The entire 3 Series empire begins here. The E21 takes the spirit of the E2 and industrializes it without diluting it. Compact, rear-wheel drive, lively engines, driver-focused cockpit. It establishes BMW as the benchmark for accessible sports sedans. Serious yet playful. Fundamental to the brand. Without it, the 3 Series would not have become a global backbone.
Produced in 1,354,961 units between 1975 and 1983, the BMW E21 heralded a new BMW era from the outset. The first of its kind, this 3 Series succeeded the 1502, 1602, 1802 and 2002 (E10/E20) produced up to that point, and took over some of their engines. Innovative in every way, the 3 Series, designed by Paul Bracq, took its styling cues from the 5 Series. It quickly established itself as the benchmark for compact saloons. Initially fitted with 4-cylinder M10 engines, two new in-line 6-cylinder engines, a 2.0-litre carburettor and a 2.3-litre fuel-injected unit, were introduced in 1977, making the car much more powerful. Production of all versions ended in 1982 with the arrival of the new 3 Series. Only the 315 was produced for another year.
