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BMW 3 Series E21 315 (75 Hp)
Overall Rating
BMW 3 Series:
The BMW 3 series is a line of compact executive cars manufactured by the German automaker BMW since May 1975. It is the successor to the 02 series and has been produced in seven generations.
The first generation of the 3 Series was only available as a 2-door saloon; the model range expanded to include a 4-door saloon, 2-door convertible, 2-door coupé, 5-door estate, 5-door liftback and 3-door hatchback body styles. Since 2013, the coupé and convertible models have been marketed as the 4 Series; these styles no longer being included in the 3 Series....(Read more on Wikipedia)
E21 Overview:
BMW 3 Series (E21). With 110 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.5 l/100km). Weighing only 1010 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 14.8 s). The top speed reaches 154 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
315 (75 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The entry-level offering, providing adequate but uninspiring performance, primarily focused on affordability and basic transportation.
Fuel Economy
Designed for economy, this 1.6L engine offers the best fuel efficiency in the E21 lineup, making it a cost-effective choice.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Engaging RWD driving dynamics and handling
- • Iconic BMW styling and classic appeal
- • Range of smooth and characterful engines (especially 6-cylinders)
- • Good build quality for its era
- • Strong enthusiast community and parts availability
Cons:
- • Rust can be a significant issue if not maintained
- • Safety features are rudimentary by modern standards
- • Fuel economy can be poor on larger carbureted engines
- • Interior plastics can degrade over time
- • Some parts can be expensive or hard to find for specific trims
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(E21: 1980 - 1982).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 3 Series |
| Generation: | E21 |
| Modification (Engine): | 315 (75 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1982 |
| End of production: | 1983 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 75 Hp @ 5800 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 47.7 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 110 Nm @ 3200 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M10B16 [Same engine] More details about the engine M10B16 |
| Engine displacement: | 1573 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4 l |
| Coolant: | 7.2 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Compression ratio: | 9.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 10.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.8 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 14.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 14.8 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 154 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 13.5 kg/Hp, 74.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 9.2 kg/Nm, 108.9 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 14.1 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1010 |
| Max. weight: | 1440 |
| Max. roof load: | 75 kg |
| Max load: | 430 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 460 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1200 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 58 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 500 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4355 mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1610 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1380 mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2563 mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1366 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1373 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.30 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Wheel rims size | 5J x 13 |
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