The BMW E21 3 Series

history
The E21 was the flashy successor to the 2002 series, boasting a neat 80kW (109bhp) in only it's third release, the 320. Initially, it was a whole lot of compact beamer bang in the spicy 1975 flavours of the 316, 318 & 320. All the first models equipped modest but mean M10 four cylinder engines.

The entry-level 316 sported 66kW (90bhp) and the 318 harnessed 72kW (98bhp) with top speeds of 160km/h and 170km/h, respectively. With the closure of 1975, came the fuel injected 320i with 91kW (125bhp) and a further increased max of 180km/h. 1977 replaced both the 320 & 320i with the new M20 six cylinder engine equipped 320. Also new for BMW in 1977 was the 323i, with a beefy 106kW (145bhp) capacity, it was also a recipient of the M20. 1977 was no lazy year, with Baur releasing modified convertible threes to suit the sporty buyer.

1979 brought minor appearance alterations for the three, including chrome mirrors and newer dashboards. M20 threes received digital clocks in their rpm gauges. In 1980, the line-up was changed still, BMW's new 77kW fuel-injected 318i rendering obsolete the 318. The 316 was upped to 66kW (90bhp) to represent BMW's entry-level offering, while the 315 lowered the performance bar, selling into the niche lower-end market with a minimal 55kW.

By the end of 1982, the new E30 3 series was brought upon the market, truly achieving market penetration though, by early 1983. The E21 was phased out gradually through 1983, with the 315 available until 1984.

E21 Specifications

Clearly power is attributed proportional to model grade, with the 315 at the lower end of the scale and the 323i with 105kW topping the E21 pack. While the 315 was a good basic car in it's heyday, its minimalist approach to power and take off will leave the modern driver unsatisfied. People looking to have fun in an E21 should consider the 320i and 323i first, or anything at the higher end with a respectable offering in kW.

The modest 315 takes away the medal for highest fuel efficiency in this category. The test measured fuel consumption over 100km (highway driving) cruising between 100-120km/h. The 315 drank 8.2 litres for every 100km, while the 320 was the least efficient requiring a whopping 9.6 litres/100km.

Maintenance

The E21 is getting to be an old creature, so careful maintenance is the key for a long and enjoyable driving life for your classic 3 series. First off, we have compiled a list of "givens" to help you keep your E21 in shape:

1. Inspect inner wheel arches and front wings, looking carefully of the wider bottom exterior of the car for rust. The best protection is to keep these areas clean and avoid driving through large puddles where mud and slit can be sprayed through your E21's internals.
2. Give your older E21 a break and occasionally mix in a specific maintenance solution with your tank, keeping the petrol and engine system clean, giving it the endurance to keep serving you well. Remember, always run this vehicle on leaded petrol. An unleaded tank won't inspire absolute adversity, but it won't be good for it either.
3. Try to replace camshaft belts every 50,000 km to ensure mechanical reliability.
4. Investigate bushings of front and rear sway bars, when offset they can effect an impediment to aerodynamic efficiency, causing vibrations.
5. Front end knocking sounds can be caused by a damaged upper strut bearing.

CLUTCH ISSUES

When changing the clutch, centre it carefully to prevent it from "juddering". "Judding" is an indication of overheating clutch plates.

BMWE21.NET had this advice for ensuring the longevity of your clutch system:

BMW Maintenance Recommendations

Primary Tier Inspection (at 12 month intervals, or every 15,000km):

Spark plugs should be replaced

Oil and Oil filter replacement

Replace air intake filter

Note coolant level and check for leaks in the system

Check brake fluid regluarly (bi-annually)

Check all belts for fan, air conditioning, radiator and power steering

Check battery acid levels and consider replacement if old

Adjust valve clearances

Secondary Tier Inspection (at 24 months intervals, or every 30,000km):

Change all transmission, differiential and gearbox fluids

Inspect ignition, rotor and distributor cap

Coolant replacement

Replace oil filters in automatic transmission units

Safety checklist inspection on clutch, brakes, tyres, bushings

Specific Profiles

E21 Sample Vehicle - 323i     Model: BMW 323i Year: 1982 Type: E21 Engine: M20 6cyl. In-line Capacity: 2.3L / 2316cc Photo: 2002, Australia

E21 Sample Vehicle - 320i     Model: BMW 320i Year: 1977 Type: E21 Engine: M10 4cyl. In-line Capacity: 2.0L / 1990cc Photo: 2002, Australia

The Verdict
The E21 is the classic three and represents a distinctive era in BMW motoring. From the 2002 was born a modernised beamer whose design and philosophy as a reliable and long-lasting road vehicle still stands out today. While not especially fast or powerful, they serve their purpose and certaintly fit the bill when it comes to looks. Strategically, the three series formed BMW's assault into the entry-level market where performance and luxury came second to price, the E21 BMW effectively penetrated the domestic European market and made substantial gains in large foreign marketplaces. But politics aside, the E21 remains a highly fuel efficient, stylish and pretigious model whose German endurance is testified to by the sheer multitude still driving the roads today. While now an older motor vehicle, good examples still remain a value-added buy, especially in the case of the 323i and the 320, better to steer clear of earlier models (unless in impecable condition) and demand a full service history. Would suit as a first car or as an enthuaist's prided collection piece.