BMW E21

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 1.5L engine and a single downdraft carburetor. More spartan than the other E21 models, it was the last E21 to be built and shared production with the E30.
• 316: An upgraded version of the 315 with the M10 1.6L engine
• 318i: An upgraded version of the 315 featuring the M10 1.8L engine fitted with a Bosch fuel injection system
• 320: Featured an M10 engine with a Solex 2-barrel downdraft carburetor
• 320i: Upgraded version of 320 with an M10 engine; Bosch K Jetronic fuel injection
• 320/6: Featured the new BMW 6 cylinder engine, the M20 2.0L, and a Solex 4-barrel downdraft carburetor.
• 323i: Featuring the M20 and Bosch K jetronic fuel injection, the 323i was top-of-the-line.

The 320i was available in the United States market and was remarkably different from the European 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.