BMW 3-series I (E21) gallery / page 4
BMW 3-series I (E21), coupe, red, front three-quarter view — photo 36238 640 x 960 71 3-series E21
coupe A two-panel image: the top section shows a dark burgundy two-door car with its driver door open on a paved square, while the bottom section displays a close-up of the front fender, headlight, and multi-spoke alloy wheel.

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.