3 series - part 3

info on 3 series .... 1977-1983

From the perspective of the 21st century, BMW 3 Series is so slam-dunk-a wonderful car as there are available. The 3 Series enjoys a reputation for packing the exceptional driving dynamics, high quality and excellent • denied the prestige gained in the handsome veneer. This is the standard against which all other small sport sedan, and must be measured. Already in the 20th century, when the 3 Series first appeared, is generally considered the cream of the crop of small sport sedan.

In the mid 1970s, BMW faces the task of replacing the outdated 2002 coupe. But the company also knew that in 2002, embodies the spirit of the company. As such, it replaced the 2002 should maintain this spirit was maintained, while modernizing in other respects.

BMW chose an opportune time to enter the history of the first generation 3 Series, internally designated E21. The world was emerging from the shock of the oil embargo as the first line of assembling laminated Milbertshofen May 2, 1975, and the people who would never have considered a smaller car now has found the idea of a fun and tardy machine irresistible. In 1974, BMW sold 184,330 vehicles, but reinforced by the European market for 3 series in 1975, worldwide sales reached 221,298. 3-series success in North America as a 1977 model, which drove the BMW production over 290,000 this year and then 320,000 in 1978.

The only model available Stateside E21, the 320i. It is slightly larger than the outgoing 2002 (to 100.9 inches, 3 wheelbase is 2.5 cm longer and the car length of 177.5 inches is 1.5 inches long) and that the mammoth depends peaceful nature, along with a more stable, but also. As a direct successor of 2002, the 320i is available as a two-door and conducted the majority of issues that the design of the car door, founded as propped up the grill, cut side windows and rear A low waist line .

Under the skin, the car was a step in the evolution from 2002. The basic elements like the MacPherson front and end of the arm rear suspension and front disc and rear drum power braking system is different in the details and specifics, but was similar in overall design. For power, the car has a 2.0 liter engine Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injected in-line 4 rated 110 horsepower, that meet the emission regulations without a catalyst. The standard transmission remained a Getrag four-speed manual, while three-speed ZF automatic is optional.

The evolution of the U.S. market-E21 320i is incremental. In 1980, the engine was reduced to 1.8 liters per day (although the name remained 320i) and BMW added a three-way catalyst for emission control system. When there is now 100 kW, 1.8 's lack of performance has improved to some extent by adopting a five-speed manual transmission. In each case, these changes blur the enthusiasm of the United States for cars, as sales continue to increase, driven by the growing reputation of BMW and a second oil embargo in 1979. As the E21s last few years have been aware of wards distributors in 1983, has firmly established its BMW 3, 5 and 7 Series sedan product mix and is ready to move all its luxury goods progressively in the rest of the decade .