BMW 3-series I (E21) gallery (1975–1983)
The original 3 Series that created the compact executive class and introduced BMW's driver-centric dashboard.
All photos
1459
I (E21)
46
1975–1983
II (E30)
44
1982–1994
III (E36)
63
1990–2000
IV (E46)
203
1997–2006
V (E90)
334
2004–2013
VI (F30)
531
2011–2019
VII (G20)
185
2018
Replacing the beloved 02 Series in 1975, Paul Bracq's E21 introduced the world to the 3 Series designation. Available exclusively as a two-door sedan (and rare Baur cabriolet), it featured a sharp shark-nose grille and pioneered the famous driver-angled center console layout.
The E21 gained legendary status when smooth six-cylinder M20 engines were fitted into the 320/6 and fuel-injected 323i models. With its lively rear-wheel drive chassis and lightweight construction, the E21 established the foundation for BMW's ultimate driving machine ethos.
