BMW 3-series I (E21) photos

1975 — 1983 · sedan, coupe, convertible

photos

specifications

74–141

9.5 s

best 0–100

Photos

BMW 3-series I (E21), coupe, white, side view — photo 62556

Art Car by Roy Lichtenstein (E21) 1977 Side view of a two-door racing coupe against a dark studio background. The car features a pop-art livery with dot patterns and wavy colored lines, equipped with widebody aerodynamic elements, a prominent front splitter, a massive rear wing, and multi-spoke center-lock racing wheels.

BMW 3-series I (E21), coupe, white, front three-quarter view — photo 62555

Art Car by Roy Lichtenstein (E21) 1977 A vintage two-door racing car with extreme widebody aero kit, prominent front splitter, and large rear wing, finished in an artistic pop-art livery featuring Ben-Day dots and colorful sweeping lines, shot in a studio with a dark background.

BMW 3-series I (E21), coupe, white, side view — photo 62554

Art Car by Roy Lichtenstein (E21) 1977 Side view of a vintage two-door racing coupe against a light studio backdrop. The vehicle features a widebody aero kit, extended wheel arches, a massive rear wing, a window safety net, and gold multi-spoke deep-dish race wheels, wrapped in a distinctive pop-art livery featuring Ben-Day dots and stylized landscape imagery.

Art Car by Roy Lichtenstein (E21) 1977

Art Car by Roy Lichtenstein (E21) 1977

320i turbo gruppe 5 (E21)

320i turbo gruppe 5 (E21)

320i turbo gruppe 5 (E21)

320i turbo gruppe 5 (E21)

320i turbo gruppe 5 (E21)

3-series E21

3-series E21

315 (1981-1983)

318i Baur Topcabriolet (E21) 1980-1982

323i Coupe (1978-1983)

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About this generation

The original 3 Series that created the compact executive class and introduced BMW's driver-centric dashboard.

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.

Specifications

41 in 2 body styles

2-door Sedan E21 25 specifications

4355 mm171.5 in

Length

1610 mm63.4 in

Width

1380 mm54.3 in

Height

2563 mm100.9 in

Wheelbase

404 l14.3 cu ft

Trunk

Petrol

315

74hp(55 kW)

1.6 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 14.8 s

1981–1983

Torque: 110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
Top speed: 154 km/h (96 mph)
Displacement: 1573 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: M10B16
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1020 kg (2249 lb)
Fuel tank: 58 l (15.3 gal US)

316

89hp(66 kW)

1.6 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 13.8 s

1975–1980

Torque: 123 Nm (91 lb-ft)
Top speed: 160 km/h (99 mph)
Displacement: 1573 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: M10B16
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1010 kg (2227 lb)
Fuel tank: 52 l (13.7 gal US)

316

89hp(66 kW)

1.8 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 12.5 s

1980–1982

Torque: 140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
Top speed: 163 km/h (101 mph)
Displacement: 1766 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: M10B18
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1020 kg (2249 lb)
Fuel tank: 58 l (15.3 gal US)

316

89hp(66 kW)

1.8 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 12.5 s

1980–1982

Torque: 140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
Top speed: 163 km/h (101 mph)
Displacement: 1766 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: M10B18
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1020 kg (2249 lb)
Fuel tank: 58 l (15.3 gal US)

316

89hp(66 kW)

1.8 l 3-speed automatic RWD 0–100 14.2 s

1980–1982

Torque: 140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
Top speed: 158 km/h (98 mph)
Displacement: 1766 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: M10B18
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1050 kg (2315 lb)
Fuel tank: 58 l (15.3 gal US)

318

97hp(72 kW)

1.8 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 11.9 s

1975–1980

Torque: 143 Nm (105 lb-ft)
Top speed: 165 km/h (103 mph)
Displacement: 1766 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: M10B18
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1020 kg (2249 lb)
Fuel tank: 52 l (13.7 gal US)

318

97hp(72 kW)

1.8 l 3-speed automatic RWD 0–100 13.5 s

1975–1980

Torque: 143 Nm (105 lb-ft)
Top speed: 160 km/h (99 mph)
Displacement: 1766 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: M10B18
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1050 kg (2315 lb)
Fuel tank: 52 l (13.7 gal US)

320i

101hp(75 kW)

1.8 l 5-speed manual RWD

1979–1983

Torque: 136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
Top speed: 169 km/h (105 mph)
Displacement: 1766 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: M10B18
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1115 kg (2458 lb)
Fuel tank: 58 l (15.3 gal US)

320i

101hp(75 kW)

1.8 l 3-speed automatic RWD

1979–1983

Torque: 136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
Top speed: 164 km/h (102 mph)
Displacement: 1766 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: M10B18
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1140 kg (2513 lb)
Fuel tank: 58 l (15.3 gal US)

318i

103hp(77 kW)

1.8 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 11.5 s

1980–1982

Torque: 152 Nm (112 lb-ft)
Top speed: 171 km/h (106 mph)
Displacement: 1766 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: M10B18
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1020 kg (2249 lb)
Fuel tank: 58 l (15.3 gal US)

318i

103hp(77 kW)

1.8 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 11.5 s

1980–1982

Torque: 152 Nm (112 lb-ft)
Top speed: 173 km/h (107 mph)
Displacement: 1766 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: M10B18
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1030 kg (2271 lb)
Fuel tank: 58 l (15.3 gal US)

318i

103hp(77 kW)

1.8 l 3-speed automatic RWD 0–100 12.8 s

1980–1982

Torque: 152 Nm (112 lb-ft)
Top speed: 168 km/h (104 mph)
Displacement: 1766 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: M10B18
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1050 kg (2315 lb)
Fuel tank: 58 l (15.3 gal US)

320

107hp(80 kW)

2.0 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 11.2 s

1975–1977

Torque: 157 Nm (116 lb-ft)
Top speed: 170 km/h (106 mph)
Displacement: 1990 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: M10B20
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1030 kg (2271 lb)
Fuel tank: 52 l (13.7 gal US)

320

107hp(80 kW)

2.0 l 3-speed automatic RWD 0–100 12.8 s

1975–1977

Torque: 157 Nm (116 lb-ft)
Top speed: 165 km/h (103 mph)
Displacement: 1990 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: M10B20
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1060 kg (2337 lb)
Fuel tank: 52 l (13.7 gal US)

320i

109hp(81 kW)

2.0 l 4-speed manual RWD

1976–1979

Torque: 152 Nm (112 lb-ft)
Top speed: 175 km/h (109 mph)
Displacement: 1990 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: M10B20
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1100 kg (2425 lb)
Fuel tank: 52 l (13.7 gal US)

320i

109hp(81 kW)

2.0 l 3-speed automatic RWD

1976–1979

Torque: 152 Nm (112 lb-ft)
Top speed: 170 km/h (106 mph)
Displacement: 1990 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: M10B20
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1125 kg (2480 lb)
Fuel tank: 52 l (13.7 gal US)

320/6

121hp(90 kW)

2.0 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 10.7 s

1977–1982

Torque: 160 Nm (118 lb-ft)
Top speed: 181 km/h (112 mph)
Displacement: 1990 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M20B20
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1115 kg (2458 lb)
Fuel tank: 58 l (15.3 gal US)

320/6

121hp(90 kW)

2.0 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 10.7 s

1979–1982

Torque: 160 Nm (118 lb-ft)
Top speed: 181 km/h (112 mph)
Displacement: 1990 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M20B20
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1130 kg (2491 lb)
Fuel tank: 58 l (15.3 gal US)

320/6

121hp(90 kW)

2.0 l 3-speed automatic RWD 0–100 12.3 s

1977–1982

Torque: 160 Nm (118 lb-ft)
Top speed: 176 km/h (109 mph)
Displacement: 1990 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M20B20
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1140 kg (2513 lb)
Fuel tank: 58 l (15.3 gal US)

320i

123hp(92 kW)

2.0 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 9.9 s

1975–1977

Torque: 172 Nm (127 lb-ft)
Top speed: 182 km/h (113 mph)
Displacement: 1990 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: M10B20
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1030 kg (2271 lb)
Fuel tank: 52 l (13.7 gal US)

320i

123hp(92 kW)

2.0 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 9.9 s

1976–1977

Torque: 172 Nm (127 lb-ft)
Top speed: 182 km/h (113 mph)
Displacement: 1990 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: M10B20
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1040 kg (2293 lb)
Fuel tank: 52 l (13.7 gal US)

320i

123hp(92 kW)

2.0 l 3-speed automatic RWD 0–100 11.2 s

1975–1977

Torque: 172 Nm (127 lb-ft)
Top speed: 177 km/h (110 mph)
Displacement: 1990 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: M10B20
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1055 kg (2326 lb)
Fuel tank: 52 l (13.7 gal US)

323i

141hp(105 kW)

2.3 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 9.5 s

1977–1979

Torque: 190 Nm (140 lb-ft)
Top speed: 190 km/h (118 mph)
Displacement: 2316 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M20B23
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1110 kg (2447 lb)
Fuel tank: 58 l (15.3 gal US)

323i

141hp(105 kW)

2.3 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 9.5 s

1979–1982

Torque: 190 Nm (140 lb-ft)
Top speed: 190 km/h (118 mph)
Displacement: 2316 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M20B23
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1135 kg (2502 lb)
Fuel tank: 58 l (15.3 gal US)

323i

141hp(105 kW)

2.3 l 3-speed automatic RWD 0–100 10.7 s

1977–1982

Torque: 190 Nm (140 lb-ft)
Top speed: 185 km/h (115 mph)
Displacement: 2316 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M20B23
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1135 kg (2502 lb)
Fuel tank: 58 l (15.3 gal US)

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Baur TopCabriolet E21 Baur TC1 16 specifications

4355 mm171.5 in

Length

1610 mm63.4 in

Width

1380 mm54.3 in

Height

2563 mm100.9 in

Wheelbase

404 l14.3 cu ft

Trunk

Petrol

315

74hp(55 kW)

1.6 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 15.4 s

1981–1981

Torque: 110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
Top speed: 152 km/h (94 mph)
Displacement: 1573 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: M10B16
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1070 kg (2359 lb)
Fuel tank: 58 l (15.3 gal US)

316

89hp(66 kW)

1.6 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 14.3 s

1978–1980

Torque: 123 Nm (91 lb-ft)
Top speed: 158 km/h (98 mph)
Displacement: 1573 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: M10B16
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1060 kg (2337 lb)
Fuel tank: 52 l (13.7 gal US)

316

89hp(66 kW)

1.8 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 12.8 s

1980–1981

Torque: 140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
Top speed: 161 km/h (100 mph)
Displacement: 1766 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: M10B18
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1070 kg (2359 lb)
Fuel tank: 58 l (15.3 gal US)

316

89hp(66 kW)

1.8 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 12.8 s

1980–1981

Torque: 140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
Top speed: 161 km/h (100 mph)
Displacement: 1766 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: M10B18
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1080 kg (2381 lb)
Fuel tank: 58 l (15.3 gal US)

316

89hp(66 kW)

1.8 l 3-speed automatic RWD 0–100 14.4 s

1980–1981

Torque: 140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
Top speed: 156 km/h (97 mph)
Displacement: 1766 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: M10B18
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1095 kg (2414 lb)
Fuel tank: 58 l (15.3 gal US)

318

97hp(72 kW)

1.8 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 12.5 s

1978–1980

Torque: 142 Nm (105 lb-ft)
Top speed: 165 km/h (103 mph)
Displacement: 1766 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: M10B18
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Fuel tank: 58 l (15.3 gal US)

318

97hp(72 kW)

1.8 l 3-speed automatic RWD 0–100 14.5 s

1978–1980

Torque: 142 Nm (105 lb-ft)
Top speed: 160 km/h (99 mph)
Displacement: 1766 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: M10B18
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Fuel tank: 58 l (15.3 gal US)

318i

103hp(77 kW)

1.8 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 11.5 s

1980–1981

Torque: 152 Nm (112 lb-ft)
Top speed: 171 km/h (106 mph)
Displacement: 1766 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: M10B18
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Fuel tank: 58 l (15.3 gal US)

318i

103hp(77 kW)

1.8 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 11.5 s

1980–1981

Torque: 152 Nm (112 lb-ft)
Top speed: 173 km/h (107 mph)
Displacement: 1766 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: M10B18
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Fuel tank: 58 l (15.3 gal US)

318i

103hp(77 kW)

1.8 l 3-speed automatic RWD 0–100 13.5 s

1980–1981

Torque: 152 Nm (112 lb-ft)
Top speed: 166 km/h (103 mph)
Displacement: 1766 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: M10B18
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Fuel tank: 58 l (15.3 gal US)

320/6

121hp(90 kW)

2.0 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 10.7 s

Torque: 160 Nm (118 lb-ft)
Top speed: 181 km/h (112 mph)
Displacement: 1990 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M20B20
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Fuel tank: 58 l (15.3 gal US)

320/6

121hp(90 kW)

2.0 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 10.7 s

1979–1981

Torque: 160 Nm (118 lb-ft)
Top speed: 181 km/h (112 mph)
Displacement: 1990 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M20B20
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Fuel tank: 58 l (15.3 gal US)

320/6

121hp(90 kW)

2.0 l 3-speed automatic RWD 0–100 12.3 s

Torque: 160 Nm (118 lb-ft)
Top speed: 176 km/h (109 mph)
Displacement: 1990 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M20B20
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Fuel tank: 58 l (15.3 gal US)

323i

141hp(105 kW)

2.3 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 9.5 s

1978–1979

Torque: 205 Nm (151 lb-ft)
Top speed: 190 km/h (118 mph)
Displacement: 2316 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M20B23
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Fuel tank: 58 l (15.3 gal US)

323i

141hp(105 kW)

2.3 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 9.5 s

1979–1981

Torque: 205 Nm (151 lb-ft)
Top speed: 190 km/h (118 mph)
Displacement: 2316 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M20B23
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Fuel tank: 58 l (15.3 gal US)

323i

141hp(105 kW)

2.3 l 3-speed automatic RWD 0–100 10.9 s

Torque: 205 Nm (151 lb-ft)
Top speed: 185 km/h (115 mph)
Displacement: 2316 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M20B23
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Fuel tank: 58 l (15.3 gal US)

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News

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Next-Generation BMW 3 Series Photographed Undisguised in M350 xDrive Form

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Next-Gen BMW 3 Series: 443-HP M350 xDrive with Drift Mode

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Photo forum

BMW 3-series I (E21) on the forum

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