edges and control elements within the interior were rounded off and padded.

The 315 was the base model for years 1981 to 1983, fitted with a 74 bhp (75 PS DIN) version of the 316's 1.6-litre engine tuned for fuel economy. It accelerates to 100 km/h in 14.8 seconds and has a top speed of 154 km/h (96 mph).

The 316 was the base model for years 1975 to 1981. It accelerates to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 14 seconds and has a top speed of 160 km/h (99 mph).

In 1980 the engine size increased to 1.8 litres, however the model remained badged as 316. Acceleration to 100 km/h was reduced to 12.5 seconds and top speed increased to 167 km/h (104 mph).

The 318 was a mid-range model that was powered by a carburetted four-cylinder engine. It accelerates to 100 km/h in 12 seconds and has a top speed of 165 km/h (103 mph).

In 1980, the carburetted 318 was replaced by the fuel injected 318i. It accelerates to 100 km/h in 11.5 seconds and has a top speed of 173 km/h (107 mph).

In Sweden, the 318i was badged 320i and had twin headlights.

The initial 320 model was powered by a four-cylinder engine using a Solex 2-barrel downdraft carburettor. It accelerates to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 11.5 seconds and has a top speed of 170 km/h (106 mph).

The 320i was released in late 1975. It has a continuous port injection system (Bosch K-Jetronic) instead of a carburetter. It accelerates to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 10.5 seconds and has a top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph).

In 1977, the 320 model switched from the BMW M10 four-cylinder engine to the BMW M20 six-cylinder engine. Although they remained badged as "320", the six-cylinder model is often referred to as "320/6". The engine uses a Solex 4-barrel downdraft carburetor. The 320/6 accelerates to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 10.0 seconds and has a top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph).

The 323i was the top E21 model following its introduction in 1977. It is powered by a 2.3 litre six-cylinder engine using Bosch K-Jetronic fuel-injection. It accelerates to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.7 seconds and has a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph).

With a wheelbase measuring 2.6 m (102 in), the lengths of the overhanging front and rear bodywork was minimal. The track measured 1,364 mm (54 in) at the front, and 1,377 mm (54 in) at the rear.

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