BMW
BMW 3 Series E21 (1975–1984) Specs
Specifications, engines, dimensions and technical data.
Gen 1
1975 - 1984
E21
Sedan
W
L
H
WB
GC
Boot
Engine
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Power
—
Fuel
—
Gears
—
Platform
—
Body Style
Chassis
Engines
Quick Specs
Fuel
Fuel
Combined
Combined
Chassis & Body
Engine Lineup
| Trans | Engine | Gears | HP | Fuel | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MT | 315 | 4 | 75 HP | Petrol | — |
| MT | 315 | 4 | 75 HP | Petrol | — |
| MT | 316 | 4 | 90 HP | Petrol | — |
| MT | 316 | 4 | 90 HP | Petrol | — |
| MT | 318 | 4 | 98 HP | Petrol | — |
| MT | 318i Automatic | 5 | 105 HP | Petrol | — |
| MT | 320 | 4 | 109 HP | Petrol | — |
| MT | 320i Automatic | 5 | 129 HP | Petrol | — |
| MT | 323i | 5 | 150 HP | Petrol | — |
| AT | 323i Automatic | 3 | 143 HP | Petrol | — |
Note: Performance figures may vary based on market and conditions.
BMW 3 Series E21 overview
The BMW 3 Series (E21) is the 1st generation of the 3 Series, built from 1975 to 1984. It is offered as a Sedan with 9 engines (petrol), from 75 HP to 143 HP. The 323i (143 Hp) Automatic is 4355 mm long.
How much horsepower does the BMW 3 Series have?
The BMW 3 Series (E21) has 75 HP to 143 HP, depending on the engine: 1.6 M10 (75 HP), 315 (75 HP), 1.6 M10 (90 HP), 316 (90 HP), 1.8 M10 (98 HP), 1.8 M10 (105 HP), 2.0 M10 (109 HP), 2.0 M20 (122 HP), 2.3 M20 (143 HP).
What engines are available for the BMW 3 Series?
The BMW 3 Series is available with 9 engines: 1.6 M10 (75 HP, petrol), 315 (75 HP, petrol), 1.6 M10 (90 HP, petrol), 316 (90 HP, petrol), 1.8 M10 (98 HP, petrol), 1.8 M10 (105 HP, petrol), 2.0 M10 (109 HP, petrol), 2.0 M20 (122 HP, petrol), 2.3 M20 (143 HP, petrol).
What are the dimensions of the BMW 3 Series?
The BMW 3 Series is 4355 mm long, 1610 mm wide, 1380 mm tall, with a 2563 mm wheelbase.
Advanced Specs
Overview
| Generation | BMW 3 Series E21 |
|---|---|
| Year | 1978–1982 |
| Platform | BMW E21 |
| Variant | 323i (143 Hp) Automatic |
| Body type | sedan |
| Engine type | Fuel |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 2 |
Power & torque
| Power | 143 HP |
|---|---|
| Power @ max rpm | 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 205 Nm |
| Torque @ max rpm | 4000 rpm |
Engine
| Engine code | M20B23 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 2300 cc |
| Cylinders | 6 |
| Configuration | inline |
| Valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Injection system | Multi Port Manifold Injection |
| Aspiration | Naturally Aspirated Engine |
| Oil capacity | 4.3 L |
| Coolant | 12.0 L |
| Engine layout | Front Longitudinal |
Drivetrain & transmission
| Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
|---|---|
| Powertrain architecture | Internal Combustion Engine |
| Drivetrain architecture | The Internal Combustion Engine Ice Drives The Rear Wheels Of The Vehicle |
| Gearbox type | Torque Converter |
| Gears | 3 |
| Gearbox code | 3hp22 |
| Gearbox manufacturer | zf |
Dimensions
| Length | 4355 mm |
|---|---|
| Width | 1610 mm |
| Height | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2563 mm |
| Front track | 1366 mm |
| Rear track | 1373 mm |
| Boot space | 404 L |
| Turning circle | 9.5 m |
Consumption & emissions
| Fuel tank | 58.0 L |
|---|
Chassis & brakes
| Front suspension | Independent Type Mcpherson |
|---|---|
| Rear suspension | Independent Multi Link Suspension |
| Front brakes | disc |
| Rear brakes | drum |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
Other
| Start Of Production | 1978 |
|---|---|
| End Of Production | 1982 |
Performance
Engine speed (1k/rpm)
! Figures from catalog data; real-world values may differ.
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