It’s now the best part of five decades since the original E21 3 Series replaced the much loved 2002, itself one of the two ranges that saved BMW. The Neue Klasse (New Class) of 1962 had taken BMW in a whole new direction, directly towards the likes of Alfa Romeo; that is, moderately expensive, well-trimmed sporty saloons with high quality running gear and powerful engines. If those 1500 and 1600 saloons sold well, the smaller two door 1600 and 1600Ti cars based on a shorter wheelbase version of the same platform did even better, opening up the United States and Britain as big export markets.
The 1975 E21 3 Series was the next evolutionary step in BMW’s plan. Rivals Alfa Romeo and Lancia had both replaced their 1960s cars with bigger, heavier and more expensive models with much success, so BMW did the same. The result was a car that was slightly bigger than the 2002 and not quite as fast, but quieter, smoother-riding and more economical. It was also better-looking inside and out, trading the somewhat boat-like appearance of the 2002 for something far more modern with a vastly improved interior.
The monocoque bodyshell was all-new, as was the suspension. It followed the now-standard BMW format of McPherson struts up front and independent rear suspension with angled semi trailing arms. The 2002’s steering box was replaced with a rack and pinion set up: a first for BMW.
Under the bonnet, BMW reused the familiar M10 four-cylinder engine, now 13 years old and thoroughly revamped for the E21 3 Series with new combustion chamber and piston designs. The 90bhp 1573cc version powered the two-headlamp 316, while the 1990cc unit powered both the four-headlamp, 109bhp 320 and the 125bhp 320i, whose fuel-injection system ditched the 2002Tii’s Kugelfischer mechanical system for modern Bosch K Jetronic. Gearboxes were all Getrag 242 four-speed units save for an optional ZF three-speed automatic and a five-speed close ratio Getrag available on the 320 and 320i.
Early road tests generally agreed that the E21 3 Series was a worthwhile improvement over the 2002, although there were some caveats over the handling behaviour; in early 1976 the spring and damper rates were revised, after which the car drove more like a BMW than ever before. The 316 was very fussy and under-geared, while the 320i was very expensive at £4700, versus £3100 for a contemporary Ford Cortina 2000E.
