The BMW E21 was the original BMW 3-Series automobile, produced from 1975 to 1983. It replaced the BMW 2002 and was succeded by the BMW E30. Worldwide sales of the E21 topped 1.36 million, although the car was not particularly popular in the lucrative United States market.
Variants
- 315: The most economical model, with a 4-cylinder M10 engine 1.5 L engine and a single downdraft carburetor. Lacked some of the luxuries other models had. Was the last E21 to be built and shared production with the E30.
- 316: M10 1.6 L engine
- 318i: M10 1.8 L engine fitted with Bosch fuel injection
- 320: M10 engine with solex 2 barrel downdraft carburator
- 320i: M10 engine with Bosch K jetronic fuel injection
- 320/6: New BMW 6 cylinder the 2.0 L M20 and a Solex 4a1 4 barrel downdraft carburetor.
- 323i: With the M20 and bosch K jetronic injection the 323i was the top of the line.
In the USA only the 320i was available and was remarkably different from the Euro models. Department of Transportation (DOT) safety regulations required larger bumpers, different headlight sets, and DOT marker lamps on the sides.
Companies such as Hartge, Alpina and AC Schnitzer offered aftermarket modifications for the E21.
